Powerful Women

Among the most powerful women in the history of the world were Eleanor of Aquitaine (ruler of Aquitaine and queen of France then England) and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Study Re-evaluates Evolution of Mammals

New York Times today summarizes recent research that shows that the ancestors of most mammals were alive long before the global extinction of dinosaurs and that it took a much longer time -- 10-15 million years -- than previously believed, for those lines to diversify and flourish. What does all that mean? It's too early to know, but certainly one thing: there's still much work to be done to fully understand the history of life on earth.

'F' word still classroom, global issue

"We can learn a lot about women's roles when we watch democracy in action.

"For instance, I learned last week that "women's social rights are not critical to the evolution of democracy" - or so says Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former Middle East specialist and fellow at the American Enterprise institute.

"We had a democracy in 1900, he says, and women didn't have the vote then.

"According to his logic, the freedoms of women and minorities would not be ours by democratic right but by privilege. No wonder folks get upset when we ask for more."

ASU Web Devil - Traywick: 'F' word still classroom, global issue

Racism's Alive

White supremicism lives -- on the Internet, in a "kindler, gentler" form. Making it all the scarier, because the kindness is just a strategy....

http://righthandthief.blogspot.com/2005/08/in-your-all-white-prism-with-your.html

From the NY Times: In Ethical Culture's Venerable Halls, Music Camp in Riot Grrl Tradition

I had the great honor to be in the EC building during the week these amazing girls were participating -- and can attest first-hand to the incredible energy that reverberated through the august old building!

Evangelical Christianity Has Been Hijacked: Definitely a thought-provoking article!

What I'm listening to: Bill Staines: River

The American Prospect: Nothing Sacred. by Brett Di Resta and Cliff Schecter. February 26, 2004.: "A quick look around the Internet shows that heterosexual couples are doing an excellent job of undermining the 'sanctity of marriage' on their own. "

Doonesbury@Slate - His teeth were there: Was he?: "So don't let the smear artists define the president. If you personally witnessed George W. Bush reporting for drills at Dannelly Air National Guard Base between the months of May and November of 1972 we want to hear about it. Help Mr. Bush put this partisan assault on his character behind him, so he can focus on more serious issues like jobs, the deficit and the coming civil war in Iraq. Just contact us below with the salient details. If we think you're a possible winner, we'll get back to you pronto. Good luck to all contestants!"

The Despoiling of America - "How George W. Bush became the head of the new American Dominionist Church/State" - a well-researched article about the theocratic ideas of dominionist religious conservatives.