John August: Writers, Don't Forget about Adoption!

John August posted an open letter to Cindy from "Blue Valentine" on his wonderful blog a few weeks ago.

In it, he discusses Cindy's options in regards to her (spoiler!) unwanted pregnancy. She chooses continue the pregnancy to term, but does not consider adoption. August believes that our media portrayals of adoption keeps many women with unwanted pregnancies away from that option due to misconceptions and perpetuated stereotypes.

Even though I've never adopted a child, it's always what I've planned on doing if I decide I want to have children someday, so I do look for stories and depictions of adoption on TV and film. I have to agree with August. It's really hard to find an accurate or uplifting view. "Glee" has certainly done a crap job this season. "Once Upon a Time" isn't doing any better (and may be doing worse), which is really too bad because I actually enjoy that show.

I'm with John. TV and film writers, get to work writing accurate portrayals of adoption! And, John, you're a successful screenwriter, maybe you can put some positive portrayals out there of your own? I know I'll try to once I've gained success!

Just a thought.

HP7:P2 Trailer Oot!!

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 trailer is oot! (I like saying oot instead of out because Canadians are funny. They are also irrelevant to this post.) Wow. It really looks incredible. Watch it!

Badass Apple HD trailer available here. Actually, yeah just go to the Apple trailer because it's way better than my embed.

SPOILER(S) ALERT! (my thoughts, feelings, reactions)

I love all the glimpses at the Snape memories. They look off-kilter, a little disturbing, but also beautiful and nostalgic - and that's from about five frames alone!

That "Harry throwing himself and Voldy off the tower" thing seems a bit odd, but maybe it will work in context?

Love the hint at the Bellatrix vs. Molly duel!

Everybody's dying!!! I feel like they show a ton of the deaths in this trailer, but really you'd only know who/what is going on if you've read the books so it's not really that spoiler-y. (Of course me talking about it is, though, but if you didn't want spoilers you shouldn't have kept reading!)

On that note - Freeeeeeeeddddd!!

Overall the look feels nostalgic (I can't believe it's almost over!) and magical (Wands! Pretty floating things! Dragons!) like always, but also super gritty, action-packed, and dramatic to show that we're not just dealing with Harry Potter anymore - now we've got Harry F**king Potter.

And I'm ready to join the fight.

One Day I Can Be Pretty like Amy Poehler!

This is Amy Poehler. Yes, our Amy Poehler of SNL and Parks and Rec! She looks to be about my age in this picture, and I am so happy that she is prettier now than she was then. Look at those unkempt eyebrows! The lack of (good?) makeup! The ridiculously boring haircut!

That's me now (except for the unkempt eyebrows - mine are VERY kempt. Also, I do wear makeup, but the "good" part is arguable)! So there is hope that I, too, can be even prettier later in life than I am in my 20s. Clearly, the world that says you'll look your best in your 20s is wrong! I'll just have to become a tv/movie star in my 30s and 40s and I'll be set.

To the future!

[Image via Getty Images via FRANNY-GLASS]

Rally to Restore Fear and/or Sanity: The Biggest News Story of 2010?

I'm not saying it is, but Newsweek sure seems to think so, and I'm fine with it.

Does this make me one of if not the most important person of 2010? Clearly, Newsweek thinks so, and I'm definitely not going to argue with that.

Thanks for Attending and Happy Halloween!

Thanks to all the 215,000+ people who came to the National Mall yesterday! You all really made it a fun, crazy, special, awesometastic day.

Needless to say, I spent today sleeping, eating candy, taking naps, and eating more candy.

Happy Halloween, Readers!

Remembering September 11th

It's not hard to remember September 11, 2001 at first. People throw it around so casually nowadays that it's impossible to forget. Whether it's being used to try (and fail) to get a mayor elected as President or to oppress and disgrace an entire people who are innocent of any connections to that day besides sorrow and grief. Whether someone's making money off of other people's tragedy in Alaska or someone is voting down a bill to help those who are still sick from that day, we remember September 11th.

The problem is that it doesn't mean so much anymore. It's a phrase overused, an idea spread too thin, a moment too widely misconstrued and abused and politicized.

Nine years later, we've forgotten what really happened and how we really felt.

On September 10th, Republicans (especially the Southern ones) hated New York and most people had no clue was Al Qaeda was. Not too many people in the U.S. had a strong opinion about Islam one way or the other, except that it was a big religion abroad that not many people followed here. Those who did weren't all that different from those who didn't - unless you were talking about Israel, of course.

Since then, a lot has changed and a lot hasn't. Republicans still hate New York and everyone in it, but now they claim to love Ground Zero. Most people still don't know a whole lot about Al Qaeda or Islam, but everyone has a strong opinion about it one way or another. Everyone feels very different and everyone feels very much the same.

Living a few blocks away from where it all happened, it's easy to get bombarded by the protests and the tourists and the fakeness. Passing by the big empty hole and the posters about what's coming (but are they really getting anything done?) and the big charred cross on the way to the Whole Foods can really make it all just seem to so far away and forgotten. For weeks after I moved to this apartment, I didn't even know I lived right next to the former World Trade Center.

Today wasn't all that different. It's a beautiful day, sunny with barely a cloud in the sky. Not hot. Not cold. After a brunch with friends, the BF and I took a long walk home. We walked through the Festival of San Janero in Little Italy. We bought vegan ice cream (made of cashews!). We tried to avoid the crowds along Canal.

Only when we got to Duane and Reade (namesake of the ubiquitous pharmacy) did we noticed the heightened security, the bomb squad dogs, the bullhorns, the protestors, the signs, the loudspeakers, and the fact that it was nearly impossible to get through. And I wanted to do was go home and take a nap. The BF was focused on getting us to the CVS so I could pick up my pills and he could pick up toilet paper. I noticed that the vast majority of protestors and speakers were the friendly kind, talking about unity and denouncing racism and saying the names of those that perished. Someone was giddily (seriously, he was so happy to be doing this) handing out free Korans, but I don't know if he meant for us to read them or burn them.

So it's hard to remember what it was all about to begin with, what happened and who it happened to. There are a few people, people I feel terrible for, who will truly never forget what happened and how it happened, because they were the people who were there, who lost someone, who got sick, who can't stop remembering.

For me, I was a freshman back in Dallas in the middle of an advanced geometry class. Our new principal came over the PA and hastily told us to go to the auditorium after class instead of advisory (our fancy-school version of homeroom). We all laughed because she sounded so flustered. We all thought it was because she was new and not used to the PA system. The hallways were crowded and some people sounded really distressed. A friend of mine, a junior, told me the Pentagon had been hit by a plane. She said it was a terrorist attack. I wanted her to be wrong. By the time we got in the auditorium, everyone was upset and everyone had heard something different. What is the World Trade Center? What about the White House? Is it over?

Our new principal told us that one of the two World Trade Center buildings had been hit by a plane. They weren't sure if it was an accident, but since the Pentagon had been hit by something, too, they didn't think it was. She told us that they had contacted our classmates who had taken a semester abroad in New York (again, this was a fancy high school) and they were all ok. She told us that if anyone needed to contact a relative in New York they should talk to their advisor. They told us that we were still going to have school, but that if anyone needed to go home they could.

This was when I remembered that my cousin and her husband (or was he still her boyfriend at the time?) lived in New York. I hoped they were ok. They were, but I didn't realize then how close they lived to the World Trade Center. Turns out it was just a five minute walk away. At the time, they had a very clear view.

