yma hoe merch o Shallot

NOTICE: FB phishing attempt

nicocoer — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:38:03 GMT

Hey,

If you recieved a Facebook fan page invite to a page that starts with "you lying Cheating...", IT WAS NOT ME. it is a phishing attempt.

You are led to a page about a prank call, told to become a fan to see what it is. Once you become a fan, it sends out an invite to ALL of your contacts, even if you select the "cancel" button. Then it takes you to another FB page, and (this is the point where I realized it was a bad link) tries to get you to take a test/quiz off site before letting you listen to the prank call.

Do not join this page. If you already have, post up that it is a phishing attempt, and you did not intend the invites to be sent. Unfriend, Report both inappropriate content and as phishing under the security option in the FB help center (under settings in the uppermost right corner), and CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD.

Rethinking Autism: Autistics Speak

nicocoer — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:34:28 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOwNP9vC6k

I'm the Savannah speaking in this.

Please give this a listen?

Tech Help!

nicocoer — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:28:28 GMT

So I know someone who works for a nonprofit who is having issues with email sending to the tonnes of people on her mailing lists.

hmmm. What my problem is, I send out an email to hundreds, thousands of people. Many do not receive it because their computer senses too many emails in the message. Also, it takes forever to send emails to
ex. Adams Gov, Adams d&a, Adams support groups, Adams EI, etc. I have to send them separate because there are too many emails in each one of those distribution boxes.
I need to be able to click on all or most of the distribution boxes and then have them sent out one at a time to better our delivery rate to each one of them. I have too many that do not reach their destination.
does that help?

She is looking for a client or application to solve this problem. Any suggestions?

J-drama Review 2008

nicocoer — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:53:36 GMT

So! I've submitted the form for My panel for Tekkoshocon. I'll be doing it on the Sunday of the con, and have decided on "J-drama Review 2008". Right now, I'm looking at an hour time slot, possibly two if they need the space taken.

I was going to do an intro class, but someone is already doing "Asian Drama 101" "Asian Drama 102" AND "Asian Boy Bands" (which is hope doesn't get scheduled the same time as mine!) so A review of 2008's shows it is!

Now I know I have a fair number of Japanese drama watchers on my flist, and friends of flist. So, I'd like to know what dramas you think were the best, most popular, etc in 2008. You can find the shows by season here: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall With the rankings.

Which shows got high rankings that really weren't worth it?
Which shows got poor ratings when they deserved the best?
Which shows had the most "cap-able" sceens, or the scenes that you had to watch over and over again?
Which shows do you wish you had/hadn't taken the time for?
Which shows do you think I'd be remiss in skipping?

/prelim, please link around. :)

Oh, 90's Fashion!

nicocoer — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:25:29 GMT

I'll be the first to admit that 90's women's fashion was kinda horrible for the most part. I mean, REALLY HIDEOUS. As in, we can hope that it will NEVER AGAIN blind us.

That said, there was also a good amount of 90's dresses that, while hideous on the stick figure models, look fabulous on real people.

The only reason I say this is that I picked up a dress that was soft, long, and on the hanger kinda lame at the good will. I liked how soft it was, though, and decided to grab it. I am ridiculously glad that I did, because as soon as I put it on, the dress went from looking formless to looking amazing. It's hard to find a dress that is empire waisted enough to make your boobs look nice and to show that you have a waist without it also showing the embarrassment of your tummy. But I found that dress for me.

So today I started browsing 90's dress patterns. As much as I like the Grecian look, It was the Empire Waist Prom Dresses that caught my eye. Pretty.

Some of the evening dress patterns weren't quite right for my tastes, though if made floor length and lower necked they would be lovely. This pattern could loose the collar- I'd have a scoop neck instead- and make it into ankle length, and I'd be all over it. The B look on this one would be amazing with a slightly lower neck and thinner ribbon. And look C in this one? The only change I'd make would be scoop neck.

None of these should be in the suggested colors, of course. That was one of the most blinding parts of the 90's, in my opinion.

One thing I love about the 90's is that there are some absolutely gorge Wedding gowns that you just can't find any more. I'm not talking the mutton sleeve things, either- I'm talking about some of the necklines that are MADE for people with nice shoulders. I'm in LOVE with this pattern- It's off the shoulders, will stay in place, and will hide the flab on the upper arms. Seriously, I've tried on too many off shoulder tops that made my shoulders look PASTED ON YAY to my arms.

