Well, I've known for about four days now, and I am still in shock. But in a good way, since I couldn't imagine anyplace else I'd rather be.
This is officially my last week as an unemployed woman, since next week I begin my new direction in my life as a full-time Grants Manager! Well, I have always wanted to write for a living, and I can't think of anything that suits me more than writing for such a good cause.
The best thing? I already know (and like!) everyone there, thanks to my two years of volunteering. I can't wait till the big black tie gala in September--it's going to be my first time at one of their events as an employee and not a volunteer.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Back in town
I'm back in Urbana now. Not for school or work, but rather just visiting. I've run into so many people I know, and it's been a total hugfest so far. Went to the Women's Resources Center to say hi to my friends Rachael and Pat, then out for dinner with DoMonique, and catching up with Serena and Miranda and Quinn (so far). I'll probably be going out later tonight and let the memories flow.
It feels so weird, almost surreal, in fact. I do feel like I left a good deal of my heart here, since I spent four whole years of my life here. But I'm not a student. I can help my sister move into her dorm, but I know I'm not living there myself (or working in the dorm, since I was a librarian for two years). I can talk to Pat (the dean) about what's going on in the Women's Center, but I'm going to be at another university with an older women's center. I can go and visit my advocates at RCS (whoops, they're now called RACES, sorry), but I'm not affiliated with them anymore. (I'm back at LaCASA this summer, so they closed my RACES file.) I do feel connected with my friends (I think I had probably one of the best experiences around regarding that), but I feel really odd being down in Urbana and not being a student there anymore.
The worst part? I started getting nostalgic!!! Isn't that the first sign of being an old fogey? I am SO not a fogey! But I guess that nostalgia means that it MUST have been a good experience for me. Which it so was!
It feels so weird, almost surreal, in fact. I do feel like I left a good deal of my heart here, since I spent four whole years of my life here. But I'm not a student. I can help my sister move into her dorm, but I know I'm not living there myself (or working in the dorm, since I was a librarian for two years). I can talk to Pat (the dean) about what's going on in the Women's Center, but I'm going to be at another university with an older women's center. I can go and visit my advocates at RCS (whoops, they're now called RACES, sorry), but I'm not affiliated with them anymore. (I'm back at LaCASA this summer, so they closed my RACES file.) I do feel connected with my friends (I think I had probably one of the best experiences around regarding that), but I feel really odd being down in Urbana and not being a student there anymore.
The worst part? I started getting nostalgic!!! Isn't that the first sign of being an old fogey? I am SO not a fogey! But I guess that nostalgia means that it MUST have been a good experience for me. Which it so was!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Unkindest Cut
Okay, if my advocacy posts are boring you, then please skip this one. However, if they don't, keep reading and take note (please).
You might remember the previous post a few months ago, "La Vie En Teal," in which I discussed budget cuts affecting many of the social service programs in Illinois. Well, last summer, Governor Blagojevich was considering a bill cutting funding for the social services, which would have affected things like counseling centers, speech therapy, nursing homes, halfway houses, drug rehabilitation services, hospitals, and many other health and human services. Things like the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers were also on this metaphorical chopping block, as these cuts could send several of them out of business. Thankfully, the cuts didn't go through, and most of these programs stayed in existence.
Well, flash-forward to a year later, and Governor Quinn has been presented with a budget from the state Senate. This bill is lovingly termed the "Doomsday budget" by my friends at ICASA, and its official name is Senate Bill/SB 1197. The Governor cannot make tax/spending decisions but has the power to veto them. This budget includes some heavy cuts for these same social services--at LEAST 50%. If you don't think 50% is a lot, consider that will be closing many of the free clinics and services in lower-income areas. A small crisis center like RCS in Champaign would have to close its doors permanently. A free clinic or government-sponsored program (like therapy for a returning Iraq War veteran) would be gone as well. And for a person living in a lower-income area, they might not even get the medical treatment they need if they happen to get sick. Although programs like advocacy are my own personal link to this problem, I am also worried about all the other social services. Cutting them will only cost the state more than it will save.
I know the budget problem is a pretty deep-rooted one, and I'm not an economist or anything. But I do think that there has to be a better way for the state to save money than to cut programs it so desperately needs. Many of my conservative readers (yes, this flaming-liberal revel has conservative readers; you know who you are!) might lambast me for saying this, but even raising taxes just a little would be more helpful. IL is a big state, so even a small tax raise would help. Or cutting back on programs that aren't needed.
But for you readers, if you haven't already done so, please call Governor Quinn's office at 217-782-0244 and tell him to veto Senate Bill 1197. You will most likely reach a voicemail, so if you don't like talking on the phones, you don't have to have some long involved conversation (I already called; it's pretty quick and painless). Or send a message by clicking here: http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm. We think the decision will be made on July 1, but I am really hoping that the cuts don't go through. Right now, it feels like that fabled sword of Damocles, dangling over our heads and completely nerve-wracking.
This isn't just for me. It's for everyone who has ever or will ever need those services. If you want to know more, contact me, and I will give you any and all information you need to know about it.
You might remember the previous post a few months ago, "La Vie En Teal," in which I discussed budget cuts affecting many of the social service programs in Illinois. Well, last summer, Governor Blagojevich was considering a bill cutting funding for the social services, which would have affected things like counseling centers, speech therapy, nursing homes, halfway houses, drug rehabilitation services, hospitals, and many other health and human services. Things like the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers were also on this metaphorical chopping block, as these cuts could send several of them out of business. Thankfully, the cuts didn't go through, and most of these programs stayed in existence.
Well, flash-forward to a year later, and Governor Quinn has been presented with a budget from the state Senate. This bill is lovingly termed the "Doomsday budget" by my friends at ICASA, and its official name is Senate Bill/SB 1197. The Governor cannot make tax/spending decisions but has the power to veto them. This budget includes some heavy cuts for these same social services--at LEAST 50%. If you don't think 50% is a lot, consider that will be closing many of the free clinics and services in lower-income areas. A small crisis center like RCS in Champaign would have to close its doors permanently. A free clinic or government-sponsored program (like therapy for a returning Iraq War veteran) would be gone as well. And for a person living in a lower-income area, they might not even get the medical treatment they need if they happen to get sick. Although programs like advocacy are my own personal link to this problem, I am also worried about all the other social services. Cutting them will only cost the state more than it will save.
I know the budget problem is a pretty deep-rooted one, and I'm not an economist or anything. But I do think that there has to be a better way for the state to save money than to cut programs it so desperately needs. Many of my conservative readers (yes, this flaming-liberal revel has conservative readers; you know who you are!) might lambast me for saying this, but even raising taxes just a little would be more helpful. IL is a big state, so even a small tax raise would help. Or cutting back on programs that aren't needed.
But for you readers, if you haven't already done so, please call Governor Quinn's office at 217-782-0244 and tell him to veto Senate Bill 1197. You will most likely reach a voicemail, so if you don't like talking on the phones, you don't have to have some long involved conversation (I already called; it's pretty quick and painless). Or send a message by clicking here: http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm. We think the decision will be made on July 1, but I am really hoping that the cuts don't go through. Right now, it feels like that fabled sword of Damocles, dangling over our heads and completely nerve-wracking.
This isn't just for me. It's for everyone who has ever or will ever need those services. If you want to know more, contact me, and I will give you any and all information you need to know about it.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I love this!
For all of my feminists and advocates and prevention educators, check this out! I swear it is not affiliated with La Casa (since I can't seem to keep quiet about that place) or RCS:
http://www.survivormuralproject.com/index.html
It's like a cross between the Clothesline Project and the Post Secret project that the Women's Resources Center at the U of I created. And did I mention it is a traveling exhibition? Definitely worth checking out. Check back later, when they get more submissions, for the full effect.
http://www.survivormuralproject.com/index.html
It's like a cross between the Clothesline Project and the Post Secret project that the Women's Resources Center at the U of I created. And did I mention it is a traveling exhibition? Definitely worth checking out. Check back later, when they get more submissions, for the full effect.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The bad moon arose
Well, this revel is not revelling now.
One of the prevention educators just emailed me on this, and I know she's usually informed and all up in arms on things like this. They upheld Proposition 8 in California! WHY?? This is not at all how it was supposed to go! That damn thing was supposed to go the way of the Briggs initiative and other ordinances designed to curtail human rights and NOT get passed by a landslide. Sooo many people opposed it too! If all those demonstrations against it were any indicator of the mass opposition to it, keeping the thing in place would only be opposing the majority will of the people. But what happens? They uphold the damn Prop 8 (in a dispiriting vote of 6 to 1), but say that the marriages performed before it was passed are valid. That is such cold comfort, even for a hetero ally. Cold comfort is no comfort at all. This isn't about special interests, it's about basic human rights (see my post, "Holy matrimony!"). And we have seen a breach in that, thanks to that awful Prop 8!
One of the prevention educators just emailed me on this, and I know she's usually informed and all up in arms on things like this. They upheld Proposition 8 in California! WHY?? This is not at all how it was supposed to go! That damn thing was supposed to go the way of the Briggs initiative and other ordinances designed to curtail human rights and NOT get passed by a landslide. Sooo many people opposed it too! If all those demonstrations against it were any indicator of the mass opposition to it, keeping the thing in place would only be opposing the majority will of the people. But what happens? They uphold the damn Prop 8 (in a dispiriting vote of 6 to 1), but say that the marriages performed before it was passed are valid. That is such cold comfort, even for a hetero ally. Cold comfort is no comfort at all. This isn't about special interests, it's about basic human rights (see my post, "Holy matrimony!"). And we have seen a breach in that, thanks to that awful Prop 8!
Bad moon rising
Ever wonder why people can be so ridiculous, going into something they know isn't good for them? Or staying with something that they know isn't good for them? Particularly otherwise sensible individuals? Well, I can't claim to know the answers, nor do I actually know them. I just foresee a ton of disasters on the way....I do not claim to be in any way exempt from these folks. I know there are some things that I will probably regret sooner or later, even though I am a total control freak who needs everything just so. I see a bad moon rising, I see trouble on the way...
But for now, I need to narrow down my list of 20 potential thesis topics to one (aiiieee) and figure out what days I can resume advocating at La Casa. All advocates and prevention educators are needed on deck at La Casa so we can host the fundraiser. We've got a really high-profile speaker (female football player Katie Hnida) and are going to be inviting lots of folks from women's sports teams and girls' organizations. So they need all hands on deck! At least that's something I can do and have control over.
But for now, I need to narrow down my list of 20 potential thesis topics to one (aiiieee) and figure out what days I can resume advocating at La Casa. All advocates and prevention educators are needed on deck at La Casa so we can host the fundraiser. We've got a really high-profile speaker (female football player Katie Hnida) and are going to be inviting lots of folks from women's sports teams and girls' organizations. So they need all hands on deck! At least that's something I can do and have control over.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I went down to the crossroads...
It feels weird, so weird right now.
I guess I feel like I'm in between, not in college anymore and with four months before graduate school begins. I am looking forward to grad school. Even if I have to commute for a little bit, I'll still be in the academic setting with tons to do, which I love and miss right now. I'm not bored, but it's really hard to acclimate to being at home.
Yesterday, I woke up at 8 (early, I know), and my first thought was, "Okay, time for history class!" Then I went to go review my Fem Maj notes, taking care not to wake my roommate...and then it hit me. I no longer have a roommate, I no longer am at school, and I have no class or extracurriculars to go to. And I am no longer on my cluster's board or work in the res hall library or work with RCS.
What's a revel to do?
I think I'll finish unpacking and then email Joe or Wendy at LaCASA to see if they can use me. They'll be happy to see me again, even if I am no longer an intern like I was last summer. The fundraiser is coming up in June, so they probably need all advocates on deck. And I am seeing the Nine Inch Nails next week, which is sure to be extremely entertaining. Looks like a decent, albeit long, summer before the next phase of my education. One school, two departments, two degrees, three years. I think I can handle it.
I guess I feel like I'm in between, not in college anymore and with four months before graduate school begins. I am looking forward to grad school. Even if I have to commute for a little bit, I'll still be in the academic setting with tons to do, which I love and miss right now. I'm not bored, but it's really hard to acclimate to being at home.
Yesterday, I woke up at 8 (early, I know), and my first thought was, "Okay, time for history class!" Then I went to go review my Fem Maj notes, taking care not to wake my roommate...and then it hit me. I no longer have a roommate, I no longer am at school, and I have no class or extracurriculars to go to. And I am no longer on my cluster's board or work in the res hall library or work with RCS.
What's a revel to do?
I think I'll finish unpacking and then email Joe or Wendy at LaCASA to see if they can use me. They'll be happy to see me again, even if I am no longer an intern like I was last summer. The fundraiser is coming up in June, so they probably need all advocates on deck. And I am seeing the Nine Inch Nails next week, which is sure to be extremely entertaining. Looks like a decent, albeit long, summer before the next phase of my education. One school, two departments, two degrees, three years. I think I can handle it.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Welder
I am the welder
I understand the capacity of heat
To change the shapes of things.
I am suited to work
Within the realm of sparks
Out of control.
I am the welder.
I am taking the power
Into my OWN hands.
--Cherrie Moraga, from This Bridge Called My Back
I tried to find some graduation-style feminist wisdom, and this was something that really hit home for me. May we, no matter what path we choose, be the welder in our own lives, ready to take our lives and events into our own hands and shape our destinies.
I understand the capacity of heat
To change the shapes of things.
I am suited to work
Within the realm of sparks
Out of control.
I am the welder.
I am taking the power
Into my OWN hands.
--Cherrie Moraga, from This Bridge Called My Back
I tried to find some graduation-style feminist wisdom, and this was something that really hit home for me. May we, no matter what path we choose, be the welder in our own lives, ready to take our lives and events into our own hands and shape our destinies.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I Love Playing With Fire
My one and only shining star
Said "Stick with me and I'll take you far."
Your eyes are sparkling with wild fire
I'll satisfy your mad desires, cause
I love playin' with fire
And I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire,
I don't think I'll ever learn.
My heart is achin' to see your face
And I can't wait till another day.
The way you shake it is really hot.
You know how to use what you got!
You know, I love playin' with fire
And I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire,
I don't think I'll ever learn.
Yeah!
Acting tough with looks to kill
You got me goin' and I can't sit still!
You know I wanna get you through the night,
You're like a little ball of dynamite,
That's why I love playin' with fire
And I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire,
I don't think I'll ever learn.
--The Runaways
Said "Stick with me and I'll take you far."
Your eyes are sparkling with wild fire
I'll satisfy your mad desires, cause
I love playin' with fire
And I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire,
I don't think I'll ever learn.
My heart is achin' to see your face
And I can't wait till another day.
