Social42

Diploma Denied

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:30:30 PDT

Upon his graduation from Bonny Eagle High School of Standish, ME, Justin Denney <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,526642,00.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>blew a kiss to his family and pointed to his friends </a>as he walked up the stage. That’s when school superintendent Suzanne Lukas told him to return to his seat, and he never received his diploma that day. All students were warned by Lukas not to fool around, but what happened at the ceremony is nothing short of outrageous.

Stranded At The Bus Stop

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:18:18 PDT

Here’s<a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/investigations/CTA.disabled.passengers.2.1013797.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'> a report</a> that brings back memories from a friend’s story. From 2005 to 2008, there were 930 complaints filed to the bus drivers of the Chicago Transit Authority for passing by physically disabled passengers, and even refusing to let them board amongst a crowd of able passengers. Just so happens that last year, a classmate of mine was with a friend who had a broken leg and was in a wheelchair waiting for the bus. The bus driver said that the CTA policy was “no wheelchairs allowed,” although the bus clearly had an elevating ramp.

Gay Penguins

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:42:09 PDT

It’s been a week since Prop 8 was upheld in the state of California. A terrible blow to the communities of those who want equal rights. From all sides of the conservative parties, there are arguments that range from religious reasons to just plain not believing in it. Some have even gone to call it “unnatural.” It seems, however, that nature just gave a big “screw you” to the naysayers for gay marriage.

Pain at the Pump: The Sequel

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:05:02 PDT

Last year, it was obvious the economy was heading down the toilet. The main event that caused the bottom to fall out was the spike in gas prices. Everything a consumer buys is directly linked to the shipping industry, as materials must be shipped in. If the gas prices go up, businesses are forced to pay huge amounts to the shipping companies. In order to meet those demands, businesses raise prices on their goods. The consumers take the hit as prices spike and many can’t afford a decent living. Not to mention that those who have to drive a half hour distance to work are forced to put a good chunk of that paycheck away to transportation costs. In short, having gas prices that cost and arm and leg creates a domino effect that will be the downfall of this country.

Blue Cross Crucifies Its Customers

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:49:10 PDT

In recession, it seems for the most part that businesses cut back on expensive prices. If you know where to look right now, things can be found dirt cheap. Grocery stores are offering special recession discounts on basic food items such as bread and milk. At TGI Friday’s, you can by a generous-sized portion lunch sandwich for only five dollars. It’s even possible to own a small house in certain locations across the country and pay the same rate as if renting out an apartment. Any little bit to hold the country over until we are back on our feet a little better. So then what’s Blue Cross’s problem?

A Call to Warriors

Wed, 27 May 2009 19:28:26 PDT

A call to Warriors has been given. Did you hear it? Did you hear the call? Maybe you’re not a Warrior or Warrioress, in which case maybe you should stop reading. If you heard the call and knew what it is then you’ve already jumped to attention weapons and tools at hand, ready to join the fray. Maybe you’ve begun to hear the call but don’t yet know how to process it. We live in precarious times when and where the forces of chaos are coming into overt combat against the forces of unification.

Sharing Is Caring... Seriously.

Tue, 26 May 2009 21:07:22 PDT

Social injustice doesn’t just come in the form of one group or person causing unfair difficulties to another. Sometimes it shows up in the form of one person kissing butt in order to avoid dealing with a problem. The other day I was at work when this soccer mom, in a hurry, wants to buy a muffin for her young children, a boy and a girl, to split. The children were about six to eight years old, still very much in their fundamental learning years. Upon hearing that he would have to split, the older child instantly refused, claiming that he’s not going to share with his sister.

Artists Have Rights Too

Thu, 21 May 2009 19:29:41 PDT

A piece of public art <a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/local/mural.alderman.balcer.2.1012941.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>was painted over on Monday</a> without warning to the author. In a Chicago neighborhood, a mural once decorated a giant brick wall, rendering the likenesses of Chicago Police surveillance cameras alongside a skull and deer’s head. Alderman James Balcer told the press that he believed it was a threat to the community that could have incited gang violence, so he ordered the city to remove it at once. There is a city worker out there who is in big trouble, and there was no right to remove the artwork without a city legal process involving artist Gabriel Villa.

Commencement From Hell

Sun, 17 May 2009 18:22:39 PDT

During commencement at Notre Dame, President Obama was interrupted a few times by protestors <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAb2elBxyeQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americablog.com%2F&feature=player_embedded" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>as seen here</a>, sparking discord and chanting. It seems that there’s a mound of selfishness amongst this scene from all sides.

Apologies

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:29:37 PDT

An apology is only ever needed because someone f...ed up. However, a third party apology can’t correct the injury to the soul of either perpetrator or victim. The apology must be sincere and profoundly heartfelt in order to be true and corrective, for any other apology lacks the power of feeling behind the words or deeds of “apology”. No other “apology” can be trusted that the offense won’t be committed again. How often have you heard apologies in your life?

Life Sentence at 14

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:50:29 PDT

Here’s a fun fact I never knew about California’s legal system involving juveniles. It appears that <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-life30-2009apr30,0,786520.story" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>children as young as 14 years old can be sentenced</a> to jail for life without the possibility for parole. 14 is an incredibly young age, where the brain hasn’t even fully developed yet. Not to mention people growing up have a tendency to act upon impulse during their teen years.

Battle of the DMV

Tue, 12 May 2009 21:11:00 PDT

My teenage younger brother recently had his driver’s license suspended after doing some committing some incredibly stupid traffic violations. Today, he took a trip to the DMV (or as Dane Cook likes to call it, Satan’s Asshole), in order to acquire a permit that would allow him to drive to work. In what would normally be a routine form fill out by some cranky lady at the desk, instead he’s treated to an onslaught of ludicrous word vomit from what might as well be a lawyer salesman. My brother was told that he could not obtain a permit, but could appeal for one in court should he be able to afford a lawyer.

The Kids STILL Aren't Alright

Fri, 08 May 2009 14:44:04 PDT

The first article I wrote to social42.com was about the astronomical murder rate of Chicago public school students being slaughtered. In an update, 36 have already been murdered this year, many more shot. The <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/08/chicago.children.slain/index.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>most recent of these killings</a> is the horrifying ordeal of 15-year-old Alex Arellano, who was beaten, burned, and shot in the head by gang bangers. He was not in any way affiliated with these gangs and didn’t even have a crime record, and even made efforts to try and stay as clear from members as possible, including dropping out of school. When somebody has to drop out of school due to fear for one’s life, something needs to be done immediately. Something should’ve been done immediately when 31 murders were reported in four months back in 2007.

What is Love?

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:38:04 PDT

Beyond the key lyrics of a song, love is an illusory concept. Though its common professors would vehemently claim otherwise, “love” in common parlance is a word to fill a felt void. We don’t know what properly and healthfully fills the void, but we know it’s there. We find a palliative in emotional co-dependence and call it a good thing. But that palliative masks the true void rather than filling it. Worse, that palliative becomes an excuse to allow bad things to be done or a mantra to be spoken or thought rather than acted upon.

Thomas Paine and a Return of the Time for Miracles

Tue, 05 May 2009 19:02:50 PDT

To paraphrase Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his species and planet; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Prostitution Via Craigslist

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:53:56 PDT

With the recent <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,518836,00.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>event of the Craigslist killer</a>, it should be obvious that the “erotic services” section should be shut down. Upon being asked by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumental to remove that particular section, craigslist ignored the issue and let it remain up. It’s a miracle that it was even allowed to be created in the first place, considering it’s prostitution. No, not LIKE prostitution, it IS prostitution, being girls offering services in exchange for money. Or even worse.

Oceanic Allegiance

Fri, 01 May 2009 22:59:52 PDT

Can you feel it? Do you ask how a parent can kill his own children then their spouse? The news is growing full of daily human-on-human physical, emotional, political and economic violence. And each instance is simultaneously violence of human against Life itself and disregard for the unity of Life. These events are shocking, shameful and surely criminal in any body of law you choose to cite (man-made or natural). Can you feel the tension building within a global consciousness?

I Take Back What I Said

Fri, 01 May 2009 11:50:17 PDT

In two recent articles, I wrote about the ridiculous “Gathering Storm” video from the National Organization for Marriage. I also happened to write another article commending Miss America contestant Carrie Prejean for being honest with the world about her beliefs in a professional, non-prejudiced manner. Now it seems the two are coming together as <a href="http://www.nationformarriage.org/site/c.omL2KeN0LzH/b.3836955/k.BEC6/Home.htm" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Prejean has decided to become the new spokesperson for NOM</a>. On the front page of the website, there’s another stupid video with the foreboding overtones of impending doom featuring Prejean.

Links for 2009-04-30 [del.icio.us]

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Learning about Social Justice

Links for 2009-04-29 [del.icio.us]

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Battle of the Autistic Boy

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:45:45 PDT

When a parent is told that their child has autism, the emotional trauma is almost unbearable. It signifies a lifetime of raising a child with a huge emotional and financial burden on an entire family, with little to no room for rest. Making efforts to be at peace with themselves and society is a process that can cause extreme difficulties. For the Trussle family in San Marcos, CA., they had to face difficulties in the <a href="http://www.10news.com/news/19306624/detail.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>lowest, vile possible form</a>. Raising their autistic child seemed like a stroll through Disneyland after what their idiot neighbors, <a href="http://social42.com/people/Sarah-Fisher/73763" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Sarah Fisher</a>, <a href="http://social42.com/people/Danielle-Harway/73770" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Danielle Harway</a>, and <a href="http://social42.com/people/Kelly-Plaster/73777" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Kelly Plaster</a>, have done.

Highway Robbery At The Meter

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:46:04 PDT

As of January 1, 2009, the citizens of Chicago have been waging war against an outrageous deal involving parking meters. Mayor Daley sold the rights of the parking meters to the Morgan Stanley-owned Chicago Parking Meter LLC back in 2008 for $1.1 billion, in a deal that gives the LLC unlimited freedom to the meters for 75 years. Those corrupt thugs have quadrupled the parking fees so that it costs three dollars to park for one hour in the Loop. I learned that the hard way when making a recent trip to the city, and I remember being perplexed that anybody in their right mind would be carrying that many quarters with them.

School Decay Hitting Home

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:19:14 PDT

The other day I had to stop by my Glenbard East High School to pick up a letter of recommendation from an old teacher of mine. I visited shortly after school hours, where some students were still lingering. I haven’t visited the school during operation hours in five years. I was in for a shock seeing how my old school has become a prison.

Who You Gonna Call? Guinness World Records!

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:04:02 PDT

Who hasn't heard of Guinness World Book of Records? A conversation-starter if nothing else, since its humble beginning at a May 4, 1951 shooting party attended among others by an opinionated Sir Hugh Beaver, then the managing director of Guinness Beers, it has prompted a slew of daredevils to try their hand at spending hours in isolation with scorpions, rubbing their eyes with ghost chilies, dangling a heavy weight off a swallowed sword, lifting 71 kilos with an ear, balancing a car on their head. You name it, people probably tried it. Or if not, dollars to donuts, someone somewhere is thinking about giving it a stab.

Links for 2009-04-21 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Everyone's a Comedian!
Soylent Green is Pets! (for now)
Thames Valley Cop Pigs Out Over a Porcelain Statue
Slumdog Child Actor for Sale
According to a report form London Times Online, the father of “Slumdog Millionaire” child star Rubina Ali offered the little girl up for sale in an illegal adoption trade for 200,000 British pounds. He denies the allegations, but the girl’s stepmother claims that she had been called with an offer for Ali.
Facebook and Twitter: Fully Retarded
A succinct comic describing the state of social networking sites who went "Full Retard". They left out MySpace and LinkedIn.Why Funding Was Axed for '60s Time Travel Program.
Unpaid Internships: A Loophole To Avoid Labor Laws | Social42
Many, many, years ago, internships were called apprenticeships, and my dear departed grandfather used to call them. An apprenticeship was the equivalent of being taken under the wing of someone who was a master of their craft, whether it be business or artistic in nature.
Book Deal for Blagojevich | Social42
Fox Chicago investigations reports that Illinois ex-governor Rod Blagojevich has made a deal to cash in on his indictment with a six-figure book deal, and is currently seeking a highly paid sit down interview. In other words, because he was caught red-handed attempting to sell a seat in the senate to the highest bidder, he can profit from this instead of being brought to full justice as a normal citizen. He’s already corrupted the Illinois government, now he’s corrupting the morals of citizens everywhere by showing how you can profit from publicizing your own criminal behavior.

On The Side Of The Angels!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:15:36 PDT

What wouldn't you to do to protect someone you love? And doesn't this, whatever it is, sometimes carry a ringing name of "justifiable homicide"? An abused woman can kill in self-defense. A dog won't be put down for tearing out an intruder's throat and thereby saving her owner. A pregnant mother has a right to any means necessary if she perceives a threat to her fetus. A soldier is expected to kill in the name of his country.

