Clipmarks | enbar's clips

"Want to save marriage? Ban divorce," by Candace Chellew-Hodge (@revtheodyke)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:20:35 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: A good, short opinion piece by Candace Chellew-Hodge (@revtheodyke) on John Marcotte's effort to get a new, Proposition 8-like measure placed on the ballot in California to "protect traditional marriage" by making divorce illegal. After all, she points out, Jesus never mentions homosexuality, but he sure does have a problem with divorce.

Clip Source: www.religiondispatches.org

Want to Save Marriage? Ban Divorce

Among "born-again" Christians, 27 percent currently are divorced or previously have been divorced, compared with 24 percent among adults who are not "born again." Surprisingly, the Barna report said, the Christian group whose adherents have the highest likelihood of getting divorced are Baptists.

John Marcotte wants to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California.

Ah, Jesus, remember him? Even though he said not one word about homosexuality in his entire ministry — those who oppose marriage equality for gays and lesbians continue to invoke his name to deny equal rights to an entire group of human beings. All the while, they ignore his words against divorce as quaint and antiquated.

It would be nice to be able to go to the polls and vote on someone else's civil rights for a change. It would also be nice to finally show those who have voted to take away my rights what it feels like to be a second class citizen in America.

Tags: california, commentary, glbt, law, marriage, opinion, religion, same-sex

It's Burkha Barbie!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:02:00 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: These are going to be auctioned off as part of a fundraising effort for Save the Children.

Clip Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

It's Barbie in a burkha: World-famous doll gets a makeover to go under the hammer for 50th anniversary

One of the world's most famous children's toys, Barbie, has been given a makeover - wearing a burkha.

Wearing the traditional Islamic dress, the iconic doll is going undercover for a charity auction in connection with Sotheby's for Save The Children.

The company director of Laird Assessors from The Wirral, Cheshire, said: 'Bring it on Burkha Barbie, I think this is a great idea.

'I think this is really important for girls, wherever they are from they should have the opportunity to play with a Barbie that they feel represents them.

'I know Barbie was something seen as bad before as an image for girls, but in actual fact the message with Barbie for women is you can be whatever you want to be.

'I have a Barbie in a wheelchair that was only out for six weeks.'

Tags: children, clothing, europe, gender, islam, news, religion, toys, uk

The real threat to "traditional" marriage: heterosexual couples who don't think the way they're supposed to

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:54:54 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: The money quote: "There is a greater expectation that women will work, men will be more involved with their children, and household duties will be more evenly shared... In essence, straight couples are 'queering' heterosexual marriage... If neither partner conforms to his or her 'unique role,' heterosexual marriage starts to look like its same-sex counterpart and illustrates that those 'unique' gendered roles aren't as unique as the bishops claim they are. If in a heterosexual marriage a man can provide nurturing and emotional sensitivity and a woman can provide leadership and effective decision-making skills, could they not bring these traits to a same-sex marriage?"

Clip Source: www.patheos.com

A Real Challenge to Marriage

The ongoing objection to same-sex marriage by the Catholic church seems to be predicated not only on the old procreation argument, but also on a stubborn attachment to specific gender roles, as evidenced by the reiteration of the validity of marriage of heterosexual couples who are unable to procreate. The trouble for the bishops is that while these gender roles are still prevalent, they are continuing to fall away.

In addition to biology, there is the "unique role" argument.

While the church in recent times, as well as in this document, has tried very hard to emphasize the equality of women in heterosexual marriages there is still a strong emphasis on a nebulous "difference" between wives and husbands.

To maintain the church's teaching on procreation as the basis for marriage, the burden falls disproportionately to women.

Tags: christianity, glbt, marriage, opinion, religion, roman_catholicism, same-sex, sex

Alissa Rubin of the NYT interviews a female suicide bomber in Iraq

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:42:21 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: This is pretty effing chilling, is all I can say.

Clip Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Inside the mind of a female suicide bomber

Ranya in Baquba jail, where she shared a cell with fellow would-be suicide bomber Baida Abdul Karim al-Shammari. Photograph: Michael Kamber

I asked her gently, and as non-judgmentally as I could, whether she wanted to kill me because I was a foreigner.

"Frankly, yes." Then she added, to soften it: "Not specifically you, because I know you."

She seemed excited now at the thought of our capture. "They do not want to kill you, but to torture you and make lunch of your flesh. I could not do anything to help you."

Baida was smiling again. "If I had not seen you before and talked to you, I would kill you with my own hands," she said. "Do not be deceived by my peaceful face. I have a heart of stone."

Tags: interview, iraq, islam, journalism, religion, rels327, terrorism, violence, women

News from Nepal: preparations underway for world's largest mass animal sacrifice

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:05:18 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: From The Himalayan Times, some information about logistical preparation for Ghadimai fair (Nov. 24 and 25), which is the site of what is thought to be the world's largest mass slaughter of sacrificial animals (mostly goats, buffalo, and fowl). 250 butchers have been appointed as official slaughterers, a stadium-sized structure for the simultaneous killing of 10,000 buffalo has been erected, and a 3-km wide stretch of land has been set aside for the butchering.

Clip Source: www.thehimalayantimes.com

250 butchers appointed at Ghadimai fair

Unperturbed by animal rights campaigners and Buddhist monk Ram Bahadur Bamjan's call for a halt to mass animal sacrifice, the fare management committee has appointed at least 250 strong butchers to perform the world's supposedly biggest mass animal sacrifice due to take place on November 24 and 25 in Ghadimai fare

“The 250 strong butchers will use Khukuri, Khuda and sword for slaughtering the animals,” he added.

According to the management committee, the pilgrim should pay between Rs 20 to Rs 100 for slaughtering goats and buffalos on their own.

A stadium-like-structure has also been erected in two bighas of land, where more than 10,000 buffaloes will be slaughtered at a time.

Around 1,200 policemen will keep vigil round the clock and more are on call, he added.

Meanwhile, preparations are on for the mass slaughter of animals.

Tags: animals, hinduism, news, post:facebook(source), rels327, ritual, south_asia, violence

Teenager calls police after his parents confiscate his Xbox

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:10:13 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: Today's entry from the what-is-the-world-coming-to dept.

Clip Source: www.chicagotribune.com

Buffalo Grove boy dials 911 after parents take away his Xbox video game

A 15-year-old boy told Buffalo Grove police that his parents had taken away his video game system and asked whether they were within their rights.

They were, police told him.

The teen called 911 about 12:50 p.m. Sunday but then hung up, said Cmdr. Steve Husak. Officers went to the house, and after hearing the story, told the youth that his parents have the authority to take away his Xbox as punishment.

He also was advised to listen to his parents, Husak said. Husak did not know why the boy was being punished

Tags: children, gaming, news, random_sh!t

So you've heard about the "meep" ban at Danvers High?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:58:10 GMT

clipped by: enbar

Clip Source: www.salemnews.com

What's wrong with 'meep'? It's all in how you say it

Danvers High parents recently got an automated call from the principal warning them that if students say or display the word "meep" at school, they could face suspension.

Clip Source: www.npr.org

Principal Tells Students 'Meep' Is Off-Limits

Mr. SPIEWAK: We used to stand in front of this teacher's room and we would use it, you know, meep, meep, whatever, when, you know, we all came into the school in the morning. We were asked to move, we were asked to stop using the word.

Clip Source: www.wired.com

One wonders if Principal Murray considered how utterly ridiculous he would look if the story hit the media. One also wonders if he considered the likely effect his warnings would have on a student body composed of teenagers.

Clip Source: abcnews.go.com

Thompson said the principal was right to put a stop to any planned disruption, but said he probably wouldn't have gone so far as to threaten suspension over a word that has no real meaning, calling it the perfect way to start an "us versus them" situation.

Bad news for Mississippi's black colleges

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:22:38 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: It looks like the end might be in sight for several of Mississippi's HBCUs. In the wake of the 1992 US v. Fordice decision -- which, ironically, represented an attempt to undo the historic effects of the state's segregated higher education system -- they were starved of funds, receiving less than 3% of the budget they were allotted. They are now being condemned as non-performers (surprise, surprise) and will probably undergo massive program cuts.

Clip Source: www.insidehighered.com

Threat to Black Colleges

November 17, 2009

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour on Monday proposed combining the state's three public black colleges into one of the institutions, Jackson State University. While Barbour said that campuses would continue to exist at what are now Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University, the proposal marks the most dramatic state challenge in recent years to the continuation of some public black colleges -- and the move comes in the state whose higher education system was the subject of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that governs college desegregation.

While his plan stressed that the various merged institutions would survive in some form, he also said that this major reorganization should result in the elimination of many programs, which supporters of black colleges fear will come largely from their institutions.

Tags: academe, bad_news, education, race, u.s._south

"Most sophisticated computer attack ever" drains $9M from over 2000 ATMs at once

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:30:50 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: Four hackers in Russia, Estonia, and Moldova orchestrate a global attack on an ATM network, stealing over nine million US dollars from over two thousand ATMs in 280 cities on three continents, all within twelve hours. As a postscript, three of the accused hackers have now been apprehended and will be tried either in the US or in their home countries. Thanks to Rob M. for posting.

Clip Source: www.fbi.gov

HIGH-TECH HEIST
2,100 ATMs Worldwide Hit at Once

�

It was a highly sophisticated and cleverly orchestrated crime plot. And one unlike any we’ve ever seen before.

With cloned or stolen debit cards in hand—and the PINs to go with them—they hit more than 2,100 money machines in at least 280 cities on three continents, in such countries as the U.S., Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, Estonia, Russia, and the Ukraine.

When it was all over—incredibly within 12 hours—the thieves walked off with a total of more than $9 million in cash.

Working together, the four hackers cooked up “perhaps the most sophisticated and organized computer fraud attack ever conducted,” according to Acting U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates of the Northern District of Georgia.

The case is a testament to both the globalized nature of crime in today’s world and the international reach of the FBI, which depends more and more on a network of 61 overseas offices worldwide

Tags: computers, crime, globalization, money, news, via:facebook

Fred Phelps's organization (the "God Hates Fags" pastor) has decided God hates Jews, too

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:55:50 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: I find this choice of photo pretty curious. "Some Jews Will Repent" is a pretty tame slogan compared to the other ones quoted in the article, such as "Rabbis Rape Kids" and "God Hates Jews."

Clip Source: www.usatoday.com

Anti-gay church sets its sights on Jews

In Washington, Margie Phelps balanced several signs targeting Jews, Israel and the Obama administration. One read "Rabbis Rape Kids," another said "God Hates Jews." Margie Phelps' T-shirt read "Jews Killed Jesus." She argued with men and women passing by, warning them that God will soon send the Jews to hell.

"I don't care what you claim, chosen wise," she said. "Obedience is the standard."

Taking a break from yelling at passersby and singing homophobic lyrics to the tune of the Jewish celebratory song "Hava Nagila," Margie Phelps explained the change in tactic. "We've protested this nation's love of f**s for 20 years," she said. "And Jews have been carrying the water for the homosexual agenda."

Westboro members targeted several Jewish organizations last month on a statewide tour of New Jersey. Their visit to Washington included a protest in front of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Tags: christianity, disturbing, evangelicalism, extremism, judaism, news, pluralism, religion, rels327

How to break through zip-ties, pick locks, make a DIY caltrop, and kill an attack dog

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:32:44 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: A little profile of the "urban tactical skills" training program OnPoint. If you take their $550 course, you can learn how to escape kidnappers and other bad guys, which apparently many people believe will be a useful skill in some not-too-distant future dystopia. Thank you to Rob M. for posting.

Clip Source: www.thebigmoney.com

Survival School

OnPoint, started in 2004 by Kevin Reeve, a 52-year-old professional scout and tracker, is the only school in the country that teaches urban tactical skills. In the past nine months, demand for the course has surged. For the first time, Reeve approximates his annual revenue to top $200,000—a fair sum for a business whose overhead consists largely of renting out space in community centers for classes and buying enough Goody bobby pins to prop up the coifs at a beauty pageant. In years past, Reeve said he barely pulled in enough revenue to make a profit.

Among the lessons we've learned are how to break through zip ties and telephone cords (the most common materials used as binding by kidnappers), smash a car window without making a sound, pick tumbler- and padlocks, puncture the tires of a pursuit vehicle with homemade caltrops, call for help using a ham radio, kill an attack dog—and, of course, how to escape from handcuffs.

Tags: cities, crime, latoc, news, random_sh!t, via:facebook

H1N1 and religion: ritual improvisation and public health

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:17:16 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: A roundup of some changes made to ritual and liturgy in Montréal, Toronto, and elsewhere in Canada as strategies of counteracting the spread of the flu. The piece has a slightly puffy, amused tone, but I think this is pretty interesting, especially for what it implies about the value of ritual and community as opposed to discourse and information (e.g., if the epidemic gets worse, expect churches to tell everyone to stay home and get their sermons via podcast).

Clip Source: www.theglobeandmail.com

In hand sanitizer we trust

From communion bread on toothpicks to bleach in the holy water, houses of worship are taking measures to prevent the flu's spread

Call it worship without worry: An Italian inventor has devised an electronic holy-water dispenser to reduce exposure to the H1N1 virus.

The device, already inspiring interest worldwide, uses an infrared sensor like those found in bathroom soap dispensers to squirt blessed water into parishioners' hands. The inventor, Luciano Marabese, said he dreamed up the idea to preserve religious tradition in the face of the flu pandemic.

This month, the archdiocese upgraded its anti-flu measures, calling on parishes to implement the following changes at all masses.

Temporarily suspend communion from the chalice.

Temporarily suspend communion on the tongue.

Refrain from shaking hands during the sign of the peace. A nod, bow or other appropriate gesture should be encouraged.

Tags: canada, h1n1, health, medicine, news, possible_blog_post, public_health, religion

An amicus brief for the validity of religious-law arguments in potential Eighth Amendment cases

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:04:59 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: I don't know quite how i feel about this. I have a lot of sympathy for their position, but I don't get the argument for including religious arguments in an amicus brief like this. The argument is that it violates key religious provisions (ideas like mercy and compassion) to give a juvenile a life-without-parole sentence for a non-homicide offense. Part of the argument rests on the notion that the values of rehabilitation, mercy, and hope are universal across religious traditions -- those sorts of claims always make me a little skeptical.

Clip Source: divinity.uchicago.edu

Sightings

November 12, 2009

Religion-Based Arguments in Juvenile Life Without Parole Cases

— Joan Gottschall

The legal position advanced by the brief is also remarkable, for amici argue that their shared religious values require the Supreme Court to reverse the Florida judgments and to hold that it is a violation of the Eighth Amendment to sentence juveniles convicted of non-homicide offenses to life without the possibility of parole.

First, it reviews traditional religious recognition of the distinction between children and adults, both in religious teachings regarding crime and punishment and in other aspects of religious law.

Third, it argues that ignoring the special status of youth and condemning juveniles to die in prison contravenes the fundamental religious values of mercy, forgiveness, and compassion.

Tags: crime, ethics, justice, law, possible_blog_post, religion, via:sightings

Asteroid explodes over Indonesia "with the energy of a small atomic bomb"

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:05:49 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: Uh ... golly!

Clip Source: spaceweather.com

INDONESIAN ASTEROID: Picture this: A 10-meter wide asteroid hits Earth and explodes in the atmosphere with the energy of a small atomic bomb. Frightened by thunderous sounds and shaking walls, people rush out of their homes, thinking that an earthquake is in progress. All they see is a twisting trail of debris in the mid-day sky:

The Earth-shaking blast received remarkably little coverage in Western press, but meteor scientists have given it their full attention. "The explosion triggered infrasound sensors of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) more than 10,000 km away," report researchers Elizabeth Silber and Peter Brown of the Univ. of Western Ontario in an Oct. 19th press release. Their analysis of the infrasound data revealed an explosion at coordinates 4.5S, 120E (close to Bone) with a yield of about 50 kton of TNT. That's two to three times more powerful than World War II-era atomic bombs.

Tags: insane, news, space

Tell me again how the "free market" is the best way to manage health-care delivery, part II: health insurance and rape victims

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:24:26 GMT

clipped by: enbar
clipper's remarks: Of course, the truth that very few people want to say out loud is that for-profit insurance companies are actually doing the smart thing by denying coverage to sexual-assault victims. If you've been raped, you're probably going to require expensive one-on-one therapy and who knows what other sorts of treatment. You're a bad risk. Why not deny coverage? At least, that's how it looks to me. Someone can explain to me if I'm getting it wrong somehow.

Clip Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Rape Victim's Choice: Risk AIDS or Health Insurance?

Christina Turner feared that she might have been sexually assaulted after two men slipped her a knockout drug. She thought she was taking proper precautions when her doctor prescribed a month's worth of anti-AIDS medicine.

Only later did she learn that she had made herself all but uninsurable.

"It's difficult enough to make sure that rape victims take the drugs," said Diana Faugno, a forensic nurse in California and board director of End Violence Against Women International. "What are we supposed to tell women now? Well, I guess you have a choice - you can risk your health insurance or you can risk AIDS. Go ahead and choose."

Turner, now a life and casualty insurance agent, said she went without health coverage for three years after the attack. She second-guesses her decision to take the HIV drugs. "I'm going to be penalized my whole life because of this," she said.

Tags: commentary, healthcare, insurance, medicine, rape