Leahgates

Kiera Wilmot — the Florida 16-year-old who created a small explosion just outside her school before classes started by mixing cleaning solution and tin foil (she was just curious, nobody was harmed) — will not be charged with a felony, after all. Florida State Attorneys dropped the charges against Wilmot yesterday. After her case garnered national attention, she ended up with a lawyer who has defended her mostly for free. There's no word yet on whether she'll be allowed to return to the school that expelled her and pressed charges in the first place.

In the meantime, the Internet has created a nice happy ending here. Homer Hickam — the writer and former NASA engineer whose memoir is the basis of the movie October Sky — started a Crowdtilt campaign to send Wilmot and her twin sister Kayla to the Advanced Space Academy program at the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala.. The cost of space camp can run upwards of $1200. Hickam paid for Kiera Wilmot to go and the Crowdtilt campaign raised the other $1200 for her sister, plus extra money for their travel expenses. The campaign hit its $2500 goal in just two days and is now up to $2920. Hickam says the extra money is going to the girls' mother.

A second Crowdtilt campaign raised more than $8000 for a Kiera Wilmot Defense Fund. Now that the charges have been dropped, that money will go into a trust, to pay the few legal expenses the family does have and to cover costs associated with Wilmot's education — especially since it's still unclear whether she'll be allowed back into the local public school.

Good job, Internet!

Jaime sez, "In honor of Children's Book Week, I'm sharing a link about a book written by 8-year old Griffin Hehmeyer. His mom tells the story of how Griffin wrote a book, enlisted his friends and classmates for help editing and illustrating it, and eventually published it. The book serves as a model for children interested in creating literature of their own, practicing skills like story-telling, writing, empathy, collaboration, and persistence in the process."

The story was inspired by a make-believe game Griffin had been playing for several years with a good friend of his named Maya. In the game he was the king of the wolves, just like Makamom is in the book. Griffin says of the writing process, “When I first started this book, I had a hard time thinking of ideas. As I got closer to the ending it was easier to think of what to say.”

At the end of each chapter Griffin would read what he had written to his classmates and incorporate their feedback into the draft. When the draft was complete, Griffin and his teacher then spent another month reading through the book and correcting any errors before sending it to me. I think the editing process was the most frustrating part for Griffin, since he was impatient to be done. I had told him we’d print it out and get it bound, so he was excited to have a real book-like copy to enjoy.

By April I knew of the book's existence, but I hadn’t yet read any of it. When I received the completed draft, I was somewhat hesitant to undertake the reading such a large chunk of text written by an 8 year old – even if that 8 year old was my own son. To my surprise, however, the book turned out to be really good. As a colleague said when I shared a draft with him, “The book kept me reading it until the end, in one pass. It is a very interesting, clever, and engrossing story.” I also enjoyed watching my husband read the book to our other three children each night before bed. They laughed and gasped at all the right places, and begged their dada to continue reading well after lights out.

Making the Marakon Ways (Thanks, Jaime!)

ionlyweardresses:

Hi friends, it’s Nigel Bear.  

Spring is so nice because there’s flowers to sniff and trees are all green - and grass everywhere!

All the ladies have on heels though and they are walking a lot faster than they did in the wintertime.  

And I can’t keep up with my short, wrinkly pajama legs.

{Wednesday Wrinkles with Nigel Bear, the English Bulldog} 

Nigel Bear just make a pouty face and let us know you are tired, we will stop for you

typette:

I remember posting somewhere once in a thread about why girls aren’t exploited in animation anymore where some guy said, “all the disney girls are drawn to be generally attractive, but I don’t think there are any eye-candy men… or are there? Are there any Disney men that lots of girls like?” and I mentioned Roger. Tons of girls replied agreeing with me and the original guy was like “wait, Roger? from 101 Dalmatians? What’s attractive about him, he’s tall and lanky and has a big nose, he isn’t muscley at all! Wouldn’t you all prefer Gaston or something? Or do you girls think his big nose is indicative of something else?” and I was like “no, you idiot, he’s a silly, goofy guy who likes animals and can play a bunch of instruments, that’s why he’s attractive. What’s the matter with you? Gaston, seriously?”

This is why we need more girls in animation. And more guys like Roger apparently. 

