ATX 50 Shades of WTF

One of the "lovely" things about Austin is that they are not shy about advertising adult stores or strip clubs on air, at any time of day. (There's nothing more jarring than hearing an ad for The Landing Strip at 7am...) Today I heard one of the local porn shops advertising on air that it had its shipment of 50 Shades of Gray in, and encouraging customers to buy toys along with it to bring their fantasies to life. We have gone from "this book could lead to unsafe play situations" to "this book will lead to unsafe play situations." I am so horrified by this, I can't even.

Some new commentary on Girls's Costume Warehouse

Back in 2007, I worked for a now-defunct adult website.

In preparation for recording videos, one of my bosses ordered the big, phonebook sized costume catalogs from companies like Leg Avenue. I leafed through them with fascination, because, after all, I'm a costume geek at heart.

And then suddenly it dawned on me:

We, as a society, have so bought in to the "Halloween is the time to for women dress like a stripper" idea, that literally, we go to costume stores and buy actual costumes marketed to the adult industry the other eleven months of the year.

There is so much to be said here involving slut shaming, stigmatization of sex workers, the virgin/whore dichotomy, the commoditization of women's bodies, etc etc etc.

There's nothing wrong with sexy costumes, please don't misunderstand me. I just wanted to highlight the extremely literal manifestation of this societal idea.

Inspector Spacetime as Meta

Does anyone else feel like Inspector Spacetime is one the best sporking of Doctor Who that's ever come down the pike?

Inspector Spacetime Confessions on Tumblr reads like the greatest commentary on Doctor Who's source material *and* fandom.

I'm just really blown away by how smart the commentary has been, and how seemingly in on the joke the creators of Community are with it.

It's like this perfect storm of amazingness.

Full. Body. Eyeroll.

So there's been a lovely kerfuffle going on this week, the simple summary of which is, Can you be a hot girl and a nerd?

Leaving aside the irritating use of "girl" to describe adult women, I haven't really had any commentary other than a side-eye.

I finally figured out my response, left as a comment on the above linked post.

Here it is. Ready?

If you can’t be a hot girl and a nerd, what the hell have my best girl friends and I been doing since childhood?

Sheesh.

That’s really all I have to say on the subject, with a healthy punctuation of a full-body eyeroll.

There you go. There's my soundbite.

Confession

I have a confession to make, you guys.

My ventures to In-N-Out during my recent trip to LA really didn't impress me. The burgers weren't as good as I remembered, and the fries were just plain bland.

Even having my burger Animal Style couldn't save it.

There's a burger restaurant here in Austin that's near my office called Mighty Fine.

And my confession is this:

I like Mighty Fine better than In-N-Out.

We had an office lunch there today, and I was fulfilled in the way I usually only was once a year when I had my Cheeseburger Animal Style.

And I didn't even get one of the shakes!

Mighty Fine makes their shakes with Blue Bell ice cream, guys.

Om nom fucking NOM.

If you ever visit me, I promise we can go to Mighty Fine.

Because you know what? It is*.



*Apparently they're also really good about providing gluten-free service, too!

Cross-posting goodness! Comment where you wish!

Spirit Day

I am against homophobic bullying.

I am against all bullying.

You are not alone.

If you find us, it will get better.

Please find us.

We're here, and we're looking for you, too.

Why "It Gets Better" is the wrong message to send--and why we should do it anyway

When the "It Gets Better" project began a couple weeks ago, I didn't feel like I had anything actively helpful to contribute. As I said at the time, my not inconsiderable bullying had nothing to do with being queer--except maybe in the older form of the word. But, as we've now reached the "backlash" portion of the news cycle, I do feel as though I have things to say. Things, which I hope are helpful.

We have reached a point where not only has there been backlash over Dan Savage being the head of the movement (nb: that backlash happened immediately, I don't want to make it seem as though I've missed that), but where shitbags are posting things called "It Gets Worse." In these delightful musings, bigoted assholes co-opt the momentum of "It Gets Better" to further bully and hate-vomit on the QUILTBAG community.

