I just saw this story on the local news tonight: In Florida, four middle school boys sexually assaulted two girls while riding on a school bus. It seems that first they asked the girls to show them their breasts, and upon the girls' refusal the boys proceeded to hold the girls down, lift up their shirts, and fondle them. So nice of them to ask first, wasn't it? I mean, if the girls had just agreed to it in the first place, we could have avoided all this trouble with the law and stuff. Apparently these boys, ages 14 - 16 (and what the hell is a 16 year old doing in middle school??), have already been indoctrinated into the unspoken understanding that girls should always agree to sexual requests, and if they don't, they're stuck up bitches and should be taught a lesson. I mean, aren't girls supposed to be sexually available at all times? That's how they are in hip hop and porn, after all. And let's not forget the girls gone wild DVD library of patriarchal wet dreams. This particular artifact of our culture has normalized the expectation of girls/women to show their breasts to any joe-shmoe who happens to ask. Like these guys now think they have the rightto demand this.
And almost as disturbing as the Florida incident itself was the reaction of parents captured by the news media. Most said they wouldn't let their kid ride the bus anymore, and another said the bus driver should be held accountable. WTF? The only person (interviewed on TV) who mentioned that the boys should go to jail was another male student. That, at least, is cause for hope.
UPDATE: Thanks to hot tipper Scott, who alerted me to the fact that the boys are ages 12 - 14, not 14 - 16. I also forgot to mention that the boys took cell phone pictures of the girls after forcibly removing their clothes. the smoking gun article
Monday
I thought dog days of summer were in august
Geez, where have I been lately. I haven't felt like doing much lately, a paralysis spurred by the fact that I have committed myself to a proposal defense date (Nov. 28 or 29) and alerted my committee members to that fact. I decided that creating external expectations is the only way I am going to reach this next milestone. Now that I have set up this structure I am entering the phase of anxiously studying my calendar but being too afraid to start getting the proposal ready. I'm afraid that I will sit down to figure out the details of the research design and will realize that I have no idea how to decide what to do. Two waves of data or one? One age cohort or three? Do I need to use special software to account for complex sampling? So the days ramble on, staying up late watching the DVD commentary on "Freaks and Geeks" and finishing up Barack Obama's autobiography that I started last December.
We did some painting last weekend. I found out that there is an elusive line between a pleasing mint green and seafoam green. I'm worried that the bathroom turned out looking like a bad bridesmaid's dress color. On the other hand, the red wall in the dining room/kitchen is going to be badass. So far it just has two coats of tinted primer on it, but it already looks super cool.
Meanwhile I have two more weeks til I start my new job. The position is grant-funded, and there was a delay in getting the money released to Texas State - but I am starting on Oct. 10. Adds to the pressure to make progress on my proposal before then. Also meanwhile, I have high hopes for the premiere of the new ABC show Commander in Chief on Tuesday. I think it will help condition the masses to accept the notion of a female president.
We did some painting last weekend. I found out that there is an elusive line between a pleasing mint green and seafoam green. I'm worried that the bathroom turned out looking like a bad bridesmaid's dress color. On the other hand, the red wall in the dining room/kitchen is going to be badass. So far it just has two coats of tinted primer on it, but it already looks super cool.
Meanwhile I have two more weeks til I start my new job. The position is grant-funded, and there was a delay in getting the money released to Texas State - but I am starting on Oct. 10. Adds to the pressure to make progress on my proposal before then. Also meanwhile, I have high hopes for the premiere of the new ABC show Commander in Chief on Tuesday. I think it will help condition the masses to accept the notion of a female president.
Thursday
So Simple, So True
My camera is on the fritz while I await the arrival of my new memory card reader...but in the meantime my brother, a resident of Miami, FL sent me this picture he took the other day on a street in Hialeah (part of Miami).
Tuesday
Asthmatic kitty
So my right-hand-man, Okazaki Fragment, has asthma. He has had a cough for three months that we couldn't figure out (cuz all his other signs were normal), and an x-ray confirmed that he has a mild to moderate condition. He's on oral steroids right now, which don't seem to be affecting anything, so we'll see. He may have to use a kitty inhaler, which has better results and fewer long-term side effects, but is pretty expensive. Long-term use of oral steroids in cats can cause diabetes, didja know?
For a brief overview of feline asthma and a great picture of the "AeroKat" inhaler in action, go here.
For a brief overview of feline asthma and a great picture of the "AeroKat" inhaler in action, go here.
