because the fundies here are NUTS! This past weekend, members of New Beginnings ministries attended services at two churches (Methodist and Baptist) that are open to all and disrupted the services with speeches that told the ministers and worshippers they are sinners because they do not speak out against homosexuality.

Someone may have said this, but I just read "The Culture Code" (OK book, fast read) and the author posits the "code" for seduction in the US is "manipulation". I can't remember what it was for other countries (cheese=DEAD in the US, ALIVE in France).

When you talk about "something as unsexy as math" it really doesn't do you much good to be slamming a book as catering to stereotypes.

Whatever will get young women into the sciences is a goddess-send, IMHO. If our girls don't start doing better in math and science, we're doomed.

I still love Big Love! I want things to work out for them---except maybe Bill---he's seeming kind of smarmy; the rationalizations for the gambling company are too much AND an attraction to a waitress as a sign from god? puh-lease.

I think a nice life insurance payout is just what those ladies need!

are rarely written by the author, so I wouldn't assume that Ms. Alvarez chose "ultimate". I have enjoyed the heck out of her other books, so I may read this one as well but reading about marginalized folks spending a fortune they don't have is just depressing.

Doesn't that count for something? Can I work part time, too and keep my staggeringly small salary and health insurance.

Personally, I'm all for stay at home parents: it keeps them out of my cube with photos and stories of poop. If I could give them certain hours for shopping so that I am not mown down by their SUV sized strollers, that would be even better.

Heck, I'll even pay more taxes if they will corral their children so they are not on my street at all hours of the day and night.

I agree that that imprecise language is annoying and we're far too lazy in describing what is going on in the world. Thanks for a great letter!

I really enjoyed reading the original article. Now, Ms. Dickerson's piece makes more sense.

As someone who foolishly moved to a drug riddled neighborhood, I see up close how desperately needed a comprehensive approach is for "urban" problems fueled by poverty, institutional racism, and ignorance on multiple levels from parents to elected officials.

BTW, anonymous who wants 50 year minimums...have you ever been to a prison or seen their financials? If that sort of bone-headed policy were implemented--really we're not that far off now when one considers the recidivism--the war in Iraq would start looking CHEAP.

but every little bit helps. I just ordered an "I am Dua Khalil" t-shirt (http://www.blackmarketbeagles.com/) and part of the proceeds go to Equality Now. It's also a great opportunity to tell folks about this incident when they say, "that's not your name"!

but every little bit helps. I just ordered an "I am Dua Khalil" t-shirt (http://www.blackmarketbeagles.com/) and part of the proceeds go to Equality Now. It's also a great opportunity to tell folks about this incident when they say, "that's not your name"!

as it stands is really a pretty lame version of what COULD be. oh,and it had little to do with monotheists for a verrrry long time. they couldn't even get their shit together enough to have oh, libraries and running water.

wonderful article, BTW. the man was a polarizing, demonizing, haterizing piece of shit. so of course he's going to end up beatified by the right, much like his demented pal Reagan.

I was adopted at birth and have turned out mostly OK. I was told when I was in grade school. I don't exactly remember how old I was so it must not have been that traumatic. At the time, it was a minor blip; I felt extraordinarily special and kind of wondered how on earth my parents had picked ME. As an American, I just sort of assumed my folks went to something like a grocery store and shopped until they found the right child.

I've never contacted my "bios" mostly because I KNOW it would kill my mom. She is a little unstable and very very very needy, so she just would not be able to handle it. My dad, OTOH, was the most important person in my life. Altho I've never exactly "fit" with my family, there was never any question in my mind that he thought I was perfect and wouldn't change a thing.

It's about the straights! The more visible and accomplished gay and lesbians there are in the consciousness of Americans, the more equality there is likely to be in the long run. Compare the approval of same-sex marriage by age groups and it's clear that coming/being out has raised the "acceptability" of queerness to those under 40 significantly.

I think she has just did what the candidates can not: shift as much of the emphasis back to gay marriage or at least the schism looming over how much blue collar and middle america can hate/fear queers. How Edwards responds is going to determine whether he can win or not.

I almost can't tell the difference between the cleaning hunks. Maybe they can get the dude from the "studdlier guy" from the chyrsler ad.