But, sadly, that brings me to my next point.

"It Gets Better" is a terrible message, because it doesn't. It changes, sure. But as the blog 49percent asks, what, gets better, exactly? (The link referred to there is also well-worth reading.)

The answer, in short, is that as you get older, you are better able to choose your family and surround yourself with people who love, respect, and support you. So yes, in that sense, it's a wonderful message.

But it does precious little to help now.

"It gets better" is something I told myself for oh, about seventeen years. Or, from the age of five through the age of about 22. I said it to myself for differing reasons, and because of different hardships. I leaned on those words so often that by the time I was 27, and went through the worst fucking year of my life, they had lost all meaning.

They had become so devoid of power, that they became nothing more than pandering to my ears. In my destroyed state of mind, hearing them drove me to nearly ruining two of the closest and most important relationships of my adult life.

So we need to be careful what we're telling these kids. Because if, as an adult, without suicidal tendencies, those words drove me to extremes, I don't want to know how these kids will react.

"It gets better" is a placeholder. What these kids need are the tools and support to make it better now.

One of the other things that I find especially problematic about Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project, is that The Trevor Project was already here. It was already here, and it was already inclusive to PoC and the whole QUILTBAG. While it's good to have more than one organization for an issue, Dan Savage is such a divisive figure, that it's diluting the message, not strengthening it.

And, The Trevor Project is all about giving kids the tools and support to make it better now.

So while I think it's wonderful and important to see celebrities filming videos telling us that they know where troubled youth have been, how many news cycles until It Gets Better peters out and these kids are left, once again, alone?

Let's make it better now.

GIRLS'S COSTUME WAREHOUSE

Today I'm going to take the piss out of one of our society's oddest ills: "Sexy" Women's Costumes.


Sexy Peter Pan - Yeah, okay, Mary Martin was a bit of a cutie...OH GOD WHAT? This costume both manages to suck AND miss every point ever.


Sexy Willy Costume - Nope, it's not what you think! Or the other thing either! I bet she's pushing Slurm. WHIMMY WHAM WHAM WHOZZLE!


Sexy Phantom - Or, you know, you can be the creepy stalker character!


Sexy Washington - 1776! Performed by strippers!


Petite Glitter Tophat - This is actually pretty cute, and I want it. I just wanted to point out that it's nice to see Sarah Michelle Gellar getting work these days.


Sexy Chinese Takeout - Oh man. I actually think this is cute as hell, and I would totally wear it. Tiny Fortune Cookie Hat! The problem is that as a costume, this becomes mocking. Instead of "I look fierce in my outfit that references a common every day object" it becomes "Hurr! Chinese food!" and then devolves into Rosie O'Donnell Land from there.

ETA: Upon further reading and thought, this dress is entirely awful. I read a blog post that pointed out that the text of the dress--ENJOY over the breasts, and THANK YOU over the crotch--is really disgustingly placed and bad all around. So, apologies to those who read this post in past years and felt I'd missed the point on this one. I get it now.


Coral Clownfish - Hey! I found Nemo! He's at the Velvet Button and he goes on at 12:45!


Gold Digging Girl - Kanye already covered this one.


Blue Babe Costume - La la la la la la, why isn't my face blue? Bonus creepy: The dude in the couple's costume.


Anita Sedative - Ahahahah! Because mental illness is SO FUNNY! Also, she seems to be posing with Johnny the Homicidal Maniac in the couple's costume photo.


Spoonful of Sugar - I don't know if I'd trust her with my kids. Practically awful in every way.


Dirty Martini - HA! It's funny because the PIMENTOS look like her NIPPLES!


Sexy Panda - Sexy Panda? More like Sexual Harassment Panda! AMIRITE?


Pippi Longstocking - The real Pippi Longstocking would throw a car at these people.


Spongebabe Squareskirt - There's a terrible joke in here somewhere about how her starfish is named Patricia.

Okay, that's enough of that misery. Here, have a palate cleanser.

See you next Halloween!

All The News That Fits

-Took cat to the vet. He might have hyperthyroidism, but the vet's not sure. So, blood tests. I also picked up more Feliway. It might be snake oil, but at least I feel like I'm doing something. Also, one of the receptionists said she swore by it as a thing that keeps her cat from destroying her furniture. So hey, maybe it's not snake oil. ::shrug:: Either way, Morbo now has a very silly haircut because the vet had to buzz his bib to get at his thyroids.

-Via RM, Eredien points us at a blog produced by Tampax of a boy who wakes up one day and finds he has a vagina. And then gets his period. I don't know about you guys, but I had King Missle's "Detachable Penis" going through my head when I read this post. And the rest of the blog. I'm not sure where they're going with this, but it sure is bizarre.

-Flemco live blogged the Glenn Beck ridiculousness in DC. Good discussion happening in the comments thread.

-More commentary on Antoine Dodson: What's So Funny About Antoine Dodson?

-From Time.com: New Orleans, Five Years Later.

Yay Friday!

-The cat was terribly generous this morning and let Josh sleep until the princely hour of 5am. I am looking into vets and I'm going to see who's open tomorrow. This shit's gotta stop.

-In world news, the Society for Creative Anachronism has seized control of Russia.

-If you're doing Atkins/South Beach/low-carb, I recommend the blog Unbreaded. It's run by a blogger friend and her bff back home, and it's written with a level of respect and consideration you don't usually see in diet blogs. It's neither slavish in its adherence to the diets, nor is it wishy washy or silly. It's a real and honest take on food, dieting, and self-image, with a nice dose of humor and feminism. You guys know I'm not one to push diet ideology, I just like the way this blog is written.

-Chris Sims knows weird. So he brings us ten of the weirdest pieces of erotic superhero fan art.

-Mayor Bloomberg was on The Daily Show last night talking about the Cordoba Center. (Is it Cordoba Center or Cordoba House? I've seen both.)

-Mama, don't take my Kodachrome away! Fun fact: my grandmother's uncle helped found Eastman Kodak. Did she tell me this BEFORE I started going to the University of Rochester? Nope, that would have been too helpful. Apparently said grand-uncle was one of George Eastman's best friends. I never did get around to researching that side of the family when I lived up there. Alas.

-The NYTimes has an interesting article on a hoarder, today.

-An artist in New York needs an oven in which to bake a bread bed.

-OH MY GOD WHAT.

Thursday Roundup

-As I mentioned yesterday, it was my second anniversary with Josh. When he got home from work, there was a card stuck in our front door from our apartment complex...wishing him a happy birthday. (I got one on my birthday, too.) Seeing as his birthday is in April, we're not sure what happened there. My guess is they knew yesterday was somehow significant, and just took a stab in the dark.

-I knew all this obfuscation about what the Cordoba Center actually is would result in anti-Muslim hate crimes. I just didn't think it would happen this fast.

-Meanwhile, good hustle, Russell Simmons.

-Another day, another unnecessary photoshopping of Christina Hendricks.

-As linked around in other places, another high profile Republican has come out of the closet. Okay, look, Republicans. You do realize that we've come to the point where if you are loud and vocal about being anti-Gay, we're going to assume you've got a Platinum account at HotBoysInChaps.com. Because more often than not, we're right. Being gay isn't wrong, sinful, dirty, or a sign that they are immoral or want to corrupt your family. It's a sign that a person wants to have love and sex with other people similarly equipped as they are in the genitals. That's it. Sigh.

-The 1996 Doctor Who TV movie featuring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor is now available on DVD in the US. Uh...brb.

-Tron-a-Sutra.

Mundries

-Weekend was lovely. Josh and I went to archery practice yesterday. My friend Katrina brought me a 20lb recurve that she doesn't use anymore to try out. OMG I LOVE THIS BOW. It's technically a kids' bow, and somehow even only at 20lb, has a hell of a punch behind it. A++, would shoot again! I also managed to forget to not hyperextend my elbow on my first shot, so now I have an awesome bruise on the inside of my elbow.