Saturday
Foster Homes for Displaced Pets Will Be Needed
Please support the Humane Society of the United State's Disaster Animal Response Team if you are able to.
From Lucky Mutts in Austin:
What's Going On:
The Waco Humane Society is staged to receive animals from evacuees staying in the area. They currently are not in need of anything.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: We are on the list to provide foster homes once more animals need them.
The Toney Berger Center is a “pet friendly” shelter – pets can stay outside in crates. They have more than enough food and supplies right now. They currently do not have any pets, but they are expecting 400 more refugees.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: They have no more storage space for pet food and supplies. We are taking donations and storing them until their current supply is down. We are also signing up fosters and volunteers to help with the animals once they arrive.
The Humane Society of the United States evacuated 300 animals. ALL of these animals have already found places to stay. There are other efforts in Gonzales, LA and more animals are likely to come.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: We are on the list to provide foster homes once more animals need them.
The Houston SPCA is sheltering pets for people is area shelters. They currently DO NOT need foster homes or more food donations.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: We are on the list to provide foster homes if needed and we are collecting items as listed on their website to deliver next week (http://www.spcahouston.org)
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Let us know if you can provide a temporary or permanent foster home for animals. Please include any restrictions that might apply.
Donate pet food to one of our locations. We currently have drop offs in Lakeway, Westlake and East Austin. Let us know where you would like to go.
Be put on the list of volunteers who can help pets and their people --> katrina@luckymutts.com.
You can also donate to the Humane Society of the United States (the agency coordinating the evacuation efforts).
REMEMBER:
Lucky Mutts is dedicated to a SUSTAINED effort. Volunteers are being turned away from places like the Berger center because there are so many people that want to help right now. We are committed to making a difference even after the media hype dies down. People and their pets will need help for weeks to come. We understand the incredible urge to “go” and help. But remember: do not add to the chaos – help reduce it! Join a group and wait to be told how to help!
From Lucky Mutts in Austin:
What's Going On:
The Waco Humane Society is staged to receive animals from evacuees staying in the area. They currently are not in need of anything.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: We are on the list to provide foster homes once more animals need them.
The Toney Berger Center is a “pet friendly” shelter – pets can stay outside in crates. They have more than enough food and supplies right now. They currently do not have any pets, but they are expecting 400 more refugees.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: They have no more storage space for pet food and supplies. We are taking donations and storing them until their current supply is down. We are also signing up fosters and volunteers to help with the animals once they arrive.
The Humane Society of the United States evacuated 300 animals. ALL of these animals have already found places to stay. There are other efforts in Gonzales, LA and more animals are likely to come.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: We are on the list to provide foster homes once more animals need them.
The Houston SPCA is sheltering pets for people is area shelters. They currently DO NOT need foster homes or more food donations.
HOW WE ARE HELPING: We are on the list to provide foster homes if needed and we are collecting items as listed on their website to deliver next week (http://www.spcahouston.org)
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Let us know if you can provide a temporary or permanent foster home for animals. Please include any restrictions that might apply.
Donate pet food to one of our locations. We currently have drop offs in Lakeway, Westlake and East Austin. Let us know where you would like to go.
Be put on the list of volunteers who can help pets and their people --> katrina@luckymutts.com.
You can also donate to the Humane Society of the United States (the agency coordinating the evacuation efforts).
REMEMBER:
Lucky Mutts is dedicated to a SUSTAINED effort. Volunteers are being turned away from places like the Berger center because there are so many people that want to help right now. We are committed to making a difference even after the media hype dies down. People and their pets will need help for weeks to come. We understand the incredible urge to “go” and help. But remember: do not add to the chaos – help reduce it! Join a group and wait to be told how to help!
Friday
Animal Disaster Response Teams
The Humane Society of the United State's Disaster Animal Response Team is heading to the Gulf Coast region to begin rescuing animals. If you have the means, consider donating to their effort.
Also, close to home, various animal groups around town are getting pet supply donations together and setting up a shelter for animals in Austin -- basically what happens is that people who managed to escape with their pets and get to a Red Cross shelter are not allowed to bring in the pets. Most if not all shelters do not allow pets. So help is needed to take care of these furry little babies until their human companions can get settled. I am trying to find contact information on how to help...I know Animal Trustees of Austin is involved, as is the Greyhound Rescue group.
Check Austin Humane Society to start.