What 90's Looks do you miss, and what ones do you hope to never EVER see again?

(To new folks: Hi, I normally don't post this sort of thing, but a ha ha, hello 90's Fashion how you've influenced what I want to look like in 20-40 years. )

24 hour challenge

nicocoer — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:35:33 GMT

Title: The Rainbow Table
Fandom: Arashi/JE
Rating: PG-13 right now
Word Count: 1182
Author's note: First, I don't know anyone in JE. Second, this is so un beta'd it hurts. Third, it's for the 24 hour Valentine's day challenge. Fourth, I know that this is so Bastardizing of Arthurian Legend it makes Merlin look mildly bastardized. SHHH.

Once upon a time there was a kingdom called Camelot. Camelot had been filled with much strife until a king had risen up and tenuously untied the tribal lords against invasion. His name was Uther, though many tribal lords had other names for him due to both his tenacity and his history with the wives of other men.

But this is not the story of Uther. This is the story of his son, begot through a deception for the greater good, whose story if not name would go down in legend and song.

Sho was a boy who had been raised well enough, but not as a king- rather, as the foster son of a great Lord. In his heart, he had dreamed of something unidentifiable more, but for the years of his youth he followed the wishes of his Foster father. He studied the way of the third son in learning to serve and protect his foster brother. He learned to fight, to manage his brother's future household, and to Make wise choices for his brother.

Shige was a nice enough lad- he studied hard, and was very hard on himself when he didn't meet his own expectations. But in the end, it was Sho that was better at understanding the needs of his brother's men and what would motivate their loyalty.

When the Saxons invaded, the boys followed their father into battle. Sho shone brightly in his gift for leadership, earning the approval of his father and provoking a sense of motivation in Shige.

When the boys had reached an age at which they had already learned the practical aspects of life, their father brought in a tutor. This tutor was terribly eccentric, spouting random facts about the natural world and, when there wasn't ladies present, about the ways of the women in the many lands he had traveled. Aiba was his name, though his tendency towards distraction earned him the name of "Aibaka" amongst the visiting lords.

He also knew the arcane arts but preferred to use them to teach the boys Latin and to show them the ways of Mathematics. Occasionally, with just a bit of drink, he would show them picture shows behind the stable. too often, it seemed, the cook would see and chase them out with the broom, yelling "Perverts!" the whole while.

Things went well in Camelot, though often Shige would get frustrated with Aiba's erratic teaching methods and Sho would agree, though his fondness for his tutor kept him from speaking on it. The sun rose and set with their waking and sleeping, each day seeing them fuller and better prepared for the future that awaited them.

When the boys were reaching the very end of their educations, the news of the King's death came. No heir had been named aloud, and unrest whispered behind the breath of each tongue. Soon after, Aiba slipped away in the night with only a whispered "See you at the tourney, your majesty." to a very confused Sho.

___

In the high court Jun, son of King Nagase of Galore, sat with Nino, ward of the state after his mother's death left his rightful lands forfeit to the crown as a child. Due to their situations- Jun was the second son- both were trained in the ways of the court.

Which meant that they were currently sniping at each other over what would be appropriate behavior in court.

"You are NOT wearing that to a royal tourney. I don't care if You aren't competing. My father gave you a perfectly fine Silk Tunic, and it would be disgraceful for you to show up in that-" Jun gestured at Nino's plain woolen tunic "Thing."

Nino continued his game of Morris without looking up. "Now, what would be disgraceful would be to wear bright purple to anything."

Jun cracked his knuckles. "And what, exactly is wrong with wearing purple?"

Fortunately for the sake of Nino's skull, a maid burst into the room. "Mi'Lords! You are wanted in the court immediately! The will of the king is found, and with it his adviser!"

___

Word flashed like wild fire across the land- the quest for an heir had begun. Before the court a hooded man had read Uther's will, which called for a competition of magical testing.

Hadakalibur, sword of sovereignty from the isles of the blessed, was to be placed in the Stone of Scone which had magically appeared before the vacant throne. Whosoever should grasp the furry handle and pull the long, shining blade from the stone would be the rightful heir to Uther's throne.

From Far and wide, the young men of the kingdom came to try their luck. But none, not the sons of the royal lines of Gaul nor the sons of the lowliest stable maid could retrieve the sword from the red stone. Soon even Shige and Sho's father, desperate for the peace that comes with knowing who your king is, sent them forth.

Shige, under the urging of his father, approached the stone doubtfully. Glancing at his brother, he wiped his hands on his thighs and grasped the sword. Nothing. The boys turned to leave when a familiar voice spoke just loud enough for the two boys to hear.

"Sho, your majesty, step forward."

"Aib-"

"Just do it, everyone is staring at us." Shige said to his brother, nudging him forward.

The sword came up easily at the slightest touch of Sho's hand, and the exhalation of the giants came as the assembled court fell to their knees.

Aiba threw back his hood. "All hail Sho, the once and future king of Camelot- and all of England!"

The crowd cheered, and Aiba placed the crown on Sho's head. As he guided the confused and newly crowned king to the throne, Aiba informed him of the need to marry his queen swiftly.

"But I don't even like women that much!"

"Oh, no worries, he cares for women even less than you do."

____

"What do you mean I have to marry that bumpkin?"

"Your father has already signed the marriage documents, your highness. All that remains is the ceremony and the wedding night- which I promise you will be a wonderful experience, trained the boy myself-"

Nino snickered as Jun turned purple enough that he matched his tunic.

"Nino, I heard that. You will die a slow death- after I kill this idiot first."

Aiba grinned widely. "Well, you won't kill me, though I can promise that I will certainly tell tell you that you are at some point."

"You perverted son of a-"

"Um. Is everything alright in here?" Sho said as he poked his head around the door.

"Oh, yes your Majesty. the most esteemed Aiba here was just telling your blushing bride what to expect tomorrow evening." Nino pushed himself off his perch at the window.

"Oh. Um. Right then. I will see you all at the feast tonight then?"

"Most certainly, your majesty. let me escort you to your chambers, there is the matter of housing to discuss."

Nino's eyes gleamed as he retreated from the room with Sho at his elbow.

"Well, that was nice. Oh, cheer up Jun- you've yet to meet Ohno, you'll like him, nice fellow. . . "

*falls over*

EDIT: want to read more from the V-day 24 hour challenge?

alissa | crystallekil | coiled_iris | joshua_glass | ky_rin | liangzhu | mousapelli | myxstorie | nicocoer | pastdazed | silver_rose88 | slytherisa | snowqueenofhoth | tinyangl | trivialaffair

Loud tweet on basic.

nicocoer — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:18:35 GMT

So! nostrademons has posted on how to cut loud tweets regardless of lj paid status.

So. yeah. *joins the chorus of people headdesking and yelling "DOH!"*

Can Haz Prompts? :D?

nicocoer — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:26:22 GMT

Okay, so it's time to get started on findyourwords, and so I figured I'd start out looking to get through some of my personal goals. (my word count goal is 100k/year, and my personal goals can be found here)

So! Open Requests. Ruleses:

* Can be any fandom you think I'm involved in (check my interests if you are unsure, though other things you've heard me blab about are fair game *gulps!*)

* Set a time period within which to have it done by, ranging between 24 hours and a month.

* I'll attempt what you throw at me within reason, but no promises on word count- if you shoot a 24 hour request it prolly won't be long, etc.

* Original fiction ideas are fair game.

*hits the post button and hides*

ETA:
completed:
for ky_rin, kame/kiss me deadly/24 hours, about wine.

HERE WE GO!

nicocoer — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:36:46 GMT

"Here We Go! / Here We Go! / Here we go, Steelers, Here We Go! /

PITTSBURGH'S
GOING TO
THE SUPERBOWL!"

</table>

Superbowl XLIII
Feburary 1st, 2009
@ Tampa

Cardinals VS Steelers!

That Wish List for the Holidays

nicocoer — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:58:30 GMT

STEP ONE
- Make a post (public, friendslocked, filtered...whatever you're comfortable with) to your LJ. The post should contain your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple and fandom-related ("I'd love a Snape/Hermione icon that's just for me") to medium ("I wish for _____ on DVD") to really big ("All I want for Christmas is a new car/computer/house/TV.") The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want.

- If you wish for real life things (not fics or icons), make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where Santa (or one of his elves) could get in touch with you. [Note: Your home address is not required!]

- Also, make sure you post some version of these guidelines in your LJ, or link to this post (it'll be public) so that the holiday joy will spread.

STEP TWO
- Surf around your friendslist (or friendsfriends, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list. And now here's the important part:

- If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use--or even know where you could get someone's dream purebred Basset Hound for free--do it.

-You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf--to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not--it's your call. There are no guarantees with this project, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.</blockquote>

My wishlist:

* A roommate or two- more people paying, less financial stress
* My debt magically (or not) being reduced.
* Dryer, then Washer for the U-town House. Not new, just WORKING. (I MIGHT have found a fridge, waiting to hear back!)
* Weatherization supplies (Plastic, safety blankets, window for broken one, Possibly stuff to fix a swollen door/replace door wit better one altogether)
* For Me to GET MY DRIVER'S SOON, preferably on Tuesday when I take the test.
* Utilities on quickly. Heat/hotwater #1, then Interwebs. Electric is already on. . .
* tiny laptop with a screen that works. Eees look cute, and right now my laptop is effectively a more adaptable desktop as the screen is dead.
* Tv shows on disc (or Downloadable, but disc is best even if it's not originals) either Japanese or one of the American TV shows I like (House, BONES, CSI, Numbers, SPN, Eleventh Hour[new] etc.)
* Rahm fic. Rahm fic makes my day better.
* Music. I love music.

Bonus:
* for you to have a good set of Holidays!

PS: I've updated my contact info (flocked, link in profile) for now- NOTE: mailing just send to my mum for now, I'll change that as soon as I pay for a PO box. (U-town house isn't close enough to the road to get regular mail at the house? there's parking out front in addition to driveway.)

Actual suggestions Re: LJ Profile blah.

nicocoer — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:49:04 GMT

Well, now I have a functional complaint. It seems that the new design doesn't support iFrames. Seeing as how that's how GOOGLE CALENDAR's little app is coded, I have a bit of a problem here.

Any info on the use of tables? Were your tables screwed up? I'm considering finally implementing a table based Profile so that mine isn't quite so hideous.

Firefox users: Anyone else finding the new profile layout non-scalable on Firefox, or is it just me? And wasn't that one of the reasons they listed? It's veiwing properly in IE, but not my Firefox on my computer at home.

(also, The Stalker stats and the Basic info needs to swtich places, with stalker stats Automatically collapsed. Actually, Stalker stats should be below interests ideally.)

Still hate it? (I do! I Do!) It isn't QUITE as appalling if you swtich it to Vertical rather than Horizontal. If you've gotten used to Horizontal, I'm sorry. :-/ Really I feel like some vertical elements would have improved the design (perhaps the "Basic Info" box?) a lot, Re: other Beta design that was dropped in favor of this one. You can see a screen grab here. While that's still a darastic change from out old version

Actually, I would have prefered the rejected Beta over the old one, as it addressed my frustration with the old design without butchering it. I want to know, Does anyone know what reasons they rejected said "rejected Beta" for? Any body? Because it looks really Navigable AND pretty, as well as being user friendly. Additionally, it doesn't load you down with useless data while allowing mods to quickly find the usage stats on a user for verification purposes (the only time I've heard people worry about diffculty finding that info).

I still hold by what I said in the last post, however I think that constructiveness requires more than just pointing out what is wrong- it includes making suggestions.

My Cat Could Do Better On FRONTPAGE.

nicocoer — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:44:45 GMT

Dear LJ:

OH HELLS NO.

I'm sorry that your designers seem to have flunked design school, or at least slept through "User Interface 101" and any guide to basic design principals.

Stop getting huffy- the MAJORITY of your beta users said it was hideous, and you still went through with it. Put the old one back up, Edit that to suit needs (Collapsible and re-sizable adjustments are both pretty easy to implement there, no need to have reinvented the wheel), and NOT piss off your consumers.

As it stand right now, it's unwieldy, unnavigable, and inelegant. In fact, It looks like you found some code from a crappy forum from at least 10 years ago and popped that in. Well, except that then it was at least Navigable.

FAIL TIMES 5 MILLION.

Voting, part deux!

nicocoer — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:50:09 GMT

:D yes, I know, MORE VOTE STUFF? Half ye olde flist isn't even American, and some of the ones who are are already voting! What Gives???

In any case, we all know That I love Politics/Poli Sci deep at heart, And we know that as much as I complain and soemtimes wish I lived elsewhere, I love the idea of the USA.

With That in mind, some resources for you. :)

Where Can I Go To Vote?
Check out http://Maps.google.com/vote
If it doesn't have your polling place, it will direct you to the Voting website of your state.