-Antoine Dodson will be on NPR this evening.

-For the three of you who hadn't heard, John Barrowman held a garage sale in Wales recently. was there.

-“Look, I’m sorry for blowing up earlier. It’s just…I can feel tequila…in my face.” Hungover Owls. Easily the best thing I've seen in days, sent to me by the awesome .

-There's a new Ask Morbo!

-ICYMI, I design nerded yesterday.

-I want these boots. And maybe also these.

-Remember that NYTimes article last week once again bemoaning the extended adulthood of "kids today"? Apparently someone on Salon opened their yap and were even more tin-eared about the differences in how far a dollar goes today, as well as the skyrocketed cost of living. Pandagon has an excellent rejoinder.

-There was a pro- and anti-Cordoba Center rally in New York yesterday.

-NYers be aware: There will be F-16 Flyovers today.

-Fast Food False Advertising, via Yagathai

Good Graphic Design

You know what I love? Good graphic design.

Today I saw an incredible example of good design in such a common, everyday place, it made me grin like an idiot.

Here is what I saw:


So here we have a star, to denote Texas. The star is then broken into two pieces: A compass point, and a strip of road.

This image was set into the highway ramp walls as bas reliefs at standard intervals.

Some googling tells me this is the logo for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and that it was designed by Door Number 3 Austin design house.

Well done, guys. I was literally distracted from the road by the elegance of such a simple, every day thing. (I mean that in a good way!)

Saturdries

-Josh is at the office for some OT. I'm going to tidy, pick up my license plates, and hit a yoga class. GOSH WE'RE EXCITING.

-"We have collectively taken a pratfall on a moral whoopee cushion." -Dick Cavett on the furore over Cordoba Center

-Tom and Lorenzo at Project Runway always crack my shit up. Their takes on the Miss Universe 2010 National Costumes (part one and part two) are no exception.

-Remember all that stuff about cigarettes sold on Reservations and how they don't have to pay NY State taxes for it? Bloomberg opened his yap and said something profoundly stupid. The Seneca Nation has called him on it, but Bloomberg hasn't apologized. Now, the Oneida Nation has called him a Nazi (::facepalm and fail::), but are also calling for a rally against him. This one will probably only get uglier.

-I can't decide if these amuse or horrify me. I *will* be getting the Lando fragrance for my brother for Christmas. (I like to get him a silly "me" gift, as well as something a little more serious.) I'm curious about how they smell.

-More pinup RDJ.

All I really have to say about the "Ground Zero Mosque" debacle

...can be said in my friend Daryl's photo essay.

Also, it's not a Mosque, it's a community center, and the outrage is over something equivalent to putting a YMCA near the Murrah building in Oklahoma City.

End of story.

A Love Letter to Someone Else

Spoilers for Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Tonight I saw Scott Pilgrim for a second time.

When I came out of it on Saturday, I was filled with OMG THAT WAS AWESOME. Tonight? Not so much.

Tonight I realized that regardless of all the references I caught, squees over the perfect casting, covetousness over various costume pieces and accessories...this movie wasn't written for me.

In fact, I am merely a coathanger to the plot of that love letter. I'm not an active participant--and neither was Ramona Flowers.

This movie (and the comic) was, quite literally, a story about how a woman's past just about killed the guy interested in her.

Josh, very astutely, compared this story to High Fidelity, noting that they were similar tales of different stages in "mens' lives."

Both sources are excellent, innovative, and honestly new takes on a yawn-inducingly tired story. One that, again, has nothing to do with me.

While she had a bit more "there" there in the comic, Ramona Flowers is nothing more than a Manic Pixie Dream Girl. No amount of hair color shifts, pithy one-liners, or awesome fight skills make up a character. Shit, even Knives had more character development than she did. (I'm referring solely to the movie, here. The Knives plot was resolved far sooner in the comic.)