Also, close to home, various animal groups around town are getting pet supply donations together and setting up a shelter for animals in Austin -- basically what happens is that people who managed to escape with their pets and get to a Red Cross shelter are not allowed to bring in the pets. Most if not all shelters do not allow pets. So help is needed to take care of these furry little babies until their human companions can get settled. I am trying to find contact information on how to help...I know Animal Trustees of Austin is involved, as is the Greyhound Rescue group.
Check Austin Humane Society to start.
Fire the FEMA director
This hack who has no disaster experience actually is publicly saying that the people left behind in New Orleans should bare some responsibility for their situation because they "chose" not to evacuate. He's talking about the very old, the very poor, and the very ill. He's talking about families with young children and no car or money. Someone better call for this idiot's resignation.
Chronology of a catastrophy
From Kevin Drum at washingtonmonthly.com:
Here's a timeline that outlines the fate of both FEMA and flood control projects in New Orleans under the Bush administration. Read it and weep:
January 2001: Bush appoints Joe Allbaugh, a crony from Texas, as head of FEMA. Allbaugh has no previous experience in disaster management.
April 2001: Budget Director Mitch Daniels announces the Bush administration's goal of privatizing much of FEMA's work. In May, Allbaugh confirms that FEMA will be downsized: "Many are concerned that federal disaster assistance may have evolved into both an oversized entitlement program...." he said. "Expectations of when the federal government should be involved and the degree of involvement may have ballooned beyond what is an appropriate level."
2001: FEMA designates a major hurricane hitting New Orleans as one of the three "likeliest, most catastrophic disasters facing this country."
December 2002: After less than two years at FEMA, Allbaugh announces he is leaving to start up a consulting firm that advises companies seeking to do business in Iraq. He is succeeded by his deputy, Michael Brown, who, like Allbaugh, has no previous experience in disaster management.
March 2003: FEMA is downgraded from a cabinet level position and folded into the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is refocused on fighting acts of terrorism.
2003: Under its new organization chart within DHS, FEMA's preparation and planning functions are reassigned to a new Office of Preparedness and Response. FEMA will henceforth focus only on response and recovery.
Summer 2004: FEMA denies Louisiana's pre-disaster mitigation funding requests. Says Jefferson Parish flood zone manager Tom Rodrigue: "You would think we would get maximum consideration....This is what the grant program called for. We were more than qualified for it."
June 2004: The Army Corps of Engineers budget for levee construction in New Orleans is slashed. Jefferson Parish emergency management chiefs Walter Maestri comments: "It appears that the money has been moved in the president's budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the price we pay."
June 2005: Funding for the New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is cut by a record $71.2 million. One of the hardest-hit areas is the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project, which was created after the May 1995 flood to improve drainage in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes.
August 2005: While New Orleans is undergoing a slow motion catastrophe, Bush mugs for the cameras, cuts a cake for John McCain, plays the guitar for Mark Wills, delivers an address about V-J day, and continues with his vacation. When he finally gets around to acknowledging the scope of the unfolding disaster, he delivers only a photo op on Air Force One and a flat, defensive, laundry list speech in the Rose Garden.
So: A crony with no relevant experience was installed as head of FEMA. Mitigation budgets for New Orleans were slashed even though it was known to be one of the top three risks in the country. FEMA was deliberately downsized as part of the Bush administration's conservative agenda to reduce the role of government. After DHS was created, FEMA's preparation and planning functions were taken away.
Actions have consequences. No one could predict that a hurricane the size of Katrina would hit this year, but the slow federal response when it did happen was no accident. It was the result of four years of deliberate Republican policy and budget choices that favor ideology and partisan loyalty at the expense of operational competence. It's the Bush administration in a nutshell.
—Kevin Drum
Here's a timeline that outlines the fate of both FEMA and flood control projects in New Orleans under the Bush administration. Read it and weep:
January 2001: Bush appoints Joe Allbaugh, a crony from Texas, as head of FEMA. Allbaugh has no previous experience in disaster management.
April 2001: Budget Director Mitch Daniels announces the Bush administration's goal of privatizing much of FEMA's work. In May, Allbaugh confirms that FEMA will be downsized: "Many are concerned that federal disaster assistance may have evolved into both an oversized entitlement program...." he said. "Expectations of when the federal government should be involved and the degree of involvement may have ballooned beyond what is an appropriate level."
2001: FEMA designates a major hurricane hitting New Orleans as one of the three "likeliest, most catastrophic disasters facing this country."