As unbelievable as [White Dude Super Detective (WDSD)] characters are, they would become infinitely more so if their race or gender were changed. In The Mentalist, WDSD Patrick Jane once grifted clients as a fake psychic, but now works as a hard-to-control resource for the California Bureau of Investigations. What if the Jane character were a Latino ex-grifter? Would his arrogance and propensity for sneaking into suspect’s homes and accusing wealthy businessmen of impropriety read as quirky and charming? Would anyone believe that a police force would allow such behavior? Could the Scotland Yard of fantasy be down with a coke-addicted black Sherlock—no matter how clever?

The San Francisco police department abides Adrian Monk’s obsessive-compulsive disorder, as the FBI allows Perception’s Dr. Daniel Pierce to assist on cases, despite his unmedicated schizophrenia and paranoia, which results in hallucinations. Could a black woman be cast in those roles to the same effect? I submit, that even in the fictional worlds of literature and television, race and gender matter. Belief can only be suspended so far. And this archetype is reliant on power that comes with white maleness in American society.

wtfevolution:

“Check out this awesome dance move I invented.”

“Oh god, evolution, please stop doing that.”

“What? It’s called ‘pronking.’ All the springbok are into it.”

“I can’t take you anywhere.”

msskitty:

disregard-killed-the-cat:

INCOMING SHUFFLESNUFFLER DETECTED

AUTOMATED DEFENSE SYSTEMS ONLINE

snufflesnufflesnuffle

dildosandglitter:

bluesey:

Me and Percy eating some Papa Johns pizza. Big slice for me, and mini slice for the lil one. Lol

i literally just squealed so loud. OMG

wait-a-sec-imconfused:

hoarr:

marjoree:

For dogs that bite the Japanese have invented Quack — a less threatening looking muzzle.

FINALLY

OH MY GOD

genderfuckyou:

me

WHEN YET ANOTHER MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION OFFICER IS ARRESTED FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

I appreciate pieces like Lauren Rankin’s “Feminism Needs Men, Too” over at PolicyMic and interviews like this one Brittney Cooper (of Crunk Feminist Collective) did with The Feminist Wire because they force me to consider more deeply what it means when I identify as a male feminist. I come into this space with a set of privileges (cis, male, hetero) that are in constant need of interrogation, so it’s important to take some time to reflect on that a bit.

I’m deliberate about saying I’m a feminist for a couple of reasons. I believe in equality and tearing down the systems of oppression that stand its way, so identifying as a feminist signals my dedication to radical change. But one can be invested in that work without applying the label. I choose it because I always want to be held accountable.

The line that struck me the most in Brittney’s interview is when she said: “The thing that we aren’t saying about male feminists is that they have to do the emotional work.” Relatively speaking, the politics is easy. The emotional work? That shit is hard, but is some of the most important work we’re charged with doing.

Because after the dust has settled, the reproductive rights have been won, the pay is equal, and there’s equal representation in Congress, the mission is only half complete if sexism still dominates our social spaces. You can say the structural stuff is more important, but it’s the everyday stuff that reinforces the structural stuff that adds up to a clusterfuck of mind-numbing oppression. And so many of us are guilty of allowing ourselves to perpetuate it without ever taking a moment to see the damage we’re doing.

It’s when you’re kickin’ it with your boys and you don’t speak up (or maybe even join in) when the one dude is being called a “bitch” or a “pussy” because he didn’t hit on the girl you saw. It’s knowing street harassment is wrong but also knowing that you let your eyes linger way longer than was comfortable for her when she walked by you in those yoga pants. It’s that you find it impossible to have a debate with her without dismissing her opinion as the product of emotion or PMS, then reacting to her calling out your sexism with “I’m a nice guy!” It’s going on and on about how much misogyny, sexism, and patriarchy have entrenched themselves so deeply into our culture, then not understanding why she’s upset the only compliment you ever give her has to do with her looks. It’s all those things you’re not aware of but would be if you were actually listening to her.

If you’re not going to challenge yourself to do better, why claim feminism? 