How To Get A Louse Out Of Your Hair?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:12:21 PDT

See, I have this friend... Boy, after "it was a dark and stormy night", this has got to be the most overused line on the planet. And nonetheless, there ARE stormy nights -- and there actually ARE genuine friends with genuine problems. Like my friend, for instance, that I will call Jane Doe -- to protect the guilty, in this instance.

Tolerance Must Go Both Ways

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:09:10 PDT

On Sunday, people were stunned upon watching as Carrie Prejean, AKA “Miss California,” <a href="http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Television/story?id=7381893&page=1" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>made comments about her beliefs</a> that marriage should be between one man and one woman. She revealed her opinion in a modest way about how it was the way she was raised, and that no offense is intended for anyone.

Links for 2009-04-20 [del.icio.us]

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Everyone's a Comedian!

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:34:44 PDT

I am not a fan of physically punishing someone -- lest they killed, raped a dog, tore up something as culturally significant as the Mona Lisa. But there are exceptions proving the rule, and one of mine just became one Mr. James Cousins II. This sorry excuse for a human being is a cop. Yep, another one. I'm on a roll here.

Thames Valley Cop Pigs Out Over a Porcelain Statue

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:45:02 PDT

When it oinks like a pig, looks like a pig, wields a gun like a pig, is it a pig? PC John Ablett seems to think so. Though a fan of self-criticism, I do think asking fellow policemen to arrest a neighbor in a nighttime raid for -- ready for it? -- a 12" porcelain pig domiciled in Robin Demczak's backyard for the past 8 years is taking a commendable character quality (and familiarity with slurs) in somewhat of a wrong direction.

Slumdog Child Actor for Sale

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:35:57 PDT

According to a report form <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6126458.ece" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>London Times Online</a>, the father of “Slumdog Millionaire” child star Rubina Ali offered the little girl up for sale in an illegal adoption trade for 200,000 British pounds. He denies the allegations, but the girl’s stepmother claims that she had been called with an offer for Ali.

Hardly An Ethics Quandry

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:28:54 PDT

In a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/business/03medschool.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>recent article</a> by the New York Times, Harvard medical students <a href="http://www.social42.com/people/Matthew-Zerden/73609" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Matthew Zerden</a>, <a href="http://www.social42.com/people/Kirsten-Austad/73616" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Kirsten Austad</a>, <a href="http://www.social42.com/people/Lekshmi-Santhosh/73623" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Lekshmi Santhosh</a>, <a href="http://www.social42.com/people/Kim-Sue/73630" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Kim Sue</a> and <a href="http://www.social42.com/people/David-Tian/73637" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>David Tian</a> questioned the conflict-of-interest introduced by pharmaceutical companies to Harvard Medical professors and faculty in the form of money and gifts. This struck home as I recalled some of my own experiences in questionable medical practices.

Soylent Green is Pets! (for now)

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:19:33 PDT

Unlike Agur, son of Yakeh, whom King Solomon supposedly credited with not understanding only 4 basic truths (dealing with the vectors of a bird's flight, snake's slither, ship's glide, and a man's path to the heart of a woman), I know if there were a WQ (Wisdom Quotient) test, I would draw a blank at a hell of a lot more than 4. While I could do with some wisdom in my ripe old age, some truths -- if that's what they are -- I really don't want to get. I am just stubborn that way.

Links for 2009-04-17 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Stuff To Consider: The Responsibility of Service

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:10:45 PDT

The best revenge is never allowing yourself to feel powerless enough to want to commit revenge. Recently, I had a terrible experience while shopping at a <a href="http://www.social42.com/organization/Bloomingdales/73546" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>department store</a>. The <a href="http://social42.com/people/Joseph-De-Jesus/73539" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>salesperson</a> gave me a condescending attitude that matched the finest pomp of high-end Italian fashion boutiques. I would like to share how a bad retail experience led to our first impromptu Social42 mobile review, and ultimately served up some social justice.

Legalized Rape

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:25:56 PDT

Recently, <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6098614.ece" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>a law was passed in Afghanistan</a> that allows for a man to demand sexual intercourse with his wife once every four days. In short, the law allows a man the right to rape his wife. What a way to have a great marriage. Base it all on sex that she might not even want, and promote the usage of treating your lover like a bicycle (when bored, you just ride her.) Of course, This law is so sickening, I honestly had to do a double-take when reading it, as I honestly can’t believe there would be so many men who would support such a law.

A Gathering Storm of Shit

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:17:04 PDT

Last week, <a href="http://www.nationformarriage.org/site/c.omL2KeN0LzH/b.5075663/k.A89C/Religious_Liberty.htm" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>a public service ad</a> for the <a href="http://www.social42.com/organization/National-Organization-For-Marriage/73448" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>National Organization for Marriage</a> was released, titled “A Gathering Storm.” The video has gained viral status on YouTube, even spawning a few clever parodies. It’s nothing more than an attempt at preserving marriage to be between a man and a woman only. The acting is so bad that <a href="http://www.social42.com/celebrities/David-Letterman/73455" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>David Letterman</a> could’ve pulled off a more convincing bit of drama. What really gets me is the issues that are brought up are nothing but absolute crap.

Flying the Unfriendly Skies

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:16:08 PDT

I remember 9/11. I was ready to step out to go to school / work -- I was in grad school, and it was my first semester as a TA. Insert me all being puffed up and leave at that. But my inner glow dimmed that day. The statistic I kept hearing looping over and over on <a href="http://social42.com/organization/Cable-News-Network-Headquarters-CNN/73406" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>CNN</a> and the briny smell of tears can do that to a person. I hadn't known tears had a briny smell, though it stands to reason, considering the chemical makeup.

Links for 2009-04-13 [del.icio.us]

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT

8-Year-Old Denied a Divorce
CNN reports that Saudi judge Sheikh Habib Al-Habib has denied the request of an 8-year-old girl to divorce her 47-year-old husband. This is the second request from the girl, and this is the second time she has no say in the matter. She is only married to the older man as a payment from her father to settle a debt. What an amazing parent, I think he should get an award for “best father of the year.”
Easter Sunday Ignored By The Corporate Machine
It’s difficult to imagine Easter as a holiday anymore. On TV and billboards, there are advertisements for numerous places being open on Easter Sunday. Anyplace you can name, whether it be Home Depot, Target, Vons, or JCPenney, treats the day like any other day. My brothers and I are a trio of hard workers, doing blue-collar man’s work for minimum wage to make a living. Yet, all of our workplaces have scheduled us to work because we did not put “Easter” under our conflict sheet on the day we were hired, and those who have seniority over us took the day off instead. Since we are scheduled to work at different times, we can’t spend Easter as a family.

8-Year-Old Denied a Divorce

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:52:14 PDT

<a href="http://social42.com/organization/Cable-News-Network-Headquarters-CNN/73406" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>CNN</a> <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/04/12/saudi.child.marriage/index.html" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>reports</a> that Saudi judge Sheikh Habib Al-Habib has denied the request of an 8-year-old girl to divorce her 47-year-old husband. This is the second request from the girl, and this is the second time she has no say in the matter. She is only married to the older man as a payment from her father to settle a debt. What an amazing parent, I think he should get an award for “best father of the year.”

Badge of Hypocrisy

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:34:15 PDT

How are we as a general public supposed to respect the arm of the law when the people controlling it can’t make an example of themselves? While there are plenty of respectable police out there, there are <a href="http://social42.com/people/Joseph-Frugoli/73385" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>some</a> that have serious issues that should qualify for automatic badge removal. When an oath is taken to uphold the law, then by God you better do it because every action that is taken will reflect the integrity of an entire department.

Doesn't It Just Make Your Heart Go Pitter-PETAr?

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:18:07 PDT

<a href="http://www.social42.com/celebrities/Khloe-Kardashian/73322" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Khloe Kardashian</a>. <a href="http://www.social42.com/celebrities/Roselyn-Sanchez/73329" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Roselyn Sanchez</a>. <a href="http://www.social42.com/celebrities/Pamela-Anderson/73336" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Pamela Anderson</a>. <a href="http://www.social42.com/celebrities/Eva-Mendez/73343" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Eva Mendez</a>. <a href="http://www.social42.com/celebrities/Holly-Madison/73350" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Holly Madison</a>. What do they all have in common? If you answered, outta this world hotness, you'd be right. But since I am not doing a Scoville scale on the female half of Hollywood and outlying regions (though, hmm, this isn't a bad idea), it'd only be a part of the answer.

Gunning for Answers

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:51:58 PDT

A woman fatally shoots her 20-year old son before turning the gun on herself. Classic murder-suicide, right? Mostly. Of course, there are two little twists. First, the woman's motivation. The long and short of it -- I pity Marie Moore. Really. What she had done was horrendous, unforgivable, and if there's a good thing in all of this it's that she did turn the gun on herself. I am not even talking from the society's standpoint. It's not about us, taxpayers, having to shoulder the brunt of trial and subsequent treatment. It's about this mentally disturbed mother -- but mother nonetheless, Mother with a capital "M", albeit in an altogether distorted font, possibly Wingdings, in anyone's mind but hers -- being able to live with herself had the hospital, in which she'd died following the incident, managed to save her life.

Does this sperm come with lifetime warranty protection?

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:12:27 PDT

When buying a used car, a Ginsu knife, a set of restaurant-grade cookware (well, what, that warehouse club demonstration was impressive!), the very first thing we check for is a warranty. And if we don't (like oh, I don't know...yours truly), we get it but good from their loved ones upon bringing it home. The reception would be more welcoming for the pampered family cat, who suddenly remembered her roots and dropped an uninsured field mouse in our slippers.

Easter Sunday Ignored By The Corporate Machine

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:21:01 PDT

It’s difficult to imagine Easter as a holiday anymore. On TV and billboards, there are advertisements for numerous places being open on Easter Sunday. Anyplace you can name, whether it be Home Depot, Target, Vons, or JCPenney, treats the day like any other day. My brothers and I are a trio of hard workers, doing blue-collar man’s work for minimum wage to make a living. Yet, all of our workplaces have scheduled us to work because we did not put “Easter” under our conflict sheet on the day we were hired, and those who have seniority over us took the day off instead. Since we are scheduled to work at different times, we can’t spend Easter as a family.

Confessions of an Unrepentant Cannibal

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:14:09 PDT

When a doctor makes a mistake and cuts off the wrong testicle -- that's social injustice. When a bank employee recommends postponing payments on the mortgage in an enviably good standing so that you could take advantage of the government bailout and refinance -- and then, repossessing your home -- that too, is social injustice.

Under House Arrest

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:08:38 PDT

Somebody I know, we’ll call him “Alan,” has been living on parole after being in jail for four years. He’s been making an attempt to lead an honest life and make a living for himself. It’s been extremely difficult for anybody to find a job in this economy, let alone somebody with a strong criminal record. Alan’s mother won’t take him into her house, but his father is stepping in to do that role. Unfortunately, his father is an alcoholic who gets drunk spreads discord in furious rampages. It’s the only place Alan can stay, since being over 18, nobody has any legal obligations to house him. He managed to deal with the turbulent household by escaping the house when things got rough, and has been on the mend with building up a relationship with his young daughter. Things seemed to be optimistic for Alan until last week.

Finish Your Food

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:27:00 PDT

Finish your food! At least that’s what my parents taught me. It’s obvious that there’s hungry people all over the world, including in some of our own backyards. Given, there are institutions that donate their leftover food to help people who need it. However, I have a real beef with the policies of some <a href="http://social42.com/organization/Starbucks-Headquarters/73280" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>businesses that</a> <a href="http://social42.com/organization/Dunkin-Donuts-Headquarters/73287" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>throw out</a> <a href="http://www.social42.com/organization/Panera-Bread-Headquarters/73294" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>food</a>.

"They Called Me An Imbecile", They're Right!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:00:04 PDT

It's scary, pithy, seemingly transcends cultures -- and at our mother's knee, teaches us honesty, forethought, and bewaring of society's patience with even the youngest of us being so spectacularly short, a child is forced to spend the night in the tree hiding from the hungry pack because either he'd been mistaken before, or, yes, even lied. Luckily for the edificational value of the piece, youth is given no weight as an extenuating circumstance.

Book Deal for Blagojevich

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:10:48 PDT

Fox Chicago investigations reports that Illinois ex-governor <a href="http://social42.com/celebrities/Rod-Blagojevich/73273" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Rod Blagojevich</a> has made a deal to <a href="http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/blago_contract_apr09" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>cash in</a> on his indictment with a six-figure book deal, and is currently seeking a highly paid sit down interview. In other words, because he was caught red-handed attempting to sell a seat in the senate to the highest bidder, he can profit from this instead of being brought to full justice as a normal citizen. He’s already corrupted the Illinois government, now he’s corrupting the morals of citizens everywhere by showing how you can profit from publicizing your own criminal behavior.

When you're feeling boxed in...

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:58:38 PDT

"Man's body cut to fit coffin." Funny, in a gruesome sort of way. Straight out of Adams Family gruesome. But, no. Welcome to Allendale, NC -- where it did, in fact, happen. Not to beat...erm, a dead horse, the late Mr. James Hines, a preacher and funk musician, was not only a giant personality, he was a giant of a man - 6'7", 300 lbs. So, when he went up to keep making his music in the sky, the undertaker was left in a bit of a tizzy. The coffins are mostly standard size, so, what is a funeral director to do when he gets called in for a really BIG job?

Duking It Out At... A Funeral?

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:26:33 PDT

How exactly do you react if you’re at the funeral of a loved one, and you have to pass by an obnoxiously loud group of protestors claiming the deceased was a whore who is burning in Hell? During a time when emotions are at their spiking point, the obvious reaction to anyone is pure anger. This provoked rage is what fuels the <a href="http://social42.com/organization/Westboro-Baptist-Church/46218" rel='nofollow' class='external' target='_blank'>Westboro Baptist Church</a>, and they hide behind the laws of this country to get away with as much bullying as possible and earn themselves a media splash.

"I wanna be a producer, I wanna be a producer..."

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:09:14 PDT

I am Lisa Gus, and I am a writer. And medical researcher. And a TV viewer -- at least, I had been, back before adding a little mommy hat to my haberdashery shelf. What I am NOT is a producer. Had anyone asked me less than 2 months ago, I would have said I am the furthest thing from. Well, I might have had a good laugh. But no one asked. Because the very idea would have been crazy.

Detailing Interfaith Dialogue

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:14:46 PDT

I have written about my involvement in our local Interfaith Alliance. As the secretary for that Alliance, I record the comments made during our many discussions. I am therefore able to share with readers of this blog some of the more enlightening statements that have been made, as members of our Alliance have engaged in dialogue.

Unpaid Internships: A Loophole To Avoid Labor Laws

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:42:00 PDT

When I lived in Los Angeles, I was interviewed for the position of an unpaid development intern for several companies, including Michael Black Management and Scott Sanders Productions. Upon my query of, "How will this job help me to make the connections I need for my career?"

The Kids Aren't Alright

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:36:00 PDT

According to CBS 2 Chicago news, within the past sixteen months there have been a total of 508 murders in the Chicagoland area of schoolchildren ages eighteen and under. That number is enough to fill an entire school, tolls up to about half the number of deaths occured on September 11, 2009.

Links for 2009-03-26 [del.icio.us]

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Social 42
Social42 is a website where people can rate, review, and comment on other people as well as businesses. People-submitted ratings are summarized into a Social Credit Score. Perhaps a 'Better Person Bureau'.

Knock Out: CNBC Confirms Lehman CEO Punched at Gym

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:00:00 PST

While former Lehman CEO Richard Fuld was testifying before the House Oversight Committee Oct. 6, CNBC reported he had been punched in the face at the Lehman Brothers gym after it was announced the firm was going bankrupt.

Police Officer Assaults 15 Year-Old Girl

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:26:00 PST

The King County Sheriff's Office released a series of videos to the media in the case against Deputy Paul Schene, who is accused of assaulting a 15-year-old girl at a SeaTac holding cell.

Social Media is like Teen Sex

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:57:00 PST

Avinash Kaushik is Google's Analytics Evangelist. In this twitter post, he outlines the current state of social media.

25 People to Blame for the Financial Crisis

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:48:00 PST

Who do we blame in this market? Where do we take our vigilantism when we don't know who is at fault? This Time article offers a start.

Mother Sets Fire to Her Daughter's Gloating Rapist

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:42:00 PST

"A Spanish mother has taken revenge on the man who raped her 13-year-old daughter at knifepoint by dousing him in petrol and setting him alight. He died of his injuries in hospital on Friday." This is what happens when someone is pushed to the brink and feels powerless.

Is the Internet Warping Our Brains?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:29:00 PST

My fear is that these technologies are infantilising the brain into the state of small children who are attracted by buzzing noises and bright lights, who have a small attention span and who live for the moment." Oohh shiny Internet, how I adore thee.

Facebook Profiles Out Narcissists

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:28:00 PST

This is an article from back in September of 2008 when a study was conducted to judge how narcisstic, or excessively egotistical, various Facebook profiles were. Not sure why money was spent on this study. In other news, water is wet and ducks quack.

Facebook and Twitter: Fully Retarded

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:35:00 PST

A succinct comic describing the state of social networking sites who went "Full Retard". They left out MySpace and LinkedIn.