December 2002: After less than two years at FEMA, Allbaugh announces he is leaving to start up a consulting firm that advises companies seeking to do business in Iraq. He is succeeded by his deputy, Michael Brown, who, like Allbaugh, has no previous experience in disaster management.
March 2003: FEMA is downgraded from a cabinet level position and folded into the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is refocused on fighting acts of terrorism.
2003: Under its new organization chart within DHS, FEMA's preparation and planning functions are reassigned to a new Office of Preparedness and Response. FEMA will henceforth focus only on response and recovery.
Summer 2004: FEMA denies Louisiana's pre-disaster mitigation funding requests. Says Jefferson Parish flood zone manager Tom Rodrigue: "You would think we would get maximum consideration....This is what the grant program called for. We were more than qualified for it."
June 2004: The Army Corps of Engineers budget for levee construction in New Orleans is slashed. Jefferson Parish emergency management chiefs Walter Maestri comments: "It appears that the money has been moved in the president's budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the price we pay."
June 2005: Funding for the New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is cut by a record $71.2 million. One of the hardest-hit areas is the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project, which was created after the May 1995 flood to improve drainage in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes.
August 2005: While New Orleans is undergoing a slow motion catastrophe, Bush mugs for the cameras, cuts a cake for John McCain, plays the guitar for Mark Wills, delivers an address about V-J day, and continues with his vacation. When he finally gets around to acknowledging the scope of the unfolding disaster, he delivers only a photo op on Air Force One and a flat, defensive, laundry list speech in the Rose Garden.
So: A crony with no relevant experience was installed as head of FEMA. Mitigation budgets for New Orleans were slashed even though it was known to be one of the top three risks in the country. FEMA was deliberately downsized as part of the Bush administration's conservative agenda to reduce the role of government. After DHS was created, FEMA's preparation and planning functions were taken away.
Actions have consequences. No one could predict that a hurricane the size of Katrina would hit this year, but the slow federal response when it did happen was no accident. It was the result of four years of deliberate Republican policy and budget choices that favor ideology and partisan loyalty at the expense of operational competence. It's the Bush administration in a nutshell.
—Kevin Drum
Thursday
natural disasters and violence
I haven't accomplished much in the last few days. Been glued to the 24-hr news channels watching the horror unfold in New Orleans and Mississippi. The first day I watched a stranded seal who had been thrown by the storm into a parking lot from a nearby aquarium. Later they had to shoot the seal in the head because they didn't have a way to save him. It's of course just gotten worse from there. All the frail elderly people slowly dying, waiting for water and food and medicine. And no one is talking about the race and class issues here. FINALLY there was a commentator on CNN today who talked about how no one is talking about it, like the big pink elephant in the living room.
And WTF is going on with the roving bands of rapists in the streets??? Unfuckingbelievable. I understand the theory behind rape in wartime, but rape in a natural disaster? Someone please explain this to me sociologically. There are parallels of trauma and crisis and survival between war and a natural disaster...but what is the motivation for rape? What kind of dominance are they striving for that would cause them to turn on their own neighbors?
Here is a World Health Organization brief on violence and disasters.
And WTF is going on with the roving bands of rapists in the streets??? Unfuckingbelievable. I understand the theory behind rape in wartime, but rape in a natural disaster? Someone please explain this to me sociologically. There are parallels of trauma and crisis and survival between war and a natural disaster...but what is the motivation for rape? What kind of dominance are they striving for that would cause them to turn on their own neighbors?
Here is a World Health Organization brief on violence and disasters.
parting thoughts
My last day at the "Coww" Foundation was yesterday...I'm not 100% sure where I'm headed next, but it feels nice to walk away. I felt sad as I was cleaning out my office, but mostly because of the unmet and wasted opportunities. The re-organization of the foundation meant that the fellowship program was disorganized and not thought-out. It is very unfortunate, but I really think it is due to the type of people they have brought in to lead the foundation in the last year and a half. I made several efforts to make things happen there, but it went nowhere. Ah well.
At first I was led to believe that my leaving would be "controversial" and "people" would gossip and think ill of me. But once I told people other than my supervisor, I was met with nothing but warm wishes and I daresay jealousy for getting out. I think a lot of them stayed on during the recent changes because they were too close to retirement.
At first I was led to believe that my leaving would be "controversial" and "people" would gossip and think ill of me. But once I told people other than my supervisor, I was met with nothing but warm wishes and I daresay jealousy for getting out. I think a lot of them stayed on during the recent changes because they were too close to retirement.
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