Next was biology or chemistry (I'm thinking I had chemistry since I was a freshman, but for some reason I remember being in the biology room). That was when I saw the poor girl whose birthday it was crying in the lounge in the science hall. We're all crowded around the the TV. It's here when I first see the second plane hit the second tower. Looking back, it probably was replaying footage, but I thought it was live. It was horrifying. I was journaling at the time. I had just gotten into journaling in a notebook instead on the computer (it ended up being on the computer that stuck), and I was very glad in a weird way that I had it with me so I could document my feelings. I don't know where that journal is now... I'm sure my fourteen-year-old angst made me sound like I was over analyzing everything too much anyway.

The next chunk isn't as clear. I don't really remember lunch or anything. I do remember we had a world history test that afternoon and my teacher refused to postpone it. He said something about our fear not being a good enough reason not to learn (though I'm sure he didn't use a double negative like that). That night, I was glued to the TV. I wanted to absorb everything. I was very much caught up in it. My parents were the opposite. I think they were more scared than I was. I was more "this is my JFK moment." I don't know if that's how I'd think about it now.

That was my September 11, 2001. That's what I remember. There were days and weeks after of mourning and arguing about what was next, but on that day I was just confused, fascinated (in the horrified way), and utterly sad. I knew it was big, but I had no idea what it meant. And I definitely didn't think it would lead to what it is seen as now. Well, I was fourteen. I was naive. I was innocent, even then.

I'm a Twenty-Something

This NY Times article seems to just be a fancy way of saying "Your 20s suck but also rock."

...

To quote a word a term from my not-quite-over-apparently-childhood, "Duh."

Sarah Don't Speak for Me!

Just read an article about this campaign, "Sarah Doesn't Speak for Me." And no, it's not about Sarah Jessica Parker and her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in the smash series "Sex and the City" and the lackluster movies "Sex and the City (2)", though SJP also doesn't really speak for me, either. I don't care how big a part of the show fashion was, that girl could not dress herself.

We're talking about Sarah Frickin' Palin and her "Mama Grizzlies" campaign. Pretty much the dumbest thing ever (if you haven't watched the campaign video, don't. It will make you destroy your computer monitor and then you'd have to buy a new one. And no, I'm not providing a link because I refuse to link to something so idiotic unless it involves puppies.). But here is the video for "Sarah Doesn't Speak for Me." It's pretty cute.



"Sarah Doesn't Speak for Me" is a campaign run by "Emily's List," a group that endorses pro-choice women Democrats, against SP's campaign by providing vocal and financial support for women's-rights supporting Democratic politicians as well as trying to reveal the true stances and positions of SP's Mama Grizzlies.

A choice quote from one of SP's politicians, "We're not going to cry 'emergency' every time we have a Katrina." That's a great idea! When hundreds of people are being washed away in a flood, let's not rescue them. This is America, and in America we believe in the freedom to defend yourself against the violent throws of a non-climate-changing nature without any help from anyone else. That's the free market for you.

So, if you're interested in protecting women's rights or just don't like SP, check out "Sarah Doesn't Speak for Me." And stay classy, readers!

Glad I Turn My Computer Off At Night!

Otherwise I'd feel even worse than I already do about all of my electricity use, conveniently condensed in this giant infographic.

No Wonder I'm Slightly Crazy

I was just reading the Daily Beast's 50 Most Stressful Colleges. I just started browsing through their slideshow, looking for my college, and I thought, "Well, this is going to take forever. I might as well click 'See All'." Nevermind, my college is 2nd.

The sad thing is that it doesn't surprise me at all.

Hot Food Revolution Pockets

I just love the irony of watching "Hot Pocket Side Shot Cheeseburger" commercials in the middle of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution." Really tugs at the heartstrings.

Yay for Feminist Parodies!

This is awesome. Major thanks for Brendon over at My Five Year Plan for finding amazing parody - lady's lib forever!



UPDATE: Also, Bill Clinton is ok! What a relief - not sure how much this fits in with a post about feminism (debate in the comments as you will), but it's still important.

Could Someone Please Explain This to Me?

Unsurprisingly, Canada McDonald's will be offering an Olympic menu over the next few weeks.

Normal things they've included: Olympic toys for Happy Meals

Things I Cannot Figure Out for the Life of Me: Creme-Brulee Crunch McFlurry, S'Mores Pie, Spicy Szechwan Dipping Sauce, and Zesty Mango Dipping Sauce.

At first I thought that maybe they were trying to do a "foods from around the world" theme, but that would not explain the S'Mores Pie. Plus, which region, specifically, does Mango represent?

So I thought maybe it was more of a Winter theme (Winter Olympics, after all), but then the Mango and the Szechwan sauces really don't make sense.

Any ideas?

State of the Union 2010

Before everybody comes over and rains on my parade with their spin and "he did too much but not enough," I'm just going to come out and say it - that was a great State of the Union address.

He discussed and elaborated on everything I wanted him to. He made proposals which I found strong. He was tough on his adversaries and his predecessor, but still found the moral high ground to admit his own setbacks. He called on the Democrats to (for Jeebus' sake) get things done (HEALTHCARE PLEASE!). He called on the Republicans to stop blocking every piece of legislation that comes through the door. He called on Congress to man up. He even knocked the Supreme Court for being corporatist d-bags. And all the while, he still talked about how he and Congress could work together to make America better for us now and for generations to come.

Because while our President may not be perfect, he's trying so hard to make things better for all of us and you just know that he will not give up until he does; that's why I admire the guy.

Well, that and because the looks exchanged between him and Michelle tonight made me blush by just how crazy in love with each other they are. They nearly beat me and my bf for Best Couple Ever (nearly!).

So just take a night, America, to lay down your critical, cynical arms, and embrace the fact that this is our guy and we can get it right just this once. Please. For me?

Why Would Anyone Want to Do This Ever?

If you have to wear a spacesuit, it's not skydiving anymore.

Seriously. People are way too crazy for their own good.

Sign of the Times

On my commute home tonight, I saw a young man with a huge set of gold and faux(?)-diamond bling hanging from his jeans' zipper - his jeans' crotch fly. The entire zipper and zipper area were gold-plated, and hanging off of the zipper itself was a huge gold and diamond - I kid you not - ball.

Someone please assure me that this is not the latest trend, because that sort of thing really does draw the eye, and I really did not want to be looking at this guy's golden, saggy, jeans' crotch.

I'm just saying.

Scientific American is Trying to Ruin My Relationship

Scientific American is trying to bribe me into buying their magazine by promising me that they can Help (Me) Fall and Stay in Love and make sure I'm one of the Happy Couples who know all the Secrets to a Long Marriage.

First, they give me these headlines - promises, indeed! Then, they let me read a preview that assures me that, yes, they do have the answers but stops before they tell me any of them.

And then? Do I get to read it? NO! They want me to buy the magazine first. Absurd!

The bastards. What are my boyfriend and I supposed to do now? Figure it out for ourselves!? We're not that smart! And we don't have enough money to buy your fancy scientific magazine!

So why do half of all marriages end in divorce? Because Scientific American is a magazine filled with greedy, greedy love secret hoarders.

Unnecessary Technology

Aside from shock value (which would be cooler if the little squares moved really quickly instead of super slowly), how is this better than a treadmill?

Remembering September 11, 2001

Shout out to Liz for posting this, too. I think it encompasses what a lot of us felt, and it still gets me.

Sorry I just have the link. The embed code is malfunctioning.

It's Happening...

Look at them. Laughing. Unaware of the horrifying future that lay ahead...

The Squirrelpocalypse: Squirrelmageddon! is on its way! And this "cheeky squirrel" is only fanning the flames.

As if stealing focus (literally!) in one picture isn't enough, now he's gone viral?!

Artful Stew readers, unite against this desecration of humanity! Steal the focus back for mankind! They may take our silly vacation photos, but they can never take our freedom!