I guess, in the end, I feel very hurt that a movie I was told was for me, wasn't for me at all. And in fact, doesn't regard me at all.

I'm not saying the movie was bad. My qualms aside, it truly was a hat tip to almost every subculture to which I hold a membership. Edgar Wright once again proved his brilliance.

I just wish...the love had been more inclusive.

Back to the Sundries

-Josh and I leave for Pennsic tonight. His friend Mike is flying in from Seattle to make the trip with us. I told you we were nuts.

-Emma Watson got a haircut. I think it's freaking adorable, and definitely a smart move to distance herself from a character known for long, wild hair. Bart Calendar has a savvy theory, however.

-Elizabeth Bear has made an ass of herself again. But that's not the important part. The important part is that Ephemere has written an excellent piece about the Bataan Death March, and why the term "death march" is uncool to use casually. She also learned me something about Imelda Marcos. Jokes about how I share a birthday with her and its correlation to my shoe collection are suddenly a lot less funny.

-The National Unemployment rate remains at 9.5%. That means almost ONE OUT OF EVERY TEN PEOPLE are out of work. That's not terrifying or anything. OH WAIT. THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT IT IS.

-Bitsyrant wrote this excellent piece on Seth McFarlane's transphobia. I really want to like you, Seth McFarlane. Why you gotta make it so hard?

-The Amityville Horror house has been sold.

-9GAG.com is my new timesuck. Heads' up: If you think you don't want to read the comments on any given item, go with that instinct. Also, usual internet trigger warning for occasional bigotry, NSFW content, etc. But generally, there's LULZ.

Wednesdries

-I did the gym again this morning, to slightly better results. Yay. My endurance is still worse than it's been in years. :-/ Upside? I made myself a breakfast taco! Mmm....

-My friend Dan is participating in the Echelon Gran Fondo Portland, a cycling event starting in Hood River, Oregon, supporting the LIVESTRONG Foundation and the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University, and is asking for donations.

-There was a post on Feministe yesterday about child-rearing, that, as these posts always do, ended up as a 300-comment behemoth about children screaming in restaurants. Karnythia wrote a fantastic response. (The essay is the same at both places, but naturally, the comments will be different.)

-This is fake, but fantastic and silly.

-Yo dawg...oh.

-Feeling down? Today's Picture Post Wednesday at SF_Drama is "Show us your pets!" themed. Yes, Morbo makes an appearance.

-When I was a kid, I watched the Flinstones, and I smoked Winston cigarettes. (via Liz Baillie)

Whoa!

I hadn't heard of Cowboys and Aliens until just now, but oh my god, this image is amazing:

Tuesdries

-Morbo seemed a little calmer last night. We got a diffuser with a calming agent that contains Feliway. (Also, hoshit, the stuff cost almost $50! Yikes!) We're still trying to figure out what's his damage. Josh thinks it may be because I'm leaving every day again, which he hasn't experienced in almost a year. You know, on top of all the other upheaval he's gone through since April.

-I got back on the workout wagon today. Let's not discuss how it went. That said, Populace in the Park (the weekly SCA gathering) is tonight, so I'll be doing fencing drills in the evening heat anyway. Whoo.

-Superstimuli and the Collapse of Western Civilization. An interesting read, for sure. I feel like the phrase "Western Civilization" is really ethnocentric and narrow-minded, especially since the issues discussed affect first-world countries, not just those in the West. (via )

- has an excellent essay on feminism and trusting women, and the ugly situations in which women aren't treated as full humans.

-Your Underdog Lovelorn Romantic May Be My Rapist, by Melissa McEwan over at Shakesville. Brutal and insidious, but definitely worth the read. (Major trigger warnings all over the post and the comments, btw.)

-Jailbroken phones now allowed. I'll still stick with my Droid, thanks.

- saw Joshua Jackson escorted out of SDCC for not having a badge. I admire Jackson's gumption, because undeterred, he hosted PaceyCon 2010! Dude, I totally would have attended.