The way you shake it is really hot.
You know how to use what you got!
You know, I love playin' with fire
And I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire,
I don't think I'll ever learn.
Yeah!
Acting tough with looks to kill
You got me goin' and I can't sit still!
You know I wanna get you through the night,
You're like a little ball of dynamite,
That's why I love playin' with fire
And I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire,
I don't think I'll ever learn.
--The Runaways
Best of C-U
Sad thing is I'm leaving the area soon. So I figure I'll pay homage to my favorite haunts and peeps of the fabulous Champaign-Urbana before I go!
Allow me to present: My favorites!
Sandwich: Crane Alley
Place to take the parents: Radio Maria (instantly impressive, with amazing food)
Salad: Red Herring
Park: West Side in downtown Champaign, across the street from the IRS/RCS building
Ambience: KoFusion for the out-there funky vibe, Bread Company for the earthy funky vibe (sorry, as you can tell, I really like my funky vibe! And not in that way you sicko!)
Ice Cream: Jarling's Custard Cup (it's custard that's totally worth waiting in line for)
Burger: Guido's
Fries: Blues Barbecue (they call 'em potato wedges!)
Place to snore in public: Anywhere your GWS professor isn't
Politician: Tony Fabri (yes, I know that I should be bi-partisan, but you've seriously gotta hand it to a guy who remembers everything about you and shows up to all the big Fem Maj events! Hell, he wasn't even intimidated by Sex Out Loud! He just strode right in and struck up a conversation with the NARAL lady. Go Tony!)
Pancakes: Anything the newest RSO, the Lumberjack Guild, serves up. You guys rawk!
Fine dining: Timpone's all the way, although I do want to check out Bacaro sometime
Diner: Merry Anne's (dude, I think they're gonna sweep the awards!)
Barbecue: Blues (this is what REAL southern comfort tastes like)
Vintage: The amazing deals, wild outfits, and fabulous accessories obviously make Le Shoppe the best of the best! And you gotta love the dresses fluttering in the wind.
Used store: Exile on Main Street for CDs, Jane Addams for books, and Le Shoppe for clothes
Stir fry: KoFusion
Mexican food: Chevy's Fresh Mex with El Toro a close second
Asian food: Basil Thai of Urbana with Siam Terrace as second
Bookstore: Jane Addams Bookstore (Best selection around of books and a wonderful place to explore with a friend. Make sure the friend knows the basics of used-book-shopping first. It is a fine skill s/he must acquire before stepping foot in this lovely place.)
Fast food: Sandella's Flatbread Cafe
First date location: Aroma Cuban Cafe (come when they've got live music!), Cafe Luna for dinner and dancing. OR, go to Aroma on Thursday when they have the music and Luna on Friday when they have the dancing and watch your date be impressed. Either that or take him/her to the Boneyard or Pygmalion festivals.
Makeout spot in public: On the South Quad, under a lamp post...you heard that right.
Place to bowl: Illini Union rec room (cosmic bowling, anyone?)
Place to watch the Sunrise: At your friend's house, after a nine-hour party, when you're both sober and talking each other's ears off and then you're all like, "Holy shit, is it 6 AM already?? Let's get breakfast!" And then you do. It's great.
Chicken wings: I used to like the ones at The Office, but sadly, they closed. Guess I like Buffalo Wild Wings too, but they're a chain and I don't often go to chains.
Milkshake: Courier Cafe
Pizza: Garcia's
T-shirts: Anything sold at Sex Out Loud in March. How can you not love something that says "My sexual preference is safe and often" or "This is what a feminist looks like"?
Grocery Store: World Harvest (the variety and prices helps World Harvest beat out my former favorite, AmKo, for the #1 slot), County Market for 24-hour variety and good prices
Band to watch at a bar: Three-way tie between the Lumus (for their eclectic appeal), Angie Heaton (for her attitude and sass), and Zmick (for their sense of fun and the fact that they dedicated their schmaltziest song, "Sexy Crazy" to ME on my birthday!).
Concert venue: Highdive
Act at Assembly Hall: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Campus bar: Does Canopy count?
Downtown bar: Crane Alley in Urbana, Highdive in Champaign.
Place to buy music: Exile on Main Street
Drink selection: Boltini
Chill bar: Soma Ultra Lounge
DJ bar: C-Street (Chester Street, the only club with a triple-decker dance floor!)
Bar food: Guido's
Concert venue: Highdive and Krannert Center
After-hours food: Merry Anne's
Coffee shop: Cafe Paradiso
Art gallery: Krannert Art Museum on campus, Cinema in Urbana, Wind Water and Light in Champaign. Or, check out the Boneyard Festival and see them all!
Video store: That's Rentertainment
Local website: http://the217.com/ That is literally my Bible/Koran/Torah/Kitab-i-aqdas/Analects/Bagavad Gita/Bayan all rolled into one!
Radio Station: 107.1
Allow me to present: My favorites!
Sandwich: Crane Alley
Place to take the parents: Radio Maria (instantly impressive, with amazing food)
Salad: Red Herring
Park: West Side in downtown Champaign, across the street from the IRS/RCS building
Ambience: KoFusion for the out-there funky vibe, Bread Company for the earthy funky vibe (sorry, as you can tell, I really like my funky vibe! And not in that way you sicko!)
Ice Cream: Jarling's Custard Cup (it's custard that's totally worth waiting in line for)
Burger: Guido's
Fries: Blues Barbecue (they call 'em potato wedges!)
Place to snore in public: Anywhere your GWS professor isn't
Politician: Tony Fabri (yes, I know that I should be bi-partisan, but you've seriously gotta hand it to a guy who remembers everything about you and shows up to all the big Fem Maj events! Hell, he wasn't even intimidated by Sex Out Loud! He just strode right in and struck up a conversation with the NARAL lady. Go Tony!)
Pancakes: Anything the newest RSO, the Lumberjack Guild, serves up. You guys rawk!
Fine dining: Timpone's all the way, although I do want to check out Bacaro sometime
Diner: Merry Anne's (dude, I think they're gonna sweep the awards!)
Barbecue: Blues (this is what REAL southern comfort tastes like)
Vintage: The amazing deals, wild outfits, and fabulous accessories obviously make Le Shoppe the best of the best! And you gotta love the dresses fluttering in the wind.
Used store: Exile on Main Street for CDs, Jane Addams for books, and Le Shoppe for clothes
Stir fry: KoFusion
Mexican food: Chevy's Fresh Mex with El Toro a close second
Asian food: Basil Thai of Urbana with Siam Terrace as second
Bookstore: Jane Addams Bookstore (Best selection around of books and a wonderful place to explore with a friend. Make sure the friend knows the basics of used-book-shopping first. It is a fine skill s/he must acquire before stepping foot in this lovely place.)
Fast food: Sandella's Flatbread Cafe
First date location: Aroma Cuban Cafe (come when they've got live music!), Cafe Luna for dinner and dancing. OR, go to Aroma on Thursday when they have the music and Luna on Friday when they have the dancing and watch your date be impressed. Either that or take him/her to the Boneyard or Pygmalion festivals.
Makeout spot in public: On the South Quad, under a lamp post...you heard that right.
Place to bowl: Illini Union rec room (cosmic bowling, anyone?)
Place to watch the Sunrise: At your friend's house, after a nine-hour party, when you're both sober and talking each other's ears off and then you're all like, "Holy shit, is it 6 AM already?? Let's get breakfast!" And then you do. It's great.
Chicken wings: I used to like the ones at The Office, but sadly, they closed. Guess I like Buffalo Wild Wings too, but they're a chain and I don't often go to chains.
Milkshake: Courier Cafe
Pizza: Garcia's
T-shirts: Anything sold at Sex Out Loud in March. How can you not love something that says "My sexual preference is safe and often" or "This is what a feminist looks like"?
Grocery Store: World Harvest (the variety and prices helps World Harvest beat out my former favorite, AmKo, for the #1 slot), County Market for 24-hour variety and good prices
Band to watch at a bar: Three-way tie between the Lumus (for their eclectic appeal), Angie Heaton (for her attitude and sass), and Zmick (for their sense of fun and the fact that they dedicated their schmaltziest song, "Sexy Crazy" to ME on my birthday!).
Concert venue: Highdive
Act at Assembly Hall: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Campus bar: Does Canopy count?
Downtown bar: Crane Alley in Urbana, Highdive in Champaign.
Place to buy music: Exile on Main Street
Drink selection: Boltini
Chill bar: Soma Ultra Lounge
DJ bar: C-Street (Chester Street, the only club with a triple-decker dance floor!)
Bar food: Guido's
Concert venue: Highdive and Krannert Center
After-hours food: Merry Anne's
Coffee shop: Cafe Paradiso
Art gallery: Krannert Art Museum on campus, Cinema in Urbana, Wind Water and Light in Champaign. Or, check out the Boneyard Festival and see them all!
Video store: That's Rentertainment
Local website: http://the217.com/ That is literally my Bible/Koran/Torah/Kitab-i-aqdas/Analects/Bagavad Gita/Bayan all rolled into one!
Radio Station: 107.1
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Born
I was born to laugh
I learned to laugh through my tears.
I was born to love.
I'm gonna learn to love without fear.
Pour me a glass of wine
Talk deep into the night.
Who knows what we'll find?
Intuition, deja vu
The Holy Ghost haunting you,
Whatever you got, I don't mind.
Put your elbows on the table.
I will listen long as I am able.
There is nowhere I'd rather be.
Secret fears, the supernatural,
Thank god for this new laughter.
Thank god the joke's on me.
We've seen the landfill rainbow,
We've seen the junkyard love.
Baby, that's no place for you and me.
I was born to laugh
I learned to laugh through my tears.
I was born to love.
I'm gonna learn to love without fear.
--Linford Detweiler and Karen Bergquist (Over the Rhine)
I learned to laugh through my tears.
I was born to love.
I'm gonna learn to love without fear.
Pour me a glass of wine
Talk deep into the night.
Who knows what we'll find?
Intuition, deja vu
The Holy Ghost haunting you,
Whatever you got, I don't mind.
Put your elbows on the table.
I will listen long as I am able.
There is nowhere I'd rather be.
Secret fears, the supernatural,
Thank god for this new laughter.
Thank god the joke's on me.
We've seen the landfill rainbow,
We've seen the junkyard love.
Baby, that's no place for you and me.
I was born to laugh
I learned to laugh through my tears.
I was born to love.
I'm gonna learn to love without fear.
--Linford Detweiler and Karen Bergquist (Over the Rhine)
Unforgiven
Always tried to clean up my catastrophe
Taking full responsibility
Living my life like every day's the last
Remodeling the wreckage of my past.
But when it comes to you, I know I said I do
BUT I DON'T!
No I don't!
You're unforgiven so go on livin
Knowing that I've unforgiven you.
And my thanksgiving came the day I saw it was okay to unforgive you.
Confessing every sin doesn't make me a saint.
Even though it's obvious I changed.
One time I forgave you, but I did not forget,
But now I'm taking back everything I said.
You're unforgiven so go on livin
Knowing that I've unforgiven you.
And my thanksgiving came the day I saw it was okay to unforgive you.
But when it comes to you, I know I said I do
But I DON'T!
No, I don't!
You're unforgiven so go on livin
Knowing that I've unforgiven you.
And my thanksgiving came the day I saw it was okay to unforgive you.
--Charlotte Caffey/Jane Wiedlin
Taking full responsibility
Living my life like every day's the last
Remodeling the wreckage of my past.
But when it comes to you, I know I said I do
BUT I DON'T!
No I don't!
You're unforgiven so go on livin
Knowing that I've unforgiven you.
And my thanksgiving came the day I saw it was okay to unforgive you.
Confessing every sin doesn't make me a saint.
Even though it's obvious I changed.
One time I forgave you, but I did not forget,
But now I'm taking back everything I said.
You're unforgiven so go on livin
Knowing that I've unforgiven you.
And my thanksgiving came the day I saw it was okay to unforgive you.
But when it comes to you, I know I said I do
But I DON'T!
No, I don't!
You're unforgiven so go on livin
Knowing that I've unforgiven you.
And my thanksgiving came the day I saw it was okay to unforgive you.
--Charlotte Caffey/Jane Wiedlin
Morning has broken
How do you take the armor off your heart while still remaining strong and impenetrable?
Is the armor needed?
Is there really strength in acknowledging weakness, or is there weakness in too many outward displays of strength?
Is vulnerability really all that desirable?
Does showing emotions prove your humanity, or can you get along fine without it?
Is anger the only "acceptable" way to communicate that one has been hurt, or is it okay to cry every once in a while?
I know the answers to many of these, but it's only begrudgingly that I acknowledge them. Guess I need to work on that, and on my ideas of strength and weakness. Hmmm...late night convos with a fellow FM friend, you gotta love them. But now morning has broken, it's a new day. Time to ponder these things, and then take action.
Is the armor needed?
Is there really strength in acknowledging weakness, or is there weakness in too many outward displays of strength?
Is vulnerability really all that desirable?
Does showing emotions prove your humanity, or can you get along fine without it?
Is anger the only "acceptable" way to communicate that one has been hurt, or is it okay to cry every once in a while?
I know the answers to many of these, but it's only begrudgingly that I acknowledge them. Guess I need to work on that, and on my ideas of strength and weakness. Hmmm...late night convos with a fellow FM friend, you gotta love them. But now morning has broken, it's a new day. Time to ponder these things, and then take action.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Maine Event!
YES! Go Maine, go!!!
Five states to recognize marriage equality, forty-five more to go. And Washington DC too!
Holy matrimony! Let's keep up the good work!
Five states to recognize marriage equality, forty-five more to go. And Washington DC too!
Holy matrimony! Let's keep up the good work!
Holy matrimony!
Well, you've read my marriage-equality posts, so I'm sure you have a gist of what this one is about. I'm really happy about Washington DC recognizing all marriages, including the same-sex ones, performed elsewhere. I know it's not quite full marriage equality, but hopefully the remaining 45 states will go the route of Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Iowa.
What bothers me is the way several conservative groups and individuals (Ms. Prejean, I'm lookin' right atcha) have been saying that legalizing gay marriage will infringe on their own religious freedom. Or by saying that they are being "forced" to watch as all these things contrary to their own beliefs are unfolding. Some even say that they should be able to refuse service to a same-sex couple because they personally believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Only.
Well, from the way they talk, you'd think someone was forcing them to follow a state-sanctioned religion or having the state meddling around with their church's affairs. That is, after all, what "freedom of religion" protects against. Or that they're being "forced" to marry someone of their own gender. Sheesh. But no, it's just the heightened visibility and rights of the gay community that bothers them. And honestly, I think their reactions are completely wrong.
What they're basically saying, instead, is that their "right" to discriminate against someone because of his/her orientation is being eroded. If marriage rights are granted for both hetero and same-sex couples, it's making the same-sex couple just as visible as the hetero one. And I can see that that clearly scares some folks. As Harvey Milk said way back in the 1970s, "a homosexual with power...that's scary stuff."
And frankly, I don't think that they have much cause to complain. NO ONE should discriminate, let alone have the right to discriminate, against who they can and cannot serve. The reason why we have anti-discrimination laws in this great country is to make sure that everyone is treated with dignity, that all men and women are treated equal. Should every church have to perform same-sex weddings? No, because that is a matter left up to them (remember the separation of church and state?). But should someone have the right to refuse service to a same-sex couple simply because the couple contains two men or two women? A big fat NO. That's not a right. If you are basically asking for permission to discriminate against people you don't like or whose very existence bothers you, then you don't have that right. Sorry.
Let's look at it in another way. Suppose a Christian photographer thinks that every relationship should be a "good, Christian marriage." Well, if that photographer is hired to take pictures at a Jewish wedding, s/he would be taking pictures of a couple whose relationship certainly isn't a "Christian marriage." Should s/he have the right to say no after taking the assignment? Should s/he be able to walk out if all those yarmulkes and stars of David freak him/her out? Of course not. If you have a job, the most logical (and dare I say it? moral) thing would be to DO that job, no matter who your clients are. And no one is being "forced" to see their "morals" eroding away. If they don't agree with same-sex marriage, well, then they don't have to go to Maine/Iowa/Vermont/Connecticut/Massachusetts and marry someone of their gender. No one is making them do that. They are welcome to believe what they want about whomever they want, but it crosses the line when they try to take that right away from someone else.
What bothers me is the way several conservative groups and individuals (Ms. Prejean, I'm lookin' right atcha) have been saying that legalizing gay marriage will infringe on their own religious freedom. Or by saying that they are being "forced" to watch as all these things contrary to their own beliefs are unfolding. Some even say that they should be able to refuse service to a same-sex couple because they personally believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Only.
Well, from the way they talk, you'd think someone was forcing them to follow a state-sanctioned religion or having the state meddling around with their church's affairs. That is, after all, what "freedom of religion" protects against. Or that they're being "forced" to marry someone of their own gender. Sheesh. But no, it's just the heightened visibility and rights of the gay community that bothers them. And honestly, I think their reactions are completely wrong.
What they're basically saying, instead, is that their "right" to discriminate against someone because of his/her orientation is being eroded. If marriage rights are granted for both hetero and same-sex couples, it's making the same-sex couple just as visible as the hetero one. And I can see that that clearly scares some folks. As Harvey Milk said way back in the 1970s, "a homosexual with power...that's scary stuff."
And frankly, I don't think that they have much cause to complain. NO ONE should discriminate, let alone have the right to discriminate, against who they can and cannot serve. The reason why we have anti-discrimination laws in this great country is to make sure that everyone is treated with dignity, that all men and women are treated equal. Should every church have to perform same-sex weddings? No, because that is a matter left up to them (remember the separation of church and state?). But should someone have the right to refuse service to a same-sex couple simply because the couple contains two men or two women? A big fat NO. That's not a right. If you are basically asking for permission to discriminate against people you don't like or whose very existence bothers you, then you don't have that right. Sorry.
Let's look at it in another way. Suppose a Christian photographer thinks that every relationship should be a "good, Christian marriage." Well, if that photographer is hired to take pictures at a Jewish wedding, s/he would be taking pictures of a couple whose relationship certainly isn't a "Christian marriage." Should s/he have the right to say no after taking the assignment? Should s/he be able to walk out if all those yarmulkes and stars of David freak him/her out? Of course not. If you have a job, the most logical (and dare I say it? moral) thing would be to DO that job, no matter who your clients are. And no one is being "forced" to see their "morals" eroding away. If they don't agree with same-sex marriage, well, then they don't have to go to Maine/Iowa/Vermont/Connecticut/Massachusetts and marry someone of their gender. No one is making them do that. They are welcome to believe what they want about whomever they want, but it crosses the line when they try to take that right away from someone else.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sick pigs
The way I see it, if people spent about half the time they spend complaining/blaming someone else for the swine flu problem to actually work on a cure for the swine flu problem (and by this, I don't mean wearing a silly mask everywhere), we might be a little better off. Seriously, do we really need immigrants to be blamed for it? Or those dumb masks? Maybe working on a cure might do some more good than simply sitting around and whining.
My friend Sesali brought up a good point about it today: "A hundred people get the swine flu, and everyone's wearing masks. Thousands of people get HIV/AIDS, and no one's wearing condoms!" You figure it out. Guess the world needs a new panic, but it doesn't faze me. More people die of the regular flu each year than the swine flu anyway, and the ways of protecting yourself from both are pretty commonsense (washing your hands, not sharing a beverage, etc). We don't need panic, we need logic. And a cure.
My friend Sesali brought up a good point about it today: "A hundred people get the swine flu, and everyone's wearing masks. Thousands of people get HIV/AIDS, and no one's wearing condoms!" You figure it out. Guess the world needs a new panic, but it doesn't faze me. More people die of the regular flu each year than the swine flu anyway, and the ways of protecting yourself from both are pretty commonsense (washing your hands, not sharing a beverage, etc). We don't need panic, we need logic. And a cure.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
...and I won't back down
I thought I was strong enough to resist Facebook, and because I don't want certain individuals finding me, I have still not joined.
Despite the fact that everyone under the sun and not under the sun have been pestering me about it. I still have not caved. To quote that Tom Petty song I like, "I won't back down!"
But flash-forward a few years, and the same problem rears its ugly head. Only in the form of Twitter! Aieeee! No matter what my friends and now coworkers (!!!) say, I am NOT joining Twitter! Sure, that little bird is cute and all, but Twitter has got to be the most boring kind of blog ever. All it is are little "tweets," with one sentence. And it's really annoying. Does anyone care if you are "Soooo in love!" one day and think "Boys R Crazy!" the next? I mean, come on now! Reading the Away messages on Google Chat provides about the same amount of entertainment. I really don't need it, and I don't see its appeal.
Not meaning to hate on the friends of mine who do have Twitter. Go and tweet away, just don't expect me to join in your flock.
Despite the fact that everyone under the sun and not under the sun have been pestering me about it. I still have not caved. To quote that Tom Petty song I like, "I won't back down!"
But flash-forward a few years, and the same problem rears its ugly head. Only in the form of Twitter! Aieeee! No matter what my friends and now coworkers (!!!) say, I am NOT joining Twitter! Sure, that little bird is cute and all, but Twitter has got to be the most boring kind of blog ever. All it is are little "tweets," with one sentence. And it's really annoying. Does anyone care if you are "Soooo in love!" one day and think "Boys R Crazy!" the next? I mean, come on now! Reading the Away messages on Google Chat provides about the same amount of entertainment. I really don't need it, and I don't see its appeal.
Not meaning to hate on the friends of mine who do have Twitter. Go and tweet away, just don't expect me to join in your flock.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Ain't nothin' but a she thing
Wouldn't you know it, I'm getting really excited about my conference on Thursday. I've been working my booty off this whole week with that paper (don't try condensing 20 years of history into 5 minutes at home, kids!), planning the last hurrah of my Feminist Majority, reading two novels and studying for an exam on them, and figuring out my postgrad plans.
I am so doing something on Friday or Saturday to let loose and celebrate! Yes, I know I have an exam and some papers due that coming week, but knowing my mad time management skillz, I can get those done. Maybe use up one of those nice gift cards I got at ROAR and then attend Rock for a Refuge? Who's coming with me?
I am so doing something on Friday or Saturday to let loose and celebrate! Yes, I know I have an exam and some papers due that coming week, but knowing my mad time management skillz, I can get those done. Maybe use up one of those nice gift cards I got at ROAR and then attend Rock for a Refuge? Who's coming with me?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Women's Media
For all of my lady readers, here's a website you might like. Or for my men who want to know how to make their workplace a little more female-friendly and a little less sexist.
http://www.womensmedia.com
It's a most excellent website for the savvy career or college female, and it has some great advice on entering the work world, asking for a raise, communicating at work, and all manner of sage advice. For all of you who are currently working or entering the work force, it is a great resource. Check it out!
http://www.womensmedia.com
It's a most excellent website for the savvy career or college female, and it has some great advice on entering the work world, asking for a raise, communicating at work, and all manner of sage advice. For all of you who are currently working or entering the work force, it is a great resource. Check it out!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Silent all these years
Well, that previous post is such a downer. I do wonder, though, if Mia had somehow survived the attack, would she have talked about it? Would she have written a song about it, like Tori Amos had done with "Me and a Gun," and put it on the next Gits album? And what of all the Mias I brought up (like the women of Juarez)? Would they have talked? Or would they be silent all these years?
As both a woman and a feminist, things like that just make me so mad. It's like we can't win no matter what we do. It's hard to talk about things that might make the public uneasy, yet without talking about them, nothing gets done to change them. And what are we supposed to do anyway, go along with it? I think not. In Newark, a fifteen-year-old named Sakia Gunn was stabbed in the chest for telling a man to stop harassing her. No one likes being harassed, so what was she supposed to do? Put up with it? Or risk being killed? And why do we have to change our actions for someone else? Shouldn't it be the offender who should be told not to stab one of us or hurt us?
I just wonder about all of these things. I know I can really be the master of the depressing. I was telling my partner about the New Jersey Four earlier today, and I work at a rape crisis center. And I brought up the Sakia story, which is pretty nasty. Guess I'm what my concentration in my major is--muck raking. (My concentration is 20th century American literature, that includes the really politically charged folks like Upton Sinclair and Ida B. Wells.) One of my feminists says I was born to rake the muck. Well, I guess blogging is just a start. Had Ida B. or Upton been around today, I could totally see them blogging. Then they could make the leap to writing books.
As both a woman and a feminist, things like that just make me so mad. It's like we can't win no matter what we do. It's hard to talk about things that might make the public uneasy, yet without talking about them, nothing gets done to change them. And what are we supposed to do anyway, go along with it? I think not. In Newark, a fifteen-year-old named Sakia Gunn was stabbed in the chest for telling a man to stop harassing her. No one likes being harassed, so what was she supposed to do? Put up with it? Or risk being killed? And why do we have to change our actions for someone else? Shouldn't it be the offender who should be told not to stab one of us or hurt us?
I just wonder about all of these things. I know I can really be the master of the depressing. I was telling my partner about the New Jersey Four earlier today, and I work at a rape crisis center. And I brought up the Sakia story, which is pretty nasty. Guess I'm what my concentration in my major is--muck raking. (My concentration is 20th century American literature, that includes the really politically charged folks like Upton Sinclair and Ida B. Wells.) One of my feminists says I was born to rake the muck. Well, I guess blogging is just a start. Had Ida B. or Upton been around today, I could totally see them blogging. Then they could make the leap to writing books.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
viva mia (explicada)
Last week I was hanging out with one of my friends. Since we both have some similar tastes in music, we were dishing about the new CDs we'd gotten and new bands we were listening to. He proceeded to tell me, "Now I know you like Joan Jett, but have you heard this CD called Evil Stig?" That's what got me to write the previous post, but with further meaning behind it.
Evil Stig is an album put out by a band called The Gits, and it was recorded with Joan Jett on lead vocals. The Gits were a punk band from Seattle with a very feministic message and a uniquely bluesy sound to them. "Evil Stig" is "Gits Live" backwards. To many, The Gits are a forgotten band in music history. They only had 3 albums and didn't last particularly long. However, if you bring up the name of their singer, Mia Zapata, you might get people who are very familiar with her...or should I say familiar with what happened to her? Mia had a really distinctive voice and some strong lyrics, but she never made it to the age of thirty (she was 27). When walking home from a club one night, she was intercepted by a much older and stronger man and brutally beat and raped before he stabbed and mutilated her numerous times to kill her. If you think that's gross, you haven't heard the half of it. The woman who found her body was so shaken up to see this that she required assistance in walking to a phone and calling the police. It took over ten years to find Mia's assassin.
That's a terrible story, and one that is horrifyingly gruesome. I know that it grossed me out to hear it, even though she died before I discovered her band. What just really bothered me is that whenever you hear about that band, the only thing that comes to mind is the murder of the singer. As if her death is the most important thing about her. There's no mention of the feministic activism she partcipated in, or the anti-violence (ick, ironic, isn't it?) work she did. Not to mention the fact that the Gits were unique in introducing the blues to punk.
But then I got to thinking...how many other Mias are there? No, I don't mean other women with her name, but rather other women whose victimization was the only thing people remember about them. How many times do we hear about yet another crime victim whose story is told in TV-titillating detail and splayed out all over the national news and papers? We don't hear much about the person behind the statistic or the back story of the woman in the crime victim's body. Consider the femicides of Juarez, Mexico. Do we hear any of the names of the murdered women? Do we know what they did for a living, or what their lives were like? Most likely not. Think on the thousands of women who are attacked in times of war (and DON'T tell me that that's "normal" in war!) as a ways of destroying an enemy's "morale." Do we hear anything about them? No, unless you count the dehumanizing term "collateral damage."
"viva mia" is inspired by Mia Zapata, but it is actually about the thousands of "Mias" out there. It isn't my best poem but one that needed to be written. I write it for her and the thousands of the other women who never made it home alive. Something needs to be done so all of us can come home alive and home safe. To quote the late great Andrea Dworkin, "Not one of us is free unless all of us are free."
Evil Stig is an album put out by a band called The Gits, and it was recorded with Joan Jett on lead vocals. The Gits were a punk band from Seattle with a very feministic message and a uniquely bluesy sound to them. "Evil Stig" is "Gits Live" backwards. To many, The Gits are a forgotten band in music history. They only had 3 albums and didn't last particularly long. However, if you bring up the name of their singer, Mia Zapata, you might get people who are very familiar with her...or should I say familiar with what happened to her? Mia had a really distinctive voice and some strong lyrics, but she never made it to the age of thirty (she was 27). When walking home from a club one night, she was intercepted by a much older and stronger man and brutally beat and raped before he stabbed and mutilated her numerous times to kill her. If you think that's gross, you haven't heard the half of it. The woman who found her body was so shaken up to see this that she required assistance in walking to a phone and calling the police. It took over ten years to find Mia's assassin.
That's a terrible story, and one that is horrifyingly gruesome. I know that it grossed me out to hear it, even though she died before I discovered her band. What just really bothered me is that whenever you hear about that band, the only thing that comes to mind is the murder of the singer. As if her death is the most important thing about her. There's no mention of the feministic activism she partcipated in, or the anti-violence (ick, ironic, isn't it?) work she did. Not to mention the fact that the Gits were unique in introducing the blues to punk.
But then I got to thinking...how many other Mias are there? No, I don't mean other women with her name, but rather other women whose victimization was the only thing people remember about them. How many times do we hear about yet another crime victim whose story is told in TV-titillating detail and splayed out all over the national news and papers? We don't hear much about the person behind the statistic or the back story of the woman in the crime victim's body. Consider the femicides of Juarez, Mexico. Do we hear any of the names of the murdered women? Do we know what they did for a living, or what their lives were like? Most likely not. Think on the thousands of women who are attacked in times of war (and DON'T tell me that that's "normal" in war!) as a ways of destroying an enemy's "morale." Do we hear anything about them? No, unless you count the dehumanizing term "collateral damage."
"viva mia" is inspired by Mia Zapata, but it is actually about the thousands of "Mias" out there. It isn't my best poem but one that needed to be written. I write it for her and the thousands of the other women who never made it home alive. Something needs to be done so all of us can come home alive and home safe. To quote the late great Andrea Dworkin, "Not one of us is free unless all of us are free."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
viva mia
Amidst all the rushing
It'd be time well spent.
Oh, I would give anything
To get you home alive again.
We're both young women
And we both know what it's like
To be taught to be brave
And yet fear the night.
We're loud and we're proud
And we make a stand.
Then why must we live
In fear of a man?
They might take it all,
But they can't take your words.
It might've made you human,
But your message is still heard.
Amidst all the rushing
It'd be time well spent.
Oh, I would give anything
To get you home alive again.
Home alive again
Home alive again
It'd be time well spent.
Oh, I would give anything
To get you home alive again.
We're both young women
And we both know what it's like
To be taught to be brave
And yet fear the night.
We're loud and we're proud
And we make a stand.
Then why must we live
In fear of a man?
They might take it all,
But they can't take your words.
It might've made you human,
But your message is still heard.
Amidst all the rushing
It'd be time well spent.
Oh, I would give anything
To get you home alive again.
Home alive again
Home alive again
Monday, April 13, 2009
Revelling is good for you
Well well well...
Who would have thought I could use most of what I wrote in my post "Searching for Sisterhood" in one of my classes? I totally got down to the heart of both writers' arguments, and even my professor referred to something as a "classic Morgan-versus-Moraga debate." (Although I'm not sure if Cherrie and Robin ever actually debated anything verbally.) He was talking about Sisterhood is Powerful, and about how it was a perfect example of a patriarchy-conscious second wave text, and I raised my hand to stack it up against This Bridge Called My Back.
So there. She's A Revel is a perfect conversation-and discussion-stimulant.
And come to think of it, I actually prefer This Bridge to Sisterhood. It took me a while to figure out which one I liked better, but I like learning about how to fight both racism and sexism from a lady who's "been there, done that." And I am totally all about forming alliances.
Who would have thought I could use most of what I wrote in my post "Searching for Sisterhood" in one of my classes? I totally got down to the heart of both writers' arguments, and even my professor referred to something as a "classic Morgan-versus-Moraga debate." (Although I'm not sure if Cherrie and Robin ever actually debated anything verbally.) He was talking about Sisterhood is Powerful, and about how it was a perfect example of a patriarchy-conscious second wave text, and I raised my hand to stack it up against This Bridge Called My Back.
So there. She's A Revel is a perfect conversation-and discussion-stimulant.
And come to think of it, I actually prefer This Bridge to Sisterhood. It took me a while to figure out which one I liked better, but I like learning about how to fight both racism and sexism from a lady who's "been there, done that." And I am totally all about forming alliances.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Number Four! Yes!
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and now....Vermont!
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Four down, forty-six to go--which state is next? Hopefully ALL of them! This is going pretty quickly. I remember how on National Coming Out Day last year (October of 2008), they announced that Connecticut recognized same-sex marriages. Then within this month, two more states joined on. Let's keep this progress going!
And 2009 is the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, like I said before. Isn't it fitting to see quite a bit of progress since that time?
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Four down, forty-six to go--which state is next? Hopefully ALL of them! This is going pretty quickly. I remember how on National Coming Out Day last year (October of 2008), they announced that Connecticut recognized same-sex marriages. Then within this month, two more states joined on. Let's keep this progress going!
And 2009 is the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, like I said before. Isn't it fitting to see quite a bit of progress since that time?
Monday, April 6, 2009
I am the history geek!
Okay, this is probably the first time you've heard me call myself a geek, but I just received dramatic proof that I am indeed one! No, I can totally dress fine and I do have some social skills.
BUT...for one of my classes, I have to go into the archives (same place I found that amusing article about The Lavender Menace, see my post about the unaccompanied women). I wish they were a little closer to campus, but once I'm in there, you cannot stop me! The archivist lady brought out the boxes of material, and I was voraciously digging into into them! I'm serious! She dumped this giant box of articles about student protests (did you know there was an archive for protests alone?? How cool is that?), and I'm all like, "WOOHOO! LET'S GET THIS PARTAY STARTED!" And I just couldn't extricate myself from them!! Guaranteed, not all of the articles were all that positive (history is not always happy), but I was sooooo into reading about the student groups and coffee houses and protests of yore. Not to mention thinking about modern groups that probably grew out of them! AAAAAHHH....I so want to go back tomorrow and Wednesday! I've got an appointment to look through the archives of the YWCA tomorrow, and I'm more than stoked about it. This is way more addicting than the time I went into the microfilm room back during soph year. With microfilms, you see the image on the screen. In the archives, you get to TOUCH the materials. You get to feel what old feels like! You get to have your hands on something that has seen activists before you and see how they did it (yes, I am more tactile of a learner).
WHO would have thought it? I am the history geek! Hear me roar!
BUT...for one of my classes, I have to go into the archives (same place I found that amusing article about The Lavender Menace, see my post about the unaccompanied women). I wish they were a little closer to campus, but once I'm in there, you cannot stop me! The archivist lady brought out the boxes of material, and I was voraciously digging into into them! I'm serious! She dumped this giant box of articles about student protests (did you know there was an archive for protests alone?? How cool is that?), and I'm all like, "WOOHOO! LET'S GET THIS PARTAY STARTED!" And I just couldn't extricate myself from them!! Guaranteed, not all of the articles were all that positive (history is not always happy), but I was sooooo into reading about the student groups and coffee houses and protests of yore. Not to mention thinking about modern groups that probably grew out of them! AAAAAHHH....I so want to go back tomorrow and Wednesday! I've got an appointment to look through the archives of the YWCA tomorrow, and I'm more than stoked about it. This is way more addicting than the time I went into the microfilm room back during soph year. With microfilms, you see the image on the screen. In the archives, you get to TOUCH the materials. You get to feel what old feels like! You get to have your hands on something that has seen activists before you and see how they did it (yes, I am more tactile of a learner).
WHO would have thought it? I am the history geek! Hear me roar!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Let's hear it for Iowa!
Well, this is certainly exciting! Same-sex marriage is legal in Iowa now, and that makes it the third state now to allow it (technically, it's the fourth one, but CA passed that dumb Proposition 8 in November, so I am not including CA).
I know that there are now three states down, forty-seven more to go, but if you think about it, there might be many more that might follow the example of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa. Massachusetts legalized it in 2004, Connecticut in 2008, and Iowa in 2009. So that just might mean that we can expect to see more people talking about it and more states legalizing it. And how fitting, too, that it's in 2009, since 2009 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Which state will be next?
I know that there are now three states down, forty-seven more to go, but if you think about it, there might be many more that might follow the example of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa. Massachusetts legalized it in 2004, Connecticut in 2008, and Iowa in 2009. So that just might mean that we can expect to see more people talking about it and more states legalizing it. And how fitting, too, that it's in 2009, since 2009 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Let's hear it for marriage equality! Which state will be next?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
For married folks only!
Truth is not only stronger and stranger than fiction, it's grosser than fiction.
Go here for something truly disgusting in the realm of women's health: http://www.mum.org/Lysol48.htm.
Who would use Lysol (that stuff you use to clean the bathroom and kitchen with the really malodorous smell) as a feminine hygiene product?? And how in the world could anyone say it's "safe" or think it's at all okay to put...well, down there?? Ick. Glad I don't live in that time. I'd rather "lose my romantic air" than put Lysol in me.
And check out that advertisement "for married folks only." Yeah...your husband will be real happy to have you do something that could possibly harm your health to maintain your, um, freshness.
Go here for something truly disgusting in the realm of women's health: http://www.mum.org/Lysol48.htm.
Who would use Lysol (that stuff you use to clean the bathroom and kitchen with the really malodorous smell) as a feminine hygiene product?? And how in the world could anyone say it's "safe" or think it's at all okay to put...well, down there?? Ick. Glad I don't live in that time. I'd rather "lose my romantic air" than put Lysol in me.
And check out that advertisement "for married folks only." Yeah...your husband will be real happy to have you do something that could possibly harm your health to maintain your, um, freshness.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Post-spring-break blues
One of you calls for me, the other one calls more.
You're both trying to impress me, I've seen this stuff before.
Sometimes attention's rather fun, if I desire it from you,
But when it's doubled up, then my heart is ripped in two.
Oh why oh why must you BOTH torture me so?
I really should speak up, but how? I don't know.
You two have got me in a mess, and I'm totally confused.
Sooner or later I've gotta pick just one of you.
I must've been bowled over when I saw you the first time,
I knew I had to have you, but I couldn't make up my mind.
Anyway, I courted you, I sent my appeals in your direction.
Leaving my uncertain fate up to your discretion.
How'd I know that you would return my ardor?
How'd I know that there'd be two of you?
One is north of me, one is south of me,
And I don't know what I'm going to do!
The fate of my life next year is totally on the line.
I'm usually so clear and calm, but I can't make up my mind.
I love competition, but this is all too much for me so,
Can somebody please help me pick where I'm supposed to go?
Hey hey readers! Well, this ain't no "Shall I compare thee" like earlier in the year, but what's a girl to do when she can't make up her mind? Some say the more the merrier, but I am not sure how merry I am when I can't pick between TWO options. Out of my six offers for grad school, I am really stuck between two of them. And although the application process is over and done, the selection is majorly kicking my butt! I am SO not looking forward to the deadline. This is probably going to turn out like a rehash of my senior year of high school; making that decision with less than a week before the deadline. I'm going to go sign off now and try not to pull out too much of my hair in the process...
You're both trying to impress me, I've seen this stuff before.
Sometimes attention's rather fun, if I desire it from you,
But when it's doubled up, then my heart is ripped in two.
Oh why oh why must you BOTH torture me so?
I really should speak up, but how? I don't know.
You two have got me in a mess, and I'm totally confused.
Sooner or later I've gotta pick just one of you.
I must've been bowled over when I saw you the first time,
I knew I had to have you, but I couldn't make up my mind.
Anyway, I courted you, I sent my appeals in your direction.
Leaving my uncertain fate up to your discretion.
How'd I know that you would return my ardor?
How'd I know that there'd be two of you?
One is north of me, one is south of me,
And I don't know what I'm going to do!
The fate of my life next year is totally on the line.
I'm usually so clear and calm, but I can't make up my mind.
I love competition, but this is all too much for me so,
Can somebody please help me pick where I'm supposed to go?
Hey hey readers! Well, this ain't no "Shall I compare thee" like earlier in the year, but what's a girl to do when she can't make up her mind? Some say the more the merrier, but I am not sure how merry I am when I can't pick between TWO options. Out of my six offers for grad school, I am really stuck between two of them. And although the application process is over and done, the selection is majorly kicking my butt! I am SO not looking forward to the deadline. This is probably going to turn out like a rehash of my senior year of high school; making that decision with less than a week before the deadline. I'm going to go sign off now and try not to pull out too much of my hair in the process...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Baby, I had a dream
When you get a week off, you go to Cancun. When you get three months off, you work. Yeah...that makes sense...
But I am feeling silly after spending the evening with friends, so here goes another song of love and loss.
Baby, I Had a Dream
You bought me a kitty cat.
It made me cry.
I've always been allergic to kitty cats...and I'm pretty sure you knew that.
Baby, I had a dream the other night.
I can't forget!
I can't forget the awful sight
Of your head STUCK IN THE FREEZER!
Baby, I couldn't tell if you were experimenting with poor man's cryogenics or just looking for the ice cream.
So Baby, if you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
If you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
Baby, I had a dream the other night.
There in your hand was a knife!
A very sharp knife!
You said YOU'D CUT YOUR HEART OUT!
Baby, there you stood with your heart in your hand.
You said, "Here is my heart! You wanted the damn thing so bad, here, now take it!"
So Baby, if you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
If you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
Baby, I have overheard you complaining on the phone to your mother.
And the only reason I mention this now is that book I saw on your night table:
"There must be 50 ways to kill your lover."
Fifty ways to kill your lover??!!
Baby, I had a dream the other night.
I can't forget!
I can't forget the awful sight
Of the bookcase toppling DOWN ON ME!
Baby, the bookcase missed my head.
Now I am really well-read.
I was stuck under there for hours!
So Baby, if you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
If you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
You bought me that kitty cat,
And you know what? That's just fine.
My dog enjoys chewing on your kitty cat.
...Good dog.
--Robbie Schaefer
But I am feeling silly after spending the evening with friends, so here goes another song of love and loss.
Baby, I Had a Dream
You bought me a kitty cat.
It made me cry.
I've always been allergic to kitty cats...and I'm pretty sure you knew that.
Baby, I had a dream the other night.
I can't forget!
I can't forget the awful sight
Of your head STUCK IN THE FREEZER!
Baby, I couldn't tell if you were experimenting with poor man's cryogenics or just looking for the ice cream.
So Baby, if you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
If you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
Baby, I had a dream the other night.
There in your hand was a knife!
A very sharp knife!
You said YOU'D CUT YOUR HEART OUT!
Baby, there you stood with your heart in your hand.
You said, "Here is my heart! You wanted the damn thing so bad, here, now take it!"
So Baby, if you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
If you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
Baby, I have overheard you complaining on the phone to your mother.
And the only reason I mention this now is that book I saw on your night table:
"There must be 50 ways to kill your lover."
Fifty ways to kill your lover??!!
Baby, I had a dream the other night.
I can't forget!
I can't forget the awful sight
Of the bookcase toppling DOWN ON ME!
Baby, the bookcase missed my head.
Now I am really well-read.
I was stuck under there for hours!
So Baby, if you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
If you want out, then tell me you're out,
And I'll get going on my way.
You bought me that kitty cat,
And you know what? That's just fine.
My dog enjoys chewing on your kitty cat.
...Good dog.
--Robbie Schaefer
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sunset Boulevard
There is lithium in the sunset.
There are rats in the trees,
And the temperature is always 76 degrees.
When the mighty fall here,
They're gonna fall real hard.
And the Marlboro man is watching them down on Sunset Boulevard.
I cannot get a breath.
I cannot get a break.
I can taste that desperation 'cause the deal is at stake.
For every nip and tuck
There is a vicious little scar,
And the Marlboro man is peering down Sunset Boulevard.
Be careful how you talk to her.
She might be someone you'll need.
And it's such an easy leap from sincerity to greed.
Now everybody's waiting
Just to see the next card,
And Marlboro man is smoking down on Sunset Boulevard.
There's a body on the beach,
And it doesn't make the news.
It's sweeps month here,
And nobody wants to lose.
He didn't have connections,
Didn't even own a car.
So it's not worth reporting 'cause he's not a superstar.
Yeah yeah.
You can never be too rich.
You can never be too thin.
Don't bother entering the fray unless you're certain you can win.
Take a look around you, baby.
Every blade of grass is charred.
And the Marlboro man is laughing down on Sunset Boulevard.
You know grooming is everything,
And your car is your purse.
Don't dare give the right of way, even if it's a hearse.
Forget about that loser.
He won't be going far.
Anyway, the Marlboro man is waitin' for you down on Sunset Boulevard.
There's a body on the beach,
And it doesn't make the news.
It's sweeps month here,
And nobody wants to lose.
He didn't have connections,
Didn't even own a car.
So it's not worth reporting 'cause he's not a superstar.
Yeah yeah.
The horses are chomping at their bits,
And the dam is going to burst.
The ground is going to rumble,
And the sun is a curse.
So don't look excited,
But never let down your guard.
Cause the Marlboro man is watching you down on Sunset Boulevard.
--Lynn Miles (whom I had the lovely pleasure of seeing in concert and meeting afterward at the David Adler Cultural Center in Libertyville)
There are rats in the trees,
And the temperature is always 76 degrees.
When the mighty fall here,
They're gonna fall real hard.
And the Marlboro man is watching them down on Sunset Boulevard.
I cannot get a breath.
I cannot get a break.
I can taste that desperation 'cause the deal is at stake.
For every nip and tuck
There is a vicious little scar,
And the Marlboro man is peering down Sunset Boulevard.
Be careful how you talk to her.
She might be someone you'll need.
And it's such an easy leap from sincerity to greed.
Now everybody's waiting
Just to see the next card,
And Marlboro man is smoking down on Sunset Boulevard.
There's a body on the beach,
And it doesn't make the news.
It's sweeps month here,
And nobody wants to lose.
He didn't have connections,
Didn't even own a car.
So it's not worth reporting 'cause he's not a superstar.
Yeah yeah.
You can never be too rich.
You can never be too thin.
Don't bother entering the fray unless you're certain you can win.
Take a look around you, baby.
Every blade of grass is charred.
And the Marlboro man is laughing down on Sunset Boulevard.
You know grooming is everything,
And your car is your purse.
Don't dare give the right of way, even if it's a hearse.
Forget about that loser.
He won't be going far.
Anyway, the Marlboro man is waitin' for you down on Sunset Boulevard.
There's a body on the beach,
And it doesn't make the news.
It's sweeps month here,
And nobody wants to lose.
He didn't have connections,
Didn't even own a car.
So it's not worth reporting 'cause he's not a superstar.
Yeah yeah.
The horses are chomping at their bits,
And the dam is going to burst.
The ground is going to rumble,
And the sun is a curse.
So don't look excited,
But never let down your guard.
Cause the Marlboro man is watching you down on Sunset Boulevard.
--Lynn Miles (whom I had the lovely pleasure of seeing in concert and meeting afterward at the David Adler Cultural Center in Libertyville)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"Official" St. Patrick's day
Sadly, I misplaced my pin that says "I'm not Irish, but feel free to kiss me." I walked right into the FPREP panel today, and everyone was sporting green clothing except for Sesali (my treasurer) and me. Sesali says the holiday has no significance to her, and as a southern-European-descended lady, I have to concur with that.
So to all of you Irish and not Irish, happy St. Patrick's day and for the love of all things sacred, please celebrate responsibly. I don't want to have to read about you in the police blotter (and yes, legals do read the police blotter, and being a legal myself I am not an exception).
And a huge shout-out to my buddies in FPREP, Fem Maj, and the Vagina Monologues: I love you all and thanks for being so fabulous on the panel! And for you FPREP guys, thanks for the questions and your genuine desire for change. That's so important, and I'm glad to have you all on board.
So to all of you Irish and not Irish, happy St. Patrick's day and for the love of all things sacred, please celebrate responsibly. I don't want to have to read about you in the police blotter (and yes, legals do read the police blotter, and being a legal myself I am not an exception).
And a huge shout-out to my buddies in FPREP, Fem Maj, and the Vagina Monologues: I love you all and thanks for being so fabulous on the panel! And for you FPREP guys, thanks for the questions and your genuine desire for change. That's so important, and I'm glad to have you all on board.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Learning, living, and loving
Sex Out Loud was really great! I think this year's one was the smoothest one yet, and while I'm not meaning to brag, I am really happy with the groups and the visitors. Seems like there was always a constant stream of visitors (and it was a pretty good, responsive crowd), and they weren't all the stereotypical liberal, feministic type you'd expect to attend. Sure, we had a lot of the typical crowd (heck, I am one of them), but all that chalking/flyering/emailing totally paid off because we had a lot of people who normally wouldn't be expected to attend. (Much love to my feminists and womanist for the hours of publicizing on Monday!) Several attended it for class credit, some sororities and fraternities and dorm floors went over as groups, and others were just curious about what the fuss was all about!
The groups played off of each other well too. I think they were just great together. The Illini Arcade and Pure Romance booths were swamped...but is that a surprise?? Benita from NARAL was such a sweetie. She must have thanked me at least seven times during the day because it gave NARAL some publicity and exposure. And she got to talk with the folks from Students for Choice (when they finally finished making their display board) and Planned Parenthood. The ALA student chapter garnered a lot of compliments because they had a display of sexual health and women's/LGBT history books. (There's more to them than the "Sexy librarian" cliche.) MASV's display was really impressive, and their theme was "Are you man enough?" And the V-girls from the Vagina Monologues had a good time as well, even working out a Pure Romance party for the cast within minutes (now, that's what I call networking!). The health peer table was cute, with its I-SHAG theme and Superhero Kits. The YWCA was a good choice as well, and they (along with Students for Choice, Colors of PRIDE, and the librarians) made their debut at the fair. I loved the others as well, but these are the highlights.
I hope that I can come back next year for the Sex Out Loud fair and that Fem Maj is in good hands so it can live on. That group and event means the world to me.
The groups played off of each other well too. I think they were just great together. The Illini Arcade and Pure Romance booths were swamped...but is that a surprise?? Benita from NARAL was such a sweetie. She must have thanked me at least seven times during the day because it gave NARAL some publicity and exposure. And she got to talk with the folks from Students for Choice (when they finally finished making their display board) and Planned Parenthood. The ALA student chapter garnered a lot of compliments because they had a display of sexual health and women's/LGBT history books. (There's more to them than the "Sexy librarian" cliche.) MASV's display was really impressive, and their theme was "Are you man enough?" And the V-girls from the Vagina Monologues had a good time as well, even working out a Pure Romance party for the cast within minutes (now, that's what I call networking!). The health peer table was cute, with its I-SHAG theme and Superhero Kits. The YWCA was a good choice as well, and they (along with Students for Choice, Colors of PRIDE, and the librarians) made their debut at the fair. I loved the others as well, but these are the highlights.
I hope that I can come back next year for the Sex Out Loud fair and that Fem Maj is in good hands so it can live on. That group and event means the world to me.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
SEX OUT LOUD!!!
Today only!
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Illini Union, Illini Room C
Sex Out Loud fair!
Get wild, get crazy, get educated...
and while you're at it, get to know these great groups!
Feminist Majority, National Organization for Women, Men Against Sexual Violence, Women's Resource Center, Care, LGBT Resource Center, YWCA, Pride, Colors of Pride, Rape Crisis Services, Planned Parenthood, American Library Association, Illini Arcade, Students For Choice, NARAL, Pure Romance, Sexual Health Peers, V-Day, and the Gender Studies Program!
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Illini Union, Illini Room C
Sex Out Loud fair!
Get wild, get crazy, get educated...
and while you're at it, get to know these great groups!
Feminist Majority, National Organization for Women, Men Against Sexual Violence, Women's Resource Center, Care, LGBT Resource Center, YWCA, Pride, Colors of Pride, Rape Crisis Services, Planned Parenthood, American Library Association, Illini Arcade, Students For Choice, NARAL, Pure Romance, Sexual Health Peers, V-Day, and the Gender Studies Program!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Whew
Well...I suppose I won't be missing the entire conference. One of my history friends was talking to me today and happened to ask, "Hey, are you going to that symposium this weekend?" I was all set to lament the unfairness that I wouldn't be able to, when he told me that there'd be some talks on Friday as well. So I will be going to a workshop called "The Sovereign Female," which is about women in monarchies (all too often, we hear about the kings of certain countries, so female rulers should be interesting) and another called "Envisioning the New Woman" which is about turn-of-the-century feminism.
So it's not so unfair after all.
I have just emailed every LAS department advisor/registered student organization/Greek organization/cooperative on this whole darn campus about Sex Out Loud. If that doesn't get the fair a lot of visitors, then I don't know what will. DoMonique has made a Facebook event, and the other Feminists have worked their magic on the classrooms. This had better bring in the visitors on Tuesday.
So it's not so unfair after all.
I have just emailed every LAS department advisor/registered student organization/Greek organization/cooperative on this whole darn campus about Sex Out Loud. If that doesn't get the fair a lot of visitors, then I don't know what will. DoMonique has made a Facebook event, and the other Feminists have worked their magic on the classrooms. This had better bring in the visitors on Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The unfairness of it all
Shakespeare once said that every sigh costs the heart a drop of blood. Well, right now I am in need of a humongous transfusion...
So there's a Really Big Fat GWS Conference going on tomorrow (a Graduate Symposium, to be exact) RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY PLACE.
And guess who is missing most of to all of it?
That's right, yours truly. How unfair can that get??? Damn class and work! I mean, I know some folks skip class all the time, but I'm not the type to do that. (Stupid ethics!!) WHY must the Really Big Fat GWS Conference be that day? Why can't they do it Friday (yes, I know it's Unofficial, but I'd rather be with Feminists than drunks)? Or some other day? Loads and loads of feminist topics and speeches and I won't get to see them!!! The unfairness of it all!!!! That is worse than last year, when U of I hosted the gay conference. I felt bad about not seeing Angela Davis and missing most of the workshops, but at least I attended two. And I was in the Vagina Monologues, so I was the "entertainment" for it. The thing is, I got to partake in and be part of one of the attractions for the gay conference. And it was on a weekend, when no one had classes. This is worse! WHY couldn't they have done it on a weekend? Or any other day but that?
Okay, I know I am whining, but it's just not fair. I love conferences, and I am not particularly thrilled about missing this huge one. Oh well. I am presenting at another one in April, though. It's more of a history conference than a GWS one, but I like history too. EVEN STILL...I am NOT at all pleased about missing that big conference tomorrow.
So there's a Really Big Fat GWS Conference going on tomorrow (a Graduate Symposium, to be exact) RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY PLACE.
And guess who is missing most of to all of it?
That's right, yours truly. How unfair can that get??? Damn class and work! I mean, I know some folks skip class all the time, but I'm not the type to do that. (Stupid ethics!!) WHY must the Really Big Fat GWS Conference be that day? Why can't they do it Friday (yes, I know it's Unofficial, but I'd rather be with Feminists than drunks)? Or some other day? Loads and loads of feminist topics and speeches and I won't get to see them!!! The unfairness of it all!!!! That is worse than last year, when U of I hosted the gay conference. I felt bad about not seeing Angela Davis and missing most of the workshops, but at least I attended two. And I was in the Vagina Monologues, so I was the "entertainment" for it. The thing is, I got to partake in and be part of one of the attractions for the gay conference. And it was on a weekend, when no one had classes. This is worse! WHY couldn't they have done it on a weekend? Or any other day but that?
Okay, I know I am whining, but it's just not fair. I love conferences, and I am not particularly thrilled about missing this huge one. Oh well. I am presenting at another one in April, though. It's more of a history conference than a GWS one, but I like history too. EVEN STILL...I am NOT at all pleased about missing that big conference tomorrow.
I think I just threw up in my mouth...
Oh dear lord, I seriously need some ass-kicking radical feminist articles RIGHT NOW. Not material (though I identify as such), not liberal, not womanist, not eco. Radical. NOW. You heard me. I need the hardest stuff I can to get this yucky taste out of my mouth and mind!!
What is the matter?
I discovered this site purely by accident. It's the headquarters of the DABA Girls (Dating A Banker Anonymously),. They say they are a support group for women whose relationships have "tanked with the economy" because they're all involved with finance guys. The title page claims that this page is "free from the scrutiny of feminists." Well, too bad for you, DABAs. Apparantly you haven't met me because this feminist is gonna scrutinize you so bad you better be shaking in your Manolos.
So I've read many of the articles on your blog. Seems like you're all whining and moaning because your finance guy can't provide you with as generous an allowance as before. My favorite is the 24-year-old who's boyfriend is married. She's whining that he doesn't have time or money to lavish on her because his wife is checking up on their finances. Another lady, a beauty editor, brings up how her job is to keep her man sane during the recession and to live according to what he wants. Another article describes how DABA ladies used to be "admired for their class" and style. Well, I might not have much of it myself, but really, whining about that stuff shows that they have no class whatsoever. Did they ever think that they might be doing better than a whole lot of other people? Do they have lives aside of being some rich guy's arm candy? And do any of these ladies work? I don't know for sure, but something in me tells me not.
I could vent on and on, but I'd suggest you see what I'm talking about. Be sure you haven't just eaten because this will make you SICK. I don't know about you, but people like this make me want to sentence them to a couple thousand mandated hours at CWIT (Center for Women in Transition, the homeless shelter for women). Or A Woman's Place. You know, if the situations don't kick your butt, then the domestics surely will.
What is the matter?
I discovered this site purely by accident. It's the headquarters of the DABA Girls (Dating A Banker Anonymously),
So I've read many of the articles on your blog. Seems like you're all whining and moaning because your finance guy can't provide you with as generous an allowance as before. My favorite is the 24-year-old who's boyfriend is married. She's whining that he doesn't have time or money to lavish on her because his wife is checking up on their finances. Another lady, a beauty editor, brings up how her job is to keep her man sane during the recession and to live according to what he wants. Another article describes how DABA ladies used to be "admired for their class" and style. Well, I might not have much of it myself, but really, whining about that stuff shows that they have no class whatsoever. Did they ever think that they might be doing better than a whole lot of other people? Do they have lives aside of being some rich guy's arm candy? And do any of these ladies work? I don't know for sure, but something in me tells me not.
I could vent on and on, but I'd suggest you see what I'm talking about. Be sure you haven't just eaten because this will make you SICK. I don't know about you, but people like this make me want to sentence them to a couple thousand mandated hours at CWIT (Center for Women in Transition, the homeless shelter for women). Or A Woman's Place. You know, if the situations don't kick your butt, then the domestics surely will.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
I pushed her further, all the way into her power moan.
You know, it's interesting when people recognize you from your play.
Freshman year, a little boy recognized me on the Quad (I did "Smell" that year with two women named Dasheonna and Jesse) and said to his mother, "Look, Mommy, it's the vagina lady!"
Soph and junior year, people just randomly came up to me and said they liked how I act (I did most of the list pieces).
And this year?
Well, I'm over at PAR, all ready to give the desk clerk some flyers, and what does she say when she sees me?
"Oh I remember you! You know, you orgasm sooo perfectly!"
I swear I am not making this up. I don't think that's something I could make up. Aiiiieee, doesn't she know my moaning was acting?? (I was in "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy," which is about a sex worker for women who describes moaning. I did a lot of moans (vaginal moan, almost moan, dog moan, mountaintop moan, machine gun moan, diva moan, African American moan, WASP moan, and elegant moan), so that's where her quote comes from. Or so I hope...
Freshman year, a little boy recognized me on the Quad (I did "Smell" that year with two women named Dasheonna and Jesse) and said to his mother, "Look, Mommy, it's the vagina lady!"
Soph and junior year, people just randomly came up to me and said they liked how I act (I did most of the list pieces).
And this year?
Well, I'm over at PAR, all ready to give the desk clerk some flyers, and what does she say when she sees me?
"Oh I remember you! You know, you orgasm sooo perfectly!"
I swear I am not making this up. I don't think that's something I could make up. Aiiiieee, doesn't she know my moaning was acting?? (I was in "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy," which is about a sex worker for women who describes moaning. I did a lot of moans (vaginal moan, almost moan, dog moan, mountaintop moan, machine gun moan, diva moan, African American moan, WASP moan, and elegant moan), so that's where her quote comes from. Or so I hope...
Monday, March 2, 2009
Say it, tell me, CUNT!
This weekend was the weekend of The Vagina Monologues. I've been in that great play for the past four years now, and I have loved every minute of it. My monologues have included "Introductions," "Wear and Say," "Smell," "I Was 12, My Mother Slapped Me," "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy," and "Intro to Reclaiming Cunt." I have seen over a hundred actresses and volunteers for the play. In short, I'm a veteran of the play.
One thing that I especially like about it is that it offers an open and non-judgmental way for women to discuss their sexuality and experiences. Sexuality is such a hushed up thing in our society, in particularly women's sexuality. I'm not saying that I want everyone to dish every little detail of their private lives, but I do think that there needs to be more openness between women and between men and women about what they think and where they're coming from on each issue. The Vagina Monologues is one way for actresses to speak the lines of real women from real interviews, and it encourages them in turn to share their own experiences. And many of our male audience members were really supportive as well, especially in the monologues about current or historical events (comfort women, Congolese conflict, Bosnian conflict, etc.) It's such a totally uplifting, completely empowering experience.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Walkin' on sunshine, whoooah, and don't it feel good!
There is little that is more exciting than getting an acceptance letter from a school that you would like to go to! I hope the remaining seven are just as positive and that the one rogue program that didn't take this "applicant" will be left high and dry with no Alex. The acceptance I received yesterday even spelled my name right and addressed me by name. Much nicer than "Dear Applicant," that's for sure! So I went out and celebrated with my feminists DoMonique, Jason, Gebler, and Joantine yesterday and have pretty much been walking on air.
Today's the last play practice before dress rehearsal. I'm excited about being in a piece about the dominatrix with two other great actresses. (But an open note to all, since I have been asked this question many times. My piece might be about a dominatrix, but I AM NOT A REAL ONE!! I am NOT for hire!!! And neither are the other two women, for that matter. So get that thought out of your head and your mind out of the toilet!) I like doing all those crazy moans; my favorites are the Diva Moan and the Machine-Gun Moan. Ever wondered what they sound like? Then hie thee hence to the Vagina Monologues. It's my fourth year in the play!
Then once the play is done, I will be working on Sex Out Loud health fair with my Feminists and helping to put together the Boneyard festival. I love both dearly. The Sex Out Loud fair will be bigger and better than last year's, and four groups (Ladies Loving Ladies, Students for Choice, YWCA, and Colors of Pride) will be making their debut there. I just hope that we get lots of good publicity and lots of visitors to see the different groups. For the Boneyard, my gallery (Healing Works, the best one) relocated from the African American Center to the Women's Resource Center. I wonder what they'll put in the now-empty cultural house. I know that all the cultural houses do something for the festival, so they're sure to think of something good. My folks are coming down on the third night, and I can't wait to share the festival with them.
This is shaping up to be a perfect end of the semester.
Today's the last play practice before dress rehearsal. I'm excited about being in a piece about the dominatrix with two other great actresses. (But an open note to all, since I have been asked this question many times. My piece might be about a dominatrix, but I AM NOT A REAL ONE!! I am NOT for hire!!! And neither are the other two women, for that matter. So get that thought out of your head and your mind out of the toilet!) I like doing all those crazy moans; my favorites are the Diva Moan and the Machine-Gun Moan. Ever wondered what they sound like? Then hie thee hence to the Vagina Monologues. It's my fourth year in the play!
Then once the play is done, I will be working on Sex Out Loud health fair with my Feminists and helping to put together the Boneyard festival. I love both dearly. The Sex Out Loud fair will be bigger and better than last year's, and four groups (Ladies Loving Ladies, Students for Choice, YWCA, and Colors of Pride) will be making their debut there. I just hope that we get lots of good publicity and lots of visitors to see the different groups. For the Boneyard, my gallery (Healing Works, the best one) relocated from the African American Center to the Women's Resource Center. I wonder what they'll put in the now-empty cultural house. I know that all the cultural houses do something for the festival, so they're sure to think of something good. My folks are coming down on the third night, and I can't wait to share the festival with them.
This is shaping up to be a perfect end of the semester.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Town, It is a-Changin'
Come gather 'round sudents
It's almost time to go.
Your schooling's almost over,
Can you believe this is so?
This town looks similar,
But some things sure don't
If you've heard what some folks are sayin'.
Then you best pay attention,
In your last months to go
For this town, it is a changin'.
Come DI and Buzz,
Write this down with your pen,
You need some good subject matter,
It won't come again.
Le Shoppe changed owners,
And Impasta had to go,
For Champaign wasn't where it'd be stayin'.
And Luna expanded,
It's in a depot.
For this town, it is a changin'.
Now the feminist folk
Should be pacified
Cause they have a women's center
With new events inside.
Meanwhile the domestics
Learned they had to fight,
For their funding supply was decaying.
And Illini Orange was demolished,
It's now a construction site,
For this campus, it is a-changin'.
PAR has gone trayless,
And Lincoln has too,
And the luxury apartments
Are frighteningly huge.
The co-ops are wild,
And it's certain that you
Have many options of where you'll be staying!
And the South Quad is sporting
A bell tower that's new.
For the campus, it is a-changin'.
Come down, Alumni
Come and reminisce.
Your obnoxious reflections
Will get us all pissed.
Your good old days are over,
Though it's true they are missed,
But they're a time you won't be regaining.
So let's toast our grads,
And wish them all the best,
For without them, UI will be a-changin'!
It's almost time to go.
Your schooling's almost over,
Can you believe this is so?
This town looks similar,
But some things sure don't
If you've heard what some folks are sayin'.
Then you best pay attention,
In your last months to go
For this town, it is a changin'.
Come DI and Buzz,
Write this down with your pen,
You need some good subject matter,
It won't come again.
Le Shoppe changed owners,
And Impasta had to go,
For Champaign wasn't where it'd be stayin'.
And Luna expanded,
It's in a depot.
For this town, it is a changin'.
Now the feminist folk
Should be pacified
Cause they have a women's center
With new events inside.
Meanwhile the domestics
Learned they had to fight,
For their funding supply was decaying.
And Illini Orange was demolished,
It's now a construction site,
For this campus, it is a-changin'.
PAR has gone trayless,
And Lincoln has too,
And the luxury apartments
Are frighteningly huge.
The co-ops are wild,
And it's certain that you
Have many options of where you'll be staying!
And the South Quad is sporting
A bell tower that's new.
For the campus, it is a-changin'.
Come down, Alumni
Come and reminisce.
Your obnoxious reflections
Will get us all pissed.
Your good old days are over,
Though it's true they are missed,
But they're a time you won't be regaining.
So let's toast our grads,
And wish them all the best,
For without them, UI will be a-changin'!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Last laugh
I dance with you in the sparkling lights,
You say I'm pretty and we talk all night.
Your words and moves are smooth, but frankly,
You know nothing about me.
So what was it that made you act this way?
Anything in particular that made you say
That you liked the way I made you feel
And that you weren't going home without me.
You're not what I wanted that particular time.
But you're what I would have since you looked so sublime.
You were more familiar than that party was,
But would I forget you all the same?
Sentimental attachment is hardly for me.
When I want something, I want it immediately.
It doesn't matter if it's for a night or a year,
To me, it's only a game.
Well, there was something about the look on your face
That convinced me to spend the night at your place.
I made you scream, and you made me wonder
How so much trouble could look so damned fine.
The next morning I'm off and back to normal life.
You told me you'd call me as you kissed me goodbye.
You may have last night but I have the last laugh
Cause the number I gave wasn't mine.
You say I'm pretty and we talk all night.
Your words and moves are smooth, but frankly,
You know nothing about me.
So what was it that made you act this way?
Anything in particular that made you say
That you liked the way I made you feel
And that you weren't going home without me.
You're not what I wanted that particular time.
But you're what I would have since you looked so sublime.
You were more familiar than that party was,
But would I forget you all the same?
Sentimental attachment is hardly for me.
When I want something, I want it immediately.
It doesn't matter if it's for a night or a year,
To me, it's only a game.
Well, there was something about the look on your face
That convinced me to spend the night at your place.
I made you scream, and you made me wonder
How so much trouble could look so damned fine.
The next morning I'm off and back to normal life.
You told me you'd call me as you kissed me goodbye.
You may have last night but I have the last laugh
Cause the number I gave wasn't mine.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
200 unaccompanied women!!! OMG!!!
More fun in the microfilm room for today!
So for my Queer Studies class, I decided to look up some of the LGBT student groups of the 1970s. Since radicalism is somewhat fascinating to me (I might not identify as a radical feminist anymore, since I am now a material one, but I still find 'em cool), I decided to look up the really wildly extreme ones. So what did I find? Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis started as somewhat moderate but then began to get strong and powerful. But the one that really held my attention was the Lavender Menace. Named for a terribly derogatory term for lesbians (coined by Betty Friedan when she tried to limit NOW membership to hetero women), the Menace was a radical lesbian group. And they apparantly had a following on the U of I campus.
Now here is where the fun begins. So I found an article about the Lavender Menace in the Courier newspaper of Urbana, and it dealt with a conference they held for feminists and lesbians at the U of I. I kept reading, I attended a women's conference soph year, was the entertainment at the LGBT conference last year (woohoo! go monologues!), and have presented papers at conferences before. Tres intersante, to be sure...
Then I saw it. The editorial.
Some guy (presumably a student wrote in), shocked to discover "two hundred unaccompanied, unchaperoned women on the U of I campus!" He was going on and on about how shocking it was to find so many women there! He closed the letter by saying that "soldiers to the cause are needed." Poor poor unenlightened soul. Apparantly he doesn't know:
(1) They're college age. They can take care of themselves.
(2) Girls exist. Yes, they are real and in great numbers.
(3) Most of those women wouldn't want a man in the first place! Lavender Menace is a group for lesbians.
That just about cracked me up.
So for my Queer Studies class, I decided to look up some of the LGBT student groups of the 1970s. Since radicalism is somewhat fascinating to me (I might not identify as a radical feminist anymore, since I am now a material one, but I still find 'em cool), I decided to look up the really wildly extreme ones. So what did I find? Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis started as somewhat moderate but then began to get strong and powerful. But the one that really held my attention was the Lavender Menace. Named for a terribly derogatory term for lesbians (coined by Betty Friedan when she tried to limit NOW membership to hetero women), the Menace was a radical lesbian group. And they apparantly had a following on the U of I campus.
Now here is where the fun begins. So I found an article about the Lavender Menace in the Courier newspaper of Urbana, and it dealt with a conference they held for feminists and lesbians at the U of I. I kept reading, I attended a women's conference soph year, was the entertainment at the LGBT conference last year (woohoo! go monologues!), and have presented papers at conferences before. Tres intersante, to be sure...
Then I saw it. The editorial.
Some guy (presumably a student wrote in), shocked to discover "two hundred unaccompanied, unchaperoned women on the U of I campus!" He was going on and on about how shocking it was to find so many women there! He closed the letter by saying that "soldiers to the cause are needed." Poor poor unenlightened soul. Apparantly he doesn't know:
(1) They're college age. They can take care of themselves.
(2) Girls exist. Yes, they are real and in great numbers.
(3) Most of those women wouldn't want a man in the first place! Lavender Menace is a group for lesbians.
That just about cracked me up.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Twenty-[FIVE]*
I honestly don't understand groups like "Operation Rescue." I know I'm pro-choice and am all for women being able to decide what to do with themselves and their bodies. But I also completely am aware that some folks don't share my views. And that's fine, they can believe anything they like. It's a free country, isn't it? As long as those views don't infringe on other women's rights, I don't have much of an issue with folks who are pro-life/anti-choice/however you want to phrase it. They don't have to have that procedure if they don't want to, but their views shouldn't infringe on the rights of those who do have it or need to have it.
That said, I really don't get groups like Operation Rescue. Or Army of God for that matter. They're the lovely (note my sarcasm) motley crew who has brought you the support for the premeditated murders and threats made on the lives of OB/GYNs who happen to perform abortions. Even many folks who don't like the procedure do not even condone the actions of these groups. David Gunn was the first of these professionals to be murdered by anti-abortion extremists, even though that procedure was not the only one he performed (he was also a gynecologist and obstetrician for lower-income women). Then after his death, six more OB/GYNs were threatened and then killed. Seventeen more of them (or plain old clinic workers like receptionists, counselors, and the like) have received death threats or attempted murders.
I honestly think that's such a huge hypocrisy. I know not every pro-lifer would do that (in fact, I'm sure most would be disgusted as well), but it strikes me as so hypocritical and disgusting. If someone wants to protect human/unborn life, then what makes it somehow acceptable to kill someone who's already living? That simply doesn't make sense.
*I hate to be a downer, but recently, a college-aged Planned Parenthood employee named Johanna Justin-Jinich was murdered by a stalker who drove across the country to commit this terrible crime. What will it take to make it stop? Guaranteed, her campus police took swift action to catch her assassin, but even one murder/attempted murder is one too many! I don't see how you can "choose life" and then kill a full-grown adult. As a college-aged activist, that strikes a little too close to home for me. My heart goes out to her and her family.
That said, I really don't get groups like Operation Rescue. Or Army of God for that matter. They're the lovely (note my sarcasm) motley crew who has brought you the support for the premeditated murders and threats made on the lives of OB/GYNs who happen to perform abortions. Even many folks who don't like the procedure do not even condone the actions of these groups. David Gunn was the first of these professionals to be murdered by anti-abortion extremists, even though that procedure was not the only one he performed (he was also a gynecologist and obstetrician for lower-income women). Then after his death, six more OB/GYNs were threatened and then killed. Seventeen more of them (or plain old clinic workers like receptionists, counselors, and the like) have received death threats or attempted murders.
I honestly think that's such a huge hypocrisy. I know not every pro-lifer would do that (in fact, I'm sure most would be disgusted as well), but it strikes me as so hypocritical and disgusting. If someone wants to protect human/unborn life, then what makes it somehow acceptable to kill someone who's already living? That simply doesn't make sense.
*I hate to be a downer, but recently, a college-aged Planned Parenthood employee named Johanna Justin-Jinich was murdered by a stalker who drove across the country to commit this terrible crime. What will it take to make it stop? Guaranteed, her campus police took swift action to catch her assassin, but even one murder/attempted murder is one too many! I don't see how you can "choose life" and then kill a full-grown adult. As a college-aged activist, that strikes a little too close to home for me. My heart goes out to her and her family.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My name is not "Applicant."
One down, eight more to go by the end of March.
Hopefully those eight have better results than this one. Sigh. I was really liking that program, but I guess with a record number of admissions, it would be tough to be the one out of goodness-knows-how-many applicants that actually got in. It's so competitive. And their disorganization kind of bothered me from the beginning.
Note to other schools and programs, though. I have a name, and it is not "Applicant." Got it? Good.
Hopefully those eight have better results than this one. Sigh. I was really liking that program, but I guess with a record number of admissions, it would be tough to be the one out of goodness-knows-how-many applicants that actually got in. It's so competitive. And their disorganization kind of bothered me from the beginning.
Note to other schools and programs, though. I have a name, and it is not "Applicant." Got it? Good.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Yes!
Most of the tables are filled!
Most of the fabulous groups are confirmed (three of which are new this year), and the number TOPS, TOPS, TOPS my record from last year!
It's a month till the big day, and my ship is on the horizon!
AV material is rented.
Playlist is created.
Draft of flyers is on my computer.
And turnout at meetings is bigger and better than ever!
Now all we need are the visitors!
YES!!!!! I have got this president thing down to an ART! And I couldn't have done it without such a fantastic group! After all, a good leader goes nowhere without good people for leading.
Most of the fabulous groups are confirmed (three of which are new this year), and the number TOPS, TOPS, TOPS my record from last year!
It's a month till the big day, and my ship is on the horizon!
AV material is rented.
Playlist is created.
Draft of flyers is on my computer.
And turnout at meetings is bigger and better than ever!
Now all we need are the visitors!
YES!!!!! I have got this president thing down to an ART! And I couldn't have done it without such a fantastic group! After all, a good leader goes nowhere without good people for leading.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Out of the blue (and into the black)
My, my, hey, hey
Rock and roll is here to stay.
It's better to burn out
Than to fade away.
My, my, hey, hey.
Out of the blue and into the black
They give you this, but you pay for that.
And once you're gone
You can never come back.
When you're out of the blue and into the black.
The king is gone, but he's not forgotten.
This is the story of Johnny Rotten.
It's better to burn out than it is to rust.
The king is gone, but he's not forgotten.
Hey, hey, my my
Rock and roll can never die.
There is more to a picture
Than meets the eye.
Hey, hey, my, my.
--Neil Young (early version)
Rock and roll is here to stay.
It's better to burn out
Than to fade away.
My, my, hey, hey.
Out of the blue and into the black
They give you this, but you pay for that.
And once you're gone
You can never come back.
When you're out of the blue and into the black.
The king is gone, but he's not forgotten.
This is the story of Johnny Rotten.
It's better to burn out than it is to rust.
The king is gone, but he's not forgotten.
Hey, hey, my my
Rock and roll can never die.
There is more to a picture
Than meets the eye.
Hey, hey, my, my.
--Neil Young (early version)
I don't understand....
I've got the training.
I've got the education.
I've got the practical experience.
I've got the lived experience.
I've been told I can handle these things and even had that skill rewarded in the past.
Then why do some things still shake me up?
I've got the education.
I've got the practical experience.
I've got the lived experience.
I've been told I can handle these things and even had that skill rewarded in the past.
Then why do some things still shake me up?
Monday, February 2, 2009
What's cookin at the Beat Kitchen?
Take some funky grooves, solid strong vocals, a ten-piece band, horns, and a seriously modern twist on classic R&B...
And you have the recipe for the perfect weekend band!
Meet the Beat Kitchen. They're ten folks from Champaign-Urbana (there is also a restaurant in Chytown with that name, but this article isn't about them), and can they play! They play some R&B/funk with some solid, danceable grooves, and their songs get everybody up and dancing. Most of the songs are originals, but they've been known to do a funkified cover or two (think an R&B cover of Radiohead's "Karma Police" for starters!). My friend DoMonique and I went to see them, and their worldbeat co-headliner Mhondoro, this Saturday. We were in for a fabulous double act, as both groups did not disappoint. They just kept us dancing and singing along, and the crowd in the whole bar, the Iron Post, was on its feet. I've liked R&B for a while now, but this only cemented my love for it. This band really knew how to work a crowd while also staying soulful and emotive. And that singer has a terrific set of pipes! He has a big deep voice, with a wide range for a guy.
The rhythm and blues crowd also knows how to behave, think the manners of the folk crowd mixed with the good exuberance of the rock one. Sure, the Iron Post was crowded and a small venue. But, there was no shoving, moshing, feeling-up when you don't want to be felt up, or creepies being creepy like I've seen at other shows. The fans behave, but that doesn't mean they can't get excited and energized. And their dancing is so much fun. You don't have to know any particular steps or anything, but rather to find your own groove. Some folks were doing West African style dancing to Mhondoro, since that group does have Zimbabwean and Guinea influences, but the rest of us were simply doing what we liked. Our friends Jane and Megan, who are more into social dances with lots of rules and steps (Megan's been known to ballroom and swing dance during punk shows--and pull it off), also could find their groove. It wasn't hard at all.
Only drawback is that the "comfortable" boots we both had on turned out to be not so comfortable after dancing for four hours straight! The bus ride we took to IHOP and then back home provided a welcome opportunity to sit down for once that night! Definitely a fantastic night and show, and one to hopefully be repeated!
And if you would like to cook up some grooves at the Beat Kitchen, hie thee hence to http://www.myspace.com/beatkitchenfunk, and find out when you can see them next!
And you have the recipe for the perfect weekend band!
Meet the Beat Kitchen. They're ten folks from Champaign-Urbana (there is also a restaurant in Chytown with that name, but this article isn't about them), and can they play! They play some R&B/funk with some solid, danceable grooves, and their songs get everybody up and dancing. Most of the songs are originals, but they've been known to do a funkified cover or two (think an R&B cover of Radiohead's "Karma Police" for starters!). My friend DoMonique and I went to see them, and their worldbeat co-headliner Mhondoro, this Saturday. We were in for a fabulous double act, as both groups did not disappoint. They just kept us dancing and singing along, and the crowd in the whole bar, the Iron Post, was on its feet. I've liked R&B for a while now, but this only cemented my love for it. This band really knew how to work a crowd while also staying soulful and emotive. And that singer has a terrific set of pipes! He has a big deep voice, with a wide range for a guy.
The rhythm and blues crowd also knows how to behave, think the manners of the folk crowd mixed with the good exuberance of the rock one. Sure, the Iron Post was crowded and a small venue. But, there was no shoving, moshing, feeling-up when you don't want to be felt up, or creepies being creepy like I've seen at other shows. The fans behave, but that doesn't mean they can't get excited and energized. And their dancing is so much fun. You don't have to know any particular steps or anything, but rather to find your own groove. Some folks were doing West African style dancing to Mhondoro, since that group does have Zimbabwean and Guinea influences, but the rest of us were simply doing what we liked. Our friends Jane and Megan, who are more into social dances with lots of rules and steps (Megan's been known to ballroom and swing dance during punk shows--and pull it off), also could find their groove. It wasn't hard at all.
Only drawback is that the "comfortable" boots we both had on turned out to be not so comfortable after dancing for four hours straight! The bus ride we took to IHOP and then back home provided a welcome opportunity to sit down for once that night! Definitely a fantastic night and show, and one to hopefully be repeated!
And if you would like to cook up some grooves at the Beat Kitchen, hie thee hence to http://www.myspace.com/beatkitchenfunk, and find out when you can see them next!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One Thousand Sarahs*
*No offense to my fellow Feminist or panelist named Sarah...this song is not about you, I swear!*
Sarah's the kind of girl who's three feet tall, but she's built like an Amazon woman.
Sarah's the kind of girl who's three feet tall, but she's built like an Amazon woman.
And all the boys think she's sexy,
And all the girls think she dresses real well,
And all the teachers think she is the smartest one in class,
And I think...
SHE OUGHTA GO TO HELL!
Sarah's the kind of girl who pierced her ears years before anybody else.
Sarah's the kind of girl who pierced her ears years before anybody else.
And all the mothers say her mother was,
And all the mothers say her mother was a SLUT!
Cause we couldn't pierce our ears till we turned twelve, no matter what.
And I think...
Well, I think you know what I think.
One thousand Sarahs in my head!
One thousand Sarahs
Circling me in my bed.
I thought I got rid of her, but she multiplied instead!
One thousand Sarahs...
One thousand Sarahs...
I don't like her.
I don't like her.
I don't like her, and you can't make me!
I don't like her,
I don't like her,
I don't like her,
I don't like her, and YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!
One thousand Sarahs in my head!
One thousand Sarahs
Circling me in my bed.
I thought I got rid of her, but she multiplied instead!
One thousand Sarahs...
One thousand Sarahs...
Yeah!
--Michael Clem
Sarah's the kind of girl who's three feet tall, but she's built like an Amazon woman.
Sarah's the kind of girl who's three feet tall, but she's built like an Amazon woman.
And all the boys think she's sexy,
And all the girls think she dresses real well,
And all the teachers think she is the smartest one in class,
And I think...
SHE OUGHTA GO TO HELL!
Sarah's the kind of girl who pierced her ears years before anybody else.
Sarah's the kind of girl who pierced her ears years before anybody else.
And all the mothers say her mother was,
And all the mothers say her mother was a SLUT!
Cause we couldn't pierce our ears till we turned twelve, no matter what.
And I think...
Well, I think you know what I think.
One thousand Sarahs in my head!
One thousand Sarahs
Circling me in my bed.
I thought I got rid of her, but she multiplied instead!
One thousand Sarahs...
One thousand Sarahs...
I don't like her.
I don't like her.
I don't like her, and you can't make me!
I don't like her,
I don't like her,
I don't like her,
I don't like her, and YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!
One thousand Sarahs in my head!
One thousand Sarahs
Circling me in my bed.
I thought I got rid of her, but she multiplied instead!
One thousand Sarahs...
One thousand Sarahs...
Yeah!
--Michael Clem
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Be still, my heart
What's this again? I didn't hear it right...could you repeat it?
In April, towards the end, there's gonna be...
ANOTHER Big Fat GWS Conference!
(Well, actually, it's not quite a big fat GWS conference because it is put on by the Ethnography of the University Initiative and not the GWS program. It's more like a big fat history conference, and my LGBT studies class is allowed to present as long as we have a ten-minute-or-less speech prepared.)
Needless to say, I'm already petitioning to present there! We don't need to submit our proposals until March, so I have time to prepare. I just really want to present something I've created again.
You know, sometimes I wonder why I'm not interested in teaching college as a profession. Then I can talk all I please, and get paid for it!
In April, towards the end, there's gonna be...
ANOTHER Big Fat GWS Conference!
(Well, actually, it's not quite a big fat GWS conference because it is put on by the Ethnography of the University Initiative and not the GWS program. It's more like a big fat history conference, and my LGBT studies class is allowed to present as long as we have a ten-minute-or-less speech prepared.)
Needless to say, I'm already petitioning to present there! We don't need to submit our proposals until March, so I have time to prepare. I just really want to present something I've created again.
You know, sometimes I wonder why I'm not interested in teaching college as a profession. Then I can talk all I please, and get paid for it!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Searching for Sisterhood
Or, "How I Learned to Find the Power in Sisterhood and Cross This Bridge"
Here is some lovely feminist theory analysis courtesy of me!
Over break, I was reading two classics of feminist anthology. They are both wonderful books, and total must-reads for anyone who is interested in the great tradition of American activism and feminism. I would highly recommend them to anyone. One is Sisterhood is Powerful, and it is compiled by Robin Morgan. The other is This Bridge Called my Back, and its editor is Cherie Moraga. I liked them both, but I've noticed that they both have their own very distinct methods of promoting women's equality. My question is, which way is best? Or does an activist need to strike some sort of balance? (And yes, I am ultra-analyzing, but bear with me here.) Let me elaborate, as both do have their own backgrounds and quirks.
Sisterhood was published in the 1970s as "an anthology of writings from the women's liberation movement." It's considered one of the classics of that time, and it contains writings from both well-known and more obscure authors regarding what its editor, Robin Morgan, sees as the "women's experience." Morgan is the author of two other Sisterhood books, and they take their names from substituting "global" and "forever" for "powerful." My blog post "Sisterhood and Brotherhood Are Powerful, Global, and Forever" is actually based on the titles of the three Morgan books. She's also written about terrorism (Demon Lover) and politics (Anatomy of Freedom) and bills herself as a radical feminist.
What Morgan promotes is a focus on the "women's experience." She notices the way that history has often been written from the point of view of men, and she seeks to compile writings by and about women in order to pay attention to a much-overlooked "female experience." By pointing out what women have gone through, she hopes to foster a sense of solidarity and to prevent female voices from getting lost in the writing of history. Morgan is devoted to fostering a sense of "sisterhood."
The other book, This Bridge, is considered the seminal text that ushered in the third wave of feminism, and it's billed as "writings by radical women of color." The third wave is marked, among other things, by an expansion of feminism's outreach and an attention to the interlocking problems that women have faced (i.e. they also focus on racism, classism, faithism, and homophobia as well as sexism). Moraga, its editor, is adament about blurring the boundaries between groups and striking up alliances between social justice groups. She has written that one cannot be focused on ending sexism if one is not also willing to take on the problems of racism and homophobia, among others as well. Sure, she implies, sisterhood may be powerful, but forming alliances and expanding that definition of sisterhood is even more so.
Now these two views, promoting a "women's experience"/sisterhood and fostering alliances and expanding outreach, are equally valid and have their share of problems.
Morgan sees solidarity as based on a shared experience, a sisterhood, something women can all claim as their own. By having an experience that women can relate to, feminism becomes an "everywoman" sort of movement. Moraga, on the other hand, sees alliances as the way to go and that feminism should take a more active role in other social movements as well.
However, the trouble with sisterhood is that it leaves a ton of people out. Sisterhood is Powerful is a radical anthology, but most of the contributors identify as White and were fairly well-educated. None of the essays are by male allies, and only a handful are written by or about lesbians. Sisterhood certainly can be powerful, but according to whose terms? For every woman who complained about a feminine mystique (with no disrespect intended to Ms. Betty) and dissatisfaction as a domestic wife, there was another woman who was upset over having to work incredibly hard and have no time for her family. Or a woman who loved another woman and was feeling like her relationship was being ignored by the media and by a supposedly progressive social movement. If a "woman's experience" is promoted, any woman whose life did not measure up to those terms would feel left out.
But how much better is forming "this bridge" between groups? Moraga and her coeditor Gloria Anzaldua see the formation of alliances between groups and expanding feminist politics to include anti-racist and anti-homophobic activities. All of the writings in This Bridge are by minority writers. By focusing on ending racism and other social ills as well as sexism, women can then be truly empowered. The book does make a lot of sense, as many women, in particular lesbians and minority women do face interlocking forms of oppression. By being women in a patriarchal society and women of color/of a lower class/in relationships with other women in a white-preferential/materialist/heterosexist society, their burdens are even more augmented. However, the problem that Moraga runs into is the loss of a unique voice of a group. If one takes on the views and problems of others, one's voice is co-opted and expanded to include that of others. The issues that are unique to one group can become lost in the quest for alliances.
I am not entirely sure of which activist's way is best. Maybe I am overanalyzing it, because they are both legendary anthologies and should be treated as such. However, I personally think that the best way would be a delicate balance between them. Know your group and the issues that make it unique and different. But don't be afraid to reach out to other groups to gain allies and to help them in their struggles as well.
Here is some lovely feminist theory analysis courtesy of me!
Over break, I was reading two classics of feminist anthology. They are both wonderful books, and total must-reads for anyone who is interested in the great tradition of American activism and feminism. I would highly recommend them to anyone. One is Sisterhood is Powerful, and it is compiled by Robin Morgan. The other is This Bridge Called my Back, and its editor is Cherie Moraga. I liked them both, but I've noticed that they both have their own very distinct methods of promoting women's equality. My question is, which way is best? Or does an activist need to strike some sort of balance? (And yes, I am ultra-analyzing, but bear with me here.) Let me elaborate, as both do have their own backgrounds and quirks.
Sisterhood was published in the 1970s as "an anthology of writings from the women's liberation movement." It's considered one of the classics of that time, and it contains writings from both well-known and more obscure authors regarding what its editor, Robin Morgan, sees as the "women's experience." Morgan is the author of two other Sisterhood books, and they take their names from substituting "global" and "forever" for "powerful." My blog post "Sisterhood and Brotherhood Are Powerful, Global, and Forever" is actually based on the titles of the three Morgan books. She's also written about terrorism (Demon Lover) and politics (Anatomy of Freedom) and bills herself as a radical feminist.
What Morgan promotes is a focus on the "women's experience." She notices the way that history has often been written from the point of view of men, and she seeks to compile writings by and about women in order to pay attention to a much-overlooked "female experience." By pointing out what women have gone through, she hopes to foster a sense of solidarity and to prevent female voices from getting lost in the writing of history. Morgan is devoted to fostering a sense of "sisterhood."
The other book, This Bridge, is considered the seminal text that ushered in the third wave of feminism, and it's billed as "writings by radical women of color." The third wave is marked, among other things, by an expansion of feminism's outreach and an attention to the interlocking problems that women have faced (i.e. they also focus on racism, classism, faithism, and homophobia as well as sexism). Moraga, its editor, is adament about blurring the boundaries between groups and striking up alliances between social justice groups. She has written that one cannot be focused on ending sexism if one is not also willing to take on the problems of racism and homophobia, among others as well. Sure, she implies, sisterhood may be powerful, but forming alliances and expanding that definition of sisterhood is even more so.
Now these two views, promoting a "women's experience"/sisterhood and fostering alliances and expanding outreach, are equally valid and have their share of problems.
Morgan sees solidarity as based on a shared experience, a sisterhood, something women can all claim as their own. By having an experience that women can relate to, feminism becomes an "everywoman" sort of movement. Moraga, on the other hand, sees alliances as the way to go and that feminism should take a more active role in other social movements as well.
However, the trouble with sisterhood is that it leaves a ton of people out. Sisterhood is Powerful is a radical anthology, but most of the contributors identify as White and were fairly well-educated. None of the essays are by male allies, and only a handful are written by or about lesbians. Sisterhood certainly can be powerful, but according to whose terms? For every woman who complained about a feminine mystique (with no disrespect intended to Ms. Betty) and dissatisfaction as a domestic wife, there was another woman who was upset over having to work incredibly hard and have no time for her family. Or a woman who loved another woman and was feeling like her relationship was being ignored by the media and by a supposedly progressive social movement. If a "woman's experience" is promoted, any woman whose life did not measure up to those terms would feel left out.
But how much better is forming "this bridge" between groups? Moraga and her coeditor Gloria Anzaldua see the formation of alliances between groups and expanding feminist politics to include anti-racist and anti-homophobic activities. All of the writings in This Bridge are by minority writers. By focusing on ending racism and other social ills as well as sexism, women can then be truly empowered. The book does make a lot of sense, as many women, in particular lesbians and minority women do face interlocking forms of oppression. By being women in a patriarchal society and women of color/of a lower class/in relationships with other women in a white-preferential/materialist/heterosexist society, their burdens are even more augmented. However, the problem that Moraga runs into is the loss of a unique voice of a group. If one takes on the views and problems of others, one's voice is co-opted and expanded to include that of others. The issues that are unique to one group can become lost in the quest for alliances.
I am not entirely sure of which activist's way is best. Maybe I am overanalyzing it, because they are both legendary anthologies and should be treated as such. However, I personally think that the best way would be a delicate balance between them. Know your group and the issues that make it unique and different. But don't be afraid to reach out to other groups to gain allies and to help them in their struggles as well.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Be yourself!
The Big Fat GWS Conference is done. It's been over since December. It was a good event, though.
I was really glad that I had presented it. I talked to my advisor, Jacque at GWS, and she said that the senior capstone conference is always an event she looks forward to because of the variety of topics and expertise of the students.
I was talking to her about some of the decisions I had made throughout my college career, and as I spoke about them, I realized one of the biggest impetuses for anything I've done was to prove something. Not to any of my professors or classmates or friends...but to myself.
College has been such a time of re-defining, of remaking and reinventing myself. I was no longer the shy little geeky girl, and I had really come into my own. I've been the type to constantly push myself until I get exactly what I want. The conference, I figured, not only proved to the faculty and students that I could write about social services and field questions about them but also to myself, that I had the confidence and the drive to do so. I've acted in one of my favorite plays, "The Vagina Monologues," and it's been a totally rewarding experience. The actresses are lovely to meet and get to know, and the money goes to a good cause. But, again, part of the reason I've been in such an outrageous play is to prove that I can do it. The highschool/gradeschool version of me would never have had the nerve to talk about vaginas onstage, let alone ask the audience what theirs smelled like! And I certainly wouldn't have been able to speak for twenty minutes about my paper at the conference had I kept my shyness.
The same goes for this year's decisions. I made this past semester one of the most productive for Fem Maj, with three co-sponsorships and an even more popular panel. When I organized Sex Out Loud, I went over and into Illini Arcade and sat down with the manager to tell her exactly what we wanted her to do. She told me that the previous presidents didn't have the nerve to go into the store. Although some might raise their eyebrows at the thought of me in the sex shop, I needed to talk to the people I'd be including in the event. I wanted to show all the participants that I valued their presence, so I met with each of them personally before the event (with the exception of NARAL, but I talked on the phone with them). But I wanted to prove--to myself--that I could do better than just following in the footsteps of the previous presidents and forge a new era for Fem Maj.
They say to be yourself. But sometimes that "yourself" needs a little tweaking to make it the "yourself" you most want to identify as.
I was really glad that I had presented it. I talked to my advisor, Jacque at GWS, and she said that the senior capstone conference is always an event she looks forward to because of the variety of topics and expertise of the students.
I was talking to her about some of the decisions I had made throughout my college career, and as I spoke about them, I realized one of the biggest impetuses for anything I've done was to prove something. Not to any of my professors or classmates or friends...but to myself.
College has been such a time of re-defining, of remaking and reinventing myself. I was no longer the shy little geeky girl, and I had really come into my own. I've been the type to constantly push myself until I get exactly what I want. The conference, I figured, not only proved to the faculty and students that I could write about social services and field questions about them but also to myself, that I had the confidence and the drive to do so. I've acted in one of my favorite plays, "The Vagina Monologues," and it's been a totally rewarding experience. The actresses are lovely to meet and get to know, and the money goes to a good cause. But, again, part of the reason I've been in such an outrageous play is to prove that I can do it. The highschool/gradeschool version of me would never have had the nerve to talk about vaginas onstage, let alone ask the audience what theirs smelled like! And I certainly wouldn't have been able to speak for twenty minutes about my paper at the conference had I kept my shyness.
The same goes for this year's decisions. I made this past semester one of the most productive for Fem Maj, with three co-sponsorships and an even more popular panel. When I organized Sex Out Loud, I went over and into Illini Arcade and sat down with the manager to tell her exactly what we wanted her to do. She told me that the previous presidents didn't have the nerve to go into the store. Although some might raise their eyebrows at the thought of me in the sex shop, I needed to talk to the people I'd be including in the event. I wanted to show all the participants that I valued their presence, so I met with each of them personally before the event (with the exception of NARAL, but I talked on the phone with them). But I wanted to prove--to myself--that I could do better than just following in the footsteps of the previous presidents and forge a new era for Fem Maj.
They say to be yourself. But sometimes that "yourself" needs a little tweaking to make it the "yourself" you most want to identify as.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Change has come
I really do identify with what Michelle Obama said, that this time, I really feel proud to be an American.
Regardless of what side you're on, you can't deny that this was truly a historic election and a historic inauguration. I watched the inauguration, and I was really crying when Obama gave his speech. Obama's story is one that many people can relate to, a lot more so than the previous Presidents! Barack really had to work hard to get his education and his jobs. He formed alliances with community groups such as churches and social services, ones that many ordinary Americans also are a part of. He wasn't born clutching a silver spoon, and he didn't get to be president by pandering to special interests. This was an election that everyone was excited about, and it wasn't some unrelatable gray-haired guy versus another unrelatable gray-haired guy. This campaign and election were energetic, dynamic, and upbeat.
And my post about my concerns over Pastor Warren giving the invocation? As wrong as wearing socks with sandals or getting worked up over Y2K! Yep, even the revel can be wrong at times! Warren's speech was actually pretty classy. I was pleasantly surprised. The guest speaker I was most impressed with was Senator Feinstein. She really knows how to please a crowd! But, of course, the star was the President. Not President-"elect." President Obama. It sounds good. It is good. I'm excited about seeing what he does during his time in office.
Regardless of what side you're on, you can't deny that this was truly a historic election and a historic inauguration. I watched the inauguration, and I was really crying when Obama gave his speech. Obama's story is one that many people can relate to, a lot more so than the previous Presidents! Barack really had to work hard to get his education and his jobs. He formed alliances with community groups such as churches and social services, ones that many ordinary Americans also are a part of. He wasn't born clutching a silver spoon, and he didn't get to be president by pandering to special interests. This was an election that everyone was excited about, and it wasn't some unrelatable gray-haired guy versus another unrelatable gray-haired guy. This campaign and election were energetic, dynamic, and upbeat.
And my post about my concerns over Pastor Warren giving the invocation? As wrong as wearing socks with sandals or getting worked up over Y2K! Yep, even the revel can be wrong at times! Warren's speech was actually pretty classy. I was pleasantly surprised. The guest speaker I was most impressed with was Senator Feinstein. She really knows how to please a crowd! But, of course, the star was the President. Not President-"elect." President Obama. It sounds good. It is good. I'm excited about seeing what he does during his time in office.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Happy new year!
Happy 2009, everyone!
I am really excited about this new year and all the adventure that awaits. Did you make any new year's resolutions? I know I have about five of them so far! A new year and new start is the perfect chance to change yourself for good. It's such an exciting time, a time for fresh beginnings. And for me, this year is off to such a good start. Graduate applications are finished at last, the Vagina Monologues and Sex Out Loud are in a couple of months, and I've volunteered at La Casa several times this break. And...of course, on January 20th, President-elect Obama will be the new leader of the free world! (I wish I could be at the Inauguration, but sadly, there's a pesky little thing called class getting in the way.)
A new year is a year full of possibilities, just waiting to be discovered and achieved.
I am really excited about this new year and all the adventure that awaits. Did you make any new year's resolutions? I know I have about five of them so far! A new year and new start is the perfect chance to change yourself for good. It's such an exciting time, a time for fresh beginnings. And for me, this year is off to such a good start. Graduate applications are finished at last, the Vagina Monologues and Sex Out Loud are in a couple of months, and I've volunteered at La Casa several times this break. And...of course, on January 20th, President-elect Obama will be the new leader of the free world! (I wish I could be at the Inauguration, but sadly, there's a pesky little thing called class getting in the way.)
A new year is a year full of possibilities, just waiting to be discovered and achieved.
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