In part, it’s because there’s a seductive aspect to identifying as a male feminist. Kiese Laymon touched on this in an essay for Gawker last year. Remembering an encounter he had with a colleague, he wrote: “It feels so good to walk away from this woman, believing not only that she thinks I’m slightly dope, but that she also thinks I’m unlike all those other men when it comes to spitting game.” That you’re just out to get laid is one of the most common accusations lobbed at men who identify as feminists, and while I don’t think that’s true for all or even most, it’s definitely true for some. Enough so that my homegirl calls it predatory. That’s a scary thought. And even if you’re not out here attempting to use feminist politics to spit game and get laid, there’s this tendency to feel such pride about wearing that Scarlet F on your chest that you completely miss the ways you’re reinforcing the same oppressive dynamics you claim to stand against. You like the attention being considered “different” affords, but you’re not always up to the task of living those differences.

I know because I have been am still there. I wrestle with this constantly. But that’s why I call myself a feminist — I want you to check me on my shit.

“The feminist movement needs male allies,” Lauren wrote, “but we need male allies who listen, who trust us, who support us.” Being a true ally is important. The danger lies in believing that being a male feminist makes you special. The hard work is in understanding that you can still be as fucked up as the next dude, but then having the courage to say “I need to change” and actually going about changing.

Be a male feminist. Prepare yourself to be held accountable.

Climbing up the ladder of success is hard. ‘speshly when you’re a-skeered of heights.

Various sources including Vintage Everyday and Buzzfeed. Origin unknown.

U. BUFFALO (US) — Social skills may explain why bullies often achieve high levels of career success.

They use those skills to strategically abuse their coworkers, yet still receive positive evaluations from their supervisors, according to a recent study that is one of the first attempts to measure the relationship between being a bully and job performance.

It’s your CO redonk chinchill-ular wheeskaires of the week!

From chintubeHD, baby chinchillas Loki (left) and Poki (right), “They were given those names because Loki is REALLY mischievous, he can’t sit still. And Poki, well… he just can’t stop poking Loki.”
Okee Dokee! (shifty eyes)

Doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.  You get head scritches with a little metal thing.

You get to go swimming.

You get all googly-eyed and people will crack up. They’ll prolly toss U a treat.

Toys are free.

You get to enjoy the great outdoors.

When you cock your head, people go BAROO? You don’t get what that means.

SQUIRREL!

Sleeping accommodations are always comfortable.

Nice big comfy couches to crash on. Or stand on.

They bring the food and water RIGHT TO YOU!

So close…yet so far.

Nobody gets on your case for excessive drool action.

“I like to snuggle, cuddle, bite skin, chase monstrous objects n’ make people explosively happy.”

And..hey! Green dude! How’d YOU get in here? 

~The Creditos~

1. DP&F’s FB.
2. “Trevor the Spoodle. He had been having a lovely time swimming in the dam, and this was his response to being told it was time to go home.” -Jas and Trev.
3/4. Ned McHardysons.
5. Jay’s FB.
6. “This is Hank, we like to call him Hanky Panky because he’s so full of beans!” -Photos by Annisa M., from Kristy and Josh C.
7. A border collie performs a jump at a dog show. Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images.
8. “Synchronized Napping: Nico and Hope” from Jeanine P.
9. “My friend Lesa’s mini-doxie Sparky contemplating yet another snow storm in SE Ohio.” -Liz B.
10. “Oliver is a mix of Japanese Chin, Poodle and some sort of Terrier. He travels with us in our Airstream trailer.” -Monica B.
11. Toby wants him some ENCHILADA. (Por Favor.) From Sarah L.
12. “Archer is our 2 year old bull mastiff who weighs 150 pounds and will sit on your lap like he weighs five.” -Submitted by “Mandy & Andy,” who are getting married soon and no doubt have spectacular wedding invitations. Photo by Angela at Lovelight Photographie.
13. “This is Oslo from Buenos Aires. He’s two months old.” -Rebecca W.
14. Bebeh Praying Mantis taken by A. Tweedie @ the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa.

feminisminapapercup:

writeswrongs:

queensassyofthefatties:

wtfniceguys:

alexandraerin:

moniquill:

sxizzor:

sendificator:

abaldwin360:

mssswitch:

brainstatic:

He is trying to explain that not getting laid (incel means involuntary celibate) is a violation of his civil rights and a grossly overlooked injustice.  He is completely serious. This is his blog.

what a fucking creepy fucker

Oh my fucking GOD. What an entitled little douche.

“BEING WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP AND SEX AGAINST YOUR WILL FOR OVER 6 MONTHS” cry me a river

what is that civil rights analogy even

Dear guys who don’t understand why women are often cagey around you:

These men walk among you and are indistinguishable from you until it’s too late.

From his About Me: “I want to share the idea that governments have to help people get partners.”

Suddenly, in a totally unrelated coincident, I have a brilliant and terrifying idea for a new dystopian fiction setting.

 

OH MY GOD. I cannot with Nice Guys™ like this. FUCK.

I’ll try to contain my rage with a nice numbered list of why he is SO fucking wrong. Ahem.

• Women are often single too, even when they don’t want to be. Nobody is entitled to a relationship with anyone. Period.
• Comparing women to restaurants is disgusting and objectifying. Stop.
• Comparing the civil rights movement to you not getting laid is also disgusting. Stop that too.
• You may not like being single, but that is not, in any way shape or form, oppression. 
• You are probably single “against your will” because you view women as restaurants that have an obligation to service you. 
• If we really wanted to help people who felt depressed because they were single, a big step would be teaching them that they don’t need a relationship to be validated and happy, NOT trying to match people up with tax money (honestly, I read it twice, and I still don’t know exactly what it is that you’re proposing). 
• You clearly have a warped view of women, the civil rights movement, and oppression and you are awful. STAHP.

As was mentioned before, things like this are a big reason women have trouble trusting men. The predators, the Nice Guys™, the creeps, the guys who feel entitled to women, they’re all out there, masquerading as decent dudes. 

Yeah, again. I remain I have justified reason to feel be cautious about most men I come across.

This is just fucking disgusting.

lol why did I even stop and read this

“From his About Me: “I want to share the idea that governments have to help people get partners.”

Suddenly, in a totally unrelated coincident, I have a brilliant and terrifying idea for a new dystopian fiction setting.”

Because it’s really fucking funny and yet terrifying.  

The Men’s Rights movement: because not getting everything you want is the very definition of oppression, right?

shitmystudentswrite:

Acting white is defined as buying and accepting slaves. This behavior is viewed very negatively because in our time now slavery is over and done with. Back in the day slavery was a traumatic event for the african americans. Highly offensive.

what assignment was this even for

STANFORD (US) — The African clawed frog, a species used around the world for biomedical research, is spreading an amphibian-killing fungus when they are released into the wild.

In a new study, researchers provide the first evidence that the frogs in California harbor a fungal infection that is decimating amphibian populations across the globe. Among 23 samples tested, the researchers identified three frogs, one found in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, that were carriers of the pathogen that has led to the decline or extinction of some 200 amphibian species worldwide.

The research was conducted on archived samples from the herpetology collection at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The findings are published in PLOS ONE.

PENN STATE (US) — College students eat better and get more exercise on days when they communicate more with their parents, according to researchers.

“Only a third of college students consume a diet that is consistent with national recommendations,” says Meg Small, research associate in the Prevention Research Center for the Promotion of Human Development at Penn State.

STANFORD (US) — Researchers squeezed iron at pressures as high as 3 million times that felt at sea level to recreate conditions at Earth’s center. The results suggest the core is uneven, grainy, and weak.

The massive ball of iron sitting at the center of Earth is not quite as “rock-solid” as has been thought, say two mineral physicists. By conducting experiments that simulate the immense pressures deep in the planet’s interior, the researchers determined that iron in Earth’s inner core is only about 40 percent as strong as previous studies estimated.

UC DAVIS (US) — A year after the human pandemic began, scientists found H1N1 (2009) infections in two free-ranging northern elephant seals off the central California coast, and antibodies to the virus in 28 more.

Those antibodies indicate more widespread exposure, report the researchers. Between 2009 and 2011, the team tested nasal swabs from more than 900 marine mammals from 10 different species off the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California.

Neither infected seal appeared to be ill, indicating marine mammals may be infected without showing clinical signs of illness. The study, the first report of that flu strain in any marine mammal, appears in PLOS ONE.

U. MICHIGAN (US) — A new brain study reveals that the circadian clocks of people with depression are altered at the cellular level.

Every cell in our bodies runs on a 24-hour clock, tuned to the night-day, light-dark cycles that have ruled us since the dawn of humanity. The brain acts as timekeeper, keeping the cellular clock in sync with the outside world so that it can govern our appetites, sleep, moods, and much more.