If Looks Could Kill - Graphic Art & Design

“The president supports and encourages stem cell research, including using embryonic lines, as long as it does not involve creating, harming or destroying embryos,” Fratto said. “That is an ethical line that should not be crossed.” (Source)

This statement is contradictory in itself and means that he does NOT support embryonic stem cell research, b/c if they are not to be created or destroyed, what is it that scientists are allowed to do?

For clarification:

“during an embryo’s first few days of existence it is a blastocyst - a mass of cells that has not differentiated, and could not develop into a human being unless implanted in a mother’s womb.” (Source)

This asshole is protecting CELLS?! Yet, as governor of Texas, he was able to rationalize over 150 executions on a legal technicality. He claimed that as governor, all he could do was grant them 30 days reprieve. (Source)

It gets me riled b/c this should be a non-issue, the funding for research that a majority of Americans seem to want. Meanwhile, $2.15 billion in federal grants for religious initiatives are perfectly acceptable to this little man. WTF?!

“Your class, Payne says, determines everything: your eating habits, your speech patterns, your family relations.”

Humor by Class:
• Humor in poverty = People & Sex
• Middle Class = Situational
• Privileged: Social Faux Pas

If marrying into poverty, your spouse may view you as a possession to be protected. She advises a person to try & see the positives in this, which I find interesting - I cannot fathom the finer points of being owned. :|

Accusations are flying against the author, of Marxism & stereotyping, but I think she is offering ppl an advantage, to better relate to others, to go further.

How could anyone deny that social class affects one’s station in life? I’ve seen ppl hindered by this, both in college & the corporate world.

(Source) - free signup required

“I has 26 toes!”

I ♥ that the owners didn’t amputate the extras, since they cause him no problems, nor is he declawed from the sound of the article.

FYI: For those that don’t know, declawing is equivalent to severing your finger up to the first knuckle - not nice!

Apparently extra-toed cats are common in an area of Wales.

OMFG! Read this. Complete w/pictures of absurd creation-driven exhibits.

“It’s getting to be ri-GODDAMN-diculous!”

*simultaneously entertained & horrified*

An article offers tips on nonverbal cues to advance in a business context - some of this is valid, as I’ve played the corporate game - some of it’s just odd.

• Wear pastels to imply trustworthiness.
• Eye contact expectation = 90% in US
• Wear lower heels for equal footing, literally & figuratively

I personally resent the implications of pastels. To me, it says the individual has playful bunny figurines at home. It’s merely a matter of aesthetics, but I suppose the majority rules. “More tea, Polly Prissypants?”

The eye contact level in America is extreme! It used to wig me the fuck out, but then I realized it was all part of a larger game, control, dominance & submission… As the article points out, it’s all very animalistic.

Besides, when most ppl look at you, they’re thinking about themselves anyway, not you. We are an individualistic & self-absorbed society.

The psychology of high heels… that’s a whole other post, but this article would portray it as a signal of weakness, putting oneself off-balance and at a disadvantage. But they look fierce!!! Some could even double as weapons. Not ideal for long hikes, so there is some reality to the overall concept.

( Source | Slideshow )

The border between coercion and torture: the after-effects on interrogators

“I never saw a ghost in Abu Ghraib,” he said. “But I saw a ghost last night. It was me.”

They’re not all drones (free signup required) letters tell soldier’s story posthumously

He had just earned a master’s degree at Texas A&M University in Shakespearean literature, but he was too restless for academia.

“September 11th had a profound effect on him. He didn’t want to be there in 20 years talking about the war,” Jennifer said. “He wanted to be making changes in the world, instead of complaining about them.”

I find these particularly fascinating, just no time to elaborate. Well worth the read.

Make no mistake, I still think their president sucks, I didn’t select him either time. However, I feel for the soldiers’ plight.