Is there an easy site to find out what's on the ballot?
Yes and No- http://votinginfoproject.org/ Has info for a number of states/locals (Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Los Angelos County CA), but as it's a voluntary project not all states are represented.
If you, like me, aren't in one of the listed locals, type your address into the google maps link above, and click on the link provided for your state's site. Look for county contact links, or see if the main site has a veiw of the local ballots.

(Venango County Folks Can Veiw our info here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddxdvp3p_22ffsxx7fs )

Okay, I know where I'm going. Maybe I know who I'm voting for. What am I allowed to bring?
Good Question! This changes from county to county- some Counties Don't mind Passive Political Speach like a Tee-shirt or a Button. Some counties- Like Venango County- are strict on The topic. If I were to go to my polling place with my Obama Button (Or my boss in her McCain Button!) I would be asked to remove it before entering the building. Some sites might not let you within 200 ft of the polls with a button! It would be a good Idea to look up your local election officials- they are State/County Employees so you should be able to find them via your state website- And ask.

What do I HAVE to bring?
Due to federal law, you need photo ID the first time you vote at a new location. Your Photo ID needs to have the residence that you are voting from- Your ID from when you lived out of state last year won't do. In that case, Have some Non-photo ID to back you up. This can be a recent paycheck, a Utility Bill, Government Issued mail, etc. Personal mail or letters are not accepted. Alternatively, you can use a provisional Ballot. For more info, Check out Your state Voter Guidelines on your state site or on http://www.Declareyourself.com

Am I registered/eligable?
To find out if you are eligable, try this site: http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_2.html
Declare Yourself also has info on who to contact to find out if you are registered:
http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_64717.html

How do I learn what each Candidate stands for?
In the Presidential Race, it's fairly easy. you can find the Candidates of 8 parties and links to their sites Here: http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/candidates.html
Locally, It's generally up to you to search their names. Google them to see what they stand for, or ask their party's Head Quarters for information. Remember to read both sides!

Do you really want me to vote? I'm Voting for (insert other Candidate here)
YES. YES I DO. While I really want my Candidate to win, I think it's more important for Americans to Use their rights. Since one of your rights is the right to vote, I want you to get out there and vote- preferably with your head, but that's not up to me. :) So Yes, Nader, Ron Paul, Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney, Even McCain supporters, I want you to vote. :)

EDIT: Some other VOTE guides:
heidi8: Are You Ready For Tomorrow?(a Voter Checklist)

5 More Friends uncensored

nicocoer — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:33:56 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX40RsSLwF4

VOTE. Even if we disagree, even if you've lost faith in the system. It's your right, and you should use it.

Californian? Vote no on Prop 8. Not? Support the cause.

nicocoer — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:12:26 GMT

Prop 8:

"Ballot Title and Summary
Proposition 8:

ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

Fiscal Impact: Over the next few years, potential revenue loss, mainly sales taxes, totaling in the several tens of millions of dollars, to state and local governments. In the long run, likely little fiscal impact to state and local governments.

On August 8, 2008 Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley ruled that the Attorney General’s Title and Summary of Proposition 8 is accurate.
Ballot Argument

OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION – the law of our land – SHOULD GUARANTEE THE SAME FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS TO EVERYONE – NO ONE group SHOULD be singled out to BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.

In fact, our nation was founded on the principle that all people should be treated equally. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW IS THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.

That’s what this election is about – equality, freedom and fairness, for all.

Marriage is the institution that conveys dignity and respect to the lifetime commitment of any couple. PROPOSITION 8 WOULD DENY LESBIAN AND GAY COUPLES that same DIGNITY AND RESPECT.

That’s why Proposition 8 is wrong for California.

Regardless of how you feel about this issue, the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, just like the freedoms of religion and speech.

PROPOSITION 8 MANDATES ONE SET OF RULES FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES AND ANOTHER SET FOR EVERYONE ELSE. That’s just not fair. OUR LAWS SHOULD TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY.

In fact, the government has no business telling people who can and cannot get married. Just like government has no business telling us what to read, watch on TV or do in our private lives. We don’t need Prop 8; WE DON’T NEED MORE GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIVES.

REGARDLESS OF HOW ANYONE FEELS ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR UNFAIR TREATMENT UNDER THE LAWS OF OUR STATE. Those committed and loving couples who want to accept the responsibility that comes with marriage should be treated like everyone else.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS are NOT MARRIAGE.

When you’re married and your spouse is sick or hurt, there is no confusion: you get into the ambulance or hospital room with no questions asked. IN EVