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October 24, 2005

Remembering Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

Even Outkast couldn't keep her down.

Posted by Michele at 10:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 18, 2005

Valley of the Dolls

I never understood the appeal of dolls. More specifically, I never understood the appeal of dolls that looked like mini-humans. The fictitious Strawberry Shortcake and Cabbage Patch Kids were safe because they resembled no one I knew. Barbies, however - creepy.

When my parents filled out their Asian adoption papers in 1976, they forgot to check off the box that said "No tomboys please." I detested the creepy mini-humans, while my mother simply adored them! Each year for Christmas and/or my birthday, she would present me with a Madame Alexander doll, and each year, I would quickly toss it aside while lunging for the boxed board games I requested. By the time I was eighteen, there were probably twenty-five or so of these little creatures perched in my room, and I couldn't identify a single one by name.*

This is why I find the latest controversy surrounding doll manufacturer American Girl completely inane. Right-wing conservatives are calling for a boycott of the doll company because it is donating money to the nonprofit Girls Inc., an organization which inspires "girls to be strong, smart and bold"...and oh yeah, supports abortion rights and the acceptance of lesbians.

If only the conservatives could see the real truth. They should not boycott American Girl because of its alliance with Girls Inc.; they should boycott the company because these dolls do nothing but feed the egos of spoiled little girls (see above), who will grow up to be your worst nightmare. Save a doll, buy a book or game!

*Disclaimer: While I didn't particularly care for the dolls, I was always thankful for receiving them.

Posted by Michele at 10:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 10, 2005

Erasable, But Not Indelible.

From eighth grade through college, one school supply remained constant in my life: the Papermate Erasermate pen.

Erasable pens were every perfectionist's dream. They gave you the confidence to take pages upon pages of notes in class, without ever having to worry about tainting your lined masterpiece with ugly scribbles and cross-outs. If a mistake was made, you simply erased it with a flip of the pen and quick rub. Genius.

Sadly, when I entered the working force, I began using the standard office pens. Erasable pens became a thing of the past, although my faith in them remained permanent. I was reminded of them only recently when I came across an unopened package of Erasermates lying in my junk box. Oh, the memories!

Please take a moment to give props to the grand titans of all writing instruments. You know you love 'em too.

Posted by Michele at 09:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 03, 2005

Supreme Court Justice Harriet (Oscar) Miers

I'm trying not to judge a book by its cover, really. But quotes like this make it very difficult:

"When it comes to a cross-examination, she can filet better than Mrs. Paul." - Dubya, 2005

Posted by Michele at 02:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack