(no subject)

* Squirrel and I have voted, but I got hardly any sleep thanks to election related robo calls. There is no way to stop that short of unplugging the phone and I can't do that with my Mother in the hospital. I also had a return call from the embarrassed and flustered swimming pool supervisor. The long delay way her talking to the city's legal council, as my suspicion that I was the first to ask about post-SRS swimwear was correct. (I think she was scared I'd sue and sic the ACLU on them. I reassured her, I had no plans along those lines). The answer was what I suspected, that I need updated ID. I'd been holding off on that, as I have Orycon, Swim fees, and Solstice gifts to what's left of my family up coming, and changing some of my documents is expensive. (I'm changing my middle name so I can keep my legal signature, but have all the bits androgynous, instead of just my first name. I dislike creditors and salespeople calling me by my use name. It's also an easy way to tell if it's friends calling or official folk. I need to change gender and name on my birth certificate, because I need all that sorted to avoid certain official hassles, certain types of bathroom discrimination, and it's a stepping stone to petitioning Social security. Social security matters as it effects my benefits. At some point I'll be wanting a pass port again too, and I really want all my paper to match if i start venturing over the boarder again. Yes, I'm still androgyne, but the government and restrooms are binary and I have to pick one for documentation and toilets which have to match). I'm going to change my driver's License now, and sort out the rest of it later when I've more cash, including amending the license a second time. Sigh. I got the paperwork done when I was out for shots, so I just need to mail it tomorrow. After that call, I spent a couple of hours coughing, so no humira or swimming this week.

* Eventually, I gave up on sleep and read all of Totally Joe, before shot time. ( here there be spoilers: )

The above likely doesn't convey how charming the narrative voice is. I liked that kid. Obviously, it's not well-written on an adult reading level or high art, but it's very well written at the 5-6th grade level, amusing and healthy for kids without being preachy. I'd recommend this without reservation to upper elementary or younger middle school kids dealing with bullying and/or issues around gender expression and being LGB in middle school. Though there are no openly trans characters, I think it would be reassuring to a transgendered child as well because of the way it handled the two characters with non-traditional gender expression. It also does a cool job of showing different ways to be an ally. It manages to be helpful and fun and uplifting all at once, which takes a much defter narrative touch than most people imagine. It also captures some of the ways different and not popular can end up being good in the long run.

I know, I know, I'm not teaching any more, but people periodically ask for suggestions, so I try to keep an eye on what's out there for kids of various ages.

* I got stromboli from the real philly pizza place downtown. No more cake, as I'm spreading out my decadence this week. Birthday loot count: chocolate, computer (on order), 4 vests and accessories, flower tea. Something is coming from squirrel, but it's not here yet.

* I may be ready to start doing readings again. I wonder where I put my decks?

* Washingtonians, Re: the election. Both the measure to require a 2/3rds majority to tax and the repeal of the beverage tax are about chocking money away from things like public schools and health care. We really really need schools and a viable public health care system. To see what making it nearly impossible to tax does, look at California's current state of slow, horrible, collapse, and crumbling infrastructure in Oregon. Also, Patty Murray may not be a saint, but she's pro-choice, pro-health care, and pro-fix this mess we're in. Dino Rossi's pro-big business, anti-minimum wage, and so anti-choice he wants to limit birth control. As far as I can tell, Koster looks like his mini-me. Please, please, please let's not dismantle Washington's infrastructure and the country's chance of pulling out of the mess Bush/Cheney left with poor electoral choices this year. We need road, firemen, police, teachers, librarians, roads, emts, hospitals, clean water, birth control, etc..

* Re: elections everyone: I know there's a school levy locally, and I'm betting we're not the only ones. Trust me, my local district does need modernizing of it's heating systems, insulation, etc.. It's not only good planning for the future, but it saves money. In some schools it will mean not yelling over banging pipes or danger of fire or burns. Schools in general tend to be short of maintenance funds, and if they tell you their libraries need funds, they are not lieing. Schools have been starved for money they need for basic things just about everywhere my whole life. They aren't begging you for money to put in a staff room jacuzzi; they are using it to help the students and keep the school functional. Plumbing and electrical systems wear out, roofs leak, lockers, desks, and chairs break. Libraries need new books and computers. There are never enough school, art, and science supplies. Textbooks need replacing and/or upgrading.

Remember, pay for schools, or you end up paying for prisons, because the more you starve yuour schools for funds, the more kids fall through the cracks.

* I see Sharon Engle says that those scary foreigners in her ad may not be Hispanics but Asians and that once a reporter thought she was Asian so none of that can possibly be racist. I honestly don't see how this makes it any batter. *facepalm*

* Apparently no one has come with food for Neighbor Lady and she has no lights, though she has heat. I gave her beans, corn, soup, and candles, as I have enough beans to outlast a medium sized siege, and a store of corn and soup I only really eat in emergencies. I also have a lot of votives for electrical emergencies and holidays, so it's not a big deal. After all, the only things of these I paid money for were the candles. I reminded her that if there is a big emergency like an intruder or fire she should come get us instead of sort it herself. I really, really don't want to be supporting her. Handing over surplus canned goods is one thing; money or things we actually need is another. She has family apparently. I really can't be taking on responsibility for her, but I can't let an elderly, obviously incompetent lady starve in the dark on the other side of my living room wall. She seemed more together today, at least. I should probably look into who to call social services wise, if she looks to be needing more intervention. I'm not convinced she's together enough to be living alone.

* I see the American right wing is doing another round of claims that "all terrorists are muslims." What exactly did they think Timothy McVeigh was? Did Republicans not watch brave rescue workers pulling limp children out of the ruins of their day care? Did they not see the families waiting to see who's babies were dead and which alive? WTF!!! Looks like terrorism to me, and that was one of our American born white supremacist militia extremists. Hell, wasn't it last year that disgruntled white guy attacked an IRS building with a plane? I think it was last year. How come Republicans don't count these people as terrorist? Or are they not able to remember last year. If they can't, shouldn't they be in care facilities, not politics? Mr. Kilmeade has backtracked and has lied about saying it. Of course, but this has been floating around since at least when Ms. Coulter said it. What is with all these politicians lately who claim they never said things when they can be seen to have said them on video or on tape. If it's been recorded, it's pretty much impossible to take it back.

* Hector is sulking because I wouldn't let him have Stromboli.

* They've greenlighted a series based on Charlaine Harris' Grave Sight. I really like the characters in that series and I think it has potential as a psychic mystery series. I hope they keep the main character's disability, as their aren't a lot of disabled characters on TV.

* neo_prodigy found, another tragedy: http://billyvanity.tumblr.com/post/1342267895/when-chloe-lacy-decided-earlier-this-year-to

The language is respectful and perfect, but I don't like when they show the photos from before.

* House. I really liked Dr. Chang? Chan? I particularly liked how and what she said in her last scene in the episode. Way too good for them, clearly.

* Lie to Me: I fear for anyone dating the lead characters as I think they are prone to tearing apart each other's lovers. Don't get me wrong, they'd be terrible for each other, like Eames and Arthur would be. I worry romantic movie/TV convention will lead them to hook up at some point, but I keep hoping they are too smart for that, which they have been so far. They would leave each other in the emotional and financial Equivalent of bloody shreds. To me, the acting in the "Tell me a lie" scene was fascinating, as was the character psychology.

* O.o Creepy: http://www.otherpeoplesbusiness.net/comics/06pg29.gif

* I spotted navy guy's boyfriend at the library. He smiled and waved. I smiled and waved back. It took an hour for me to figure out this startled me because I'm used to the trans folk "pretend we don't know each other in public" thing. Not that friends hanging out on purpose do this, but there's this protecting people from getting outed etiquette thing. It makes me kind of sad, really. It's isolating. I get why it's necessary, as people get killed, but still. Gah! Anyway, it's oddly liberating to have it be okay to admit we know each other. I hadn't realized how much the requirement not to notice acquaintances feels like a straight jacket sometimes.

* Hypocrisy watch: Numerous republicans including John Mccain, who voted against the stimulus and claim the government in general and the stimulus in particular can't create jobs, who then wrote in begging for stimulus money on the grounds that their infrastucture would create jobs. no shame. No shame at all.

* Deusabscondum has something to say: http://deusabscondidum.livejournal.com/184344.html?mode=reply&style=mine

Joel Burns, I salute you, Sir.

(no subject)

* Squirrel and I have voted, but I got hardly any sleep thanks to election related robo calls. There is no way to stop that short of unplugging the phone and I can't do that with my Mother in the hospital. I also had a return call from the embarrassed and flustered swimming pool supervisor. The long delay way her talking to the city's legal council, as my suspicion that I was the first to ask about post-SRS swimwear was correct. (I think she was scared I'd sue and sic the ACLU on them. I reassured her, I had no plans along those lines). The answer was what I suspected, that I need updated ID. I'd been holding off on that, as I have Orycon, Swim fees, and Solstice gifts to what's left of my family up coming, and changing some of my documents is expensive. (I'm changing my middle name so I can keep my legal signature, but have all the bits androgynous, instead of just my first name. I dislike creditors and salespeople calling me by my use name. It's also an easy way to tell if it's friends calling or official folk. I need to change gender and name on my birth certificate, because I need all that sorted to avoid certain official hassles, certain types of bathroom discrimination, and it's a stepping stone to petitioning Social security. Social security matters as it effects my benefits. At some point I'll be wanting a pass port again too, and I really want all my paper to match if i start venturing over the boarder again. Yes, I'm still androgyne, but the government and restrooms are binary and I have to pick one for documentation and toilets which have to match). I'm going to change my driver's License now, and sort out the rest of it later when I've more cash, including amending the license a second time. Sigh. I got the paperwork done when I was out for shots, so I just need to mail it tomorrow. After that call, I spent a couple of hours coughing, so no humira or swimming this week.

* Eventually, I gave up on sleep and read all of Totally Joe, before shot time. ( here there be spoilers: )

The above likely doesn't convey how charming the narrative voice is. I liked that kid. Obviously, it's not well-written on an adult reading level or high art, but it's very well written at the 5-6th grade level, amusing and healthy for kids without being preachy. I'd recommend this without reservation to upper elementary or younger middle school kids dealing with bullying and/or issues around gender expression and being LGB in middle school. Though there are no openly trans characters, I think it would be reassuring to a transgendered child as well because of the way it handled the two characters with non-traditional gender expression. It also does a cool job of showing different ways to be an ally. It manages to be helpful and fun and uplifting all at once, which takes a much defter narrative touch than most people imagine. It also captures some of the ways different and not popular can end up being good in the long run.

I know, I know, I'm not teaching any more, but people periodically ask for suggestions, so I try to keep an eye on what's out there for kids of various ages.

* I got stromboli from the real philly pizza place downtown. No more cake, as I'm spreading out my decadence this week. Birthday loot count: chocolate, computer (on order), 4 vests and accessories, flower tea. Something is coming from squirrel, but it's not here yet.

* I may be ready to start doing readings again. I wonder where I put my decks?

* Washingtonians, Re: the election. Both the measure to require a 2/3rds majority to tax and the repeal of the beverage tax are about chocking money away from things like public schools and health care. We really really need schools and a viable public health care system. To see what making it nearly impossible to tax does, look at California's current state of slow, horrible, collapse, and crumbling infrastructure in Oregon. Also, Patty Murray may not be a saint, but she's pro-choice, pro-health care, and pro-fix this mess we're in. Dino Rossi's pro-big business, anti-minimum wage, and so anti-choice he wants to limit birth control. As far as I can tell, Koster looks like his mini-me. Please, please, please let's not dismantle Washington's infrastructure and the country's chance of pulling out of the mess Bush/Cheney left with poor electoral choices this year. We need road, firemen, police, teachers, librarians, roads, emts, hospitals, clean water, birth control, etc..

* Re: elections everyone: I know there's a school levy locally, and I'm betting we're not the only ones. Trust me, my local district does need modernizing of it's heating systems, insulation, etc.. It's not only good planning for the future, but it saves money. In some schools it will mean not yelling over banging pipes or danger of fire or burns. Schools in general tend to be short of maintenance funds, and if they tell you their libraries need funds, they are not lieing. Schools have been starved for money they need for basic things just about everywhere my whole life. They aren't begging you for money to put in a staff room jacuzzi; they are using it to help the students and keep the school functional. Plumbing and electrical systems wear out, roofs leak, lockers, desks, and chairs break. Libraries need new books and computers. There are never enough school, art, and science supplies. Textbooks need replacing and/or upgrading.

Remember, pay for schools, or you end up paying for prisons, because the more you starve yuour schools for funds, the more kids fall through the cracks.

* I see Sharon Engle says that those scary foreigners in her ad may not be Hispanics but Asians and that once a reporter thought she was Asian so none of that can possibly be racist. I honestly don't see how this makes it any batter. *facepalm*

* Apparently no one has come with food for Neighbor Lady and she has no lights, though she has heat. I gave her beans, corn, soup, and candles, as I have enough beans to outlast a medium sized siege, and a store of corn and soup I only really eat in emergencies. I also have a lot of votives for electrical emergencies and holidays, so it's not a big deal. After all, the only things of these I paid money for were the candles. I reminded her that if there is a big emergency like an intruder or fire she should come get us instead of sort it herself. I really, really don't want to be supporting her. Handing over surplus canned goods is one thing; money or things we actually need is another. She has family apparently. I really can't be taking on responsibility for her, but I can't let an elderly, obviously incompetent lady starve in the dark on the other side of my living room wall. She seemed more together today, at least. I should probably look into who to call social services wise, if she looks to be needing more intervention. I'm not convinced she's together enough to be living alone.

* I see the American right wing is doing another round of claims that "all terrorists are muslims." What exactly did they think Timothy McVeigh was? Did Republicans not watch brave rescue workers pulling limp children out of the ruins of their day care? Did they not see the families waiting to see who's babies were dead and which alive? WTF!!! Looks like terrorism to me, and that was one of our American born white supremacist militia extremists. Hell, wasn't it last year that disgruntled white guy attacked an IRS building with a plane? I think it was last year. How come Republicans don't count these people as terrorist? Or are they not able to remember last year. If they can't, shouldn't they be in care facilities, not politics? Mr. Kilmeade has backtracked and has lied about saying it. Of course, but this has been floating around since at least when Ms. Coulter said it. What is with all these politicians lately who claim they never said things when they can be seen to have said them on video or on tape. If it's been recorded, it's pretty much impossible to take it back.

* Hector is sulking because I wouldn't let him have Stromboli.

* They've greenlighted a series based on Charlaine Harris' Grave Sight. I really like the characters in that series and I think it has potential as a psychic mystery series. I hope they keep the main character's disability, as their aren't a lot of disabled characters on TV.

* neo_prodigy found, another tragedy: http://billyvanity.tumblr.com/post/1342267895/when-chloe-lacy-decided-earlier-this-year-to

The language is respectful and perfect, but I don't like when they show the photos from before.

* House. I really liked Dr. Chang? Chan? I particularly liked how and what she said in her last scene in the episode. Way too good for them, clearly.

* Lie to Me: I fear for anyone dating the lead characters as I think they are prone to tearing apart each other's lovers. Don't get me wrong, they'd be terrible for each other, like Eames and Arthur would be. I worry romantic movie/TV convention will lead them to hook up at some point, but I keep hoping they are too smart for that, which they have been so far. They would leave each other in the emotional and financial Equivalent of bloody shreds. To me, the acting in the "Tell me a lie" scene was fascinating, as was the character psychology.

* O.o Creepy: http://www.otherpeoplesbusiness.net/comics/06pg29.gif

* I spotted navy guy's boyfriend at the library. He smiled and waved. I smiled and waved back. It took an hour for me to figure out this startled me because I'm used to the trans folk "pretend we don't know each other in public" thing. Not that friends hanging out on purpose do this, but there's this protecting people from getting outed etiquette thing. It makes me kind of sad, really. It's isolating. I get why it's necessary, as people get killed, but still. Gah! Anyway, it's oddly liberating to have it be okay to admit we know each other. I hadn't realized how much the requirement not to notice acquaintances feels like a straight jacket sometimes.

* Hypocrisy watch: Numerous republicans including John Mccain, who voted against the stimulus and claim the government in general and the stimulus in particular can't create jobs, who then wrote in begging for stimulus money on the grounds that their infrastucture would create jobs. no shame. No shame at all.

* Deusabscondum has something to say: http://deusabscondidum.livejournal.com/184344.html?mode=reply&style=mine

Joel Burns, I salute you, Sir.

(no subject)

I'm leaving Thursday and should be coming back the Thursday after.

I got more information. Mother collapsed at work this time, which meant quick evac at least. She's still unconscious and is on a feeding tube, all of which is bad, bad, bad.

(no subject)

I'm leaving Thursday and should be coming back the Thursday after.

I got more information. Mother collapsed at work this time, which meant quick evac at least. She's still unconscious and is on a feeding tube, all of which is bad, bad, bad.

Spirit Day

Originally posted by neo_prodigy at Spirit Day

 


It’s been decided. On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in honor of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes at at their schools. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Please wear purple on October 20th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools.

RIP Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh (top)
RIP Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase (middle)
RIP Asher Brown and Billy Lucas. (bottom)

REBLOG to spread a message of love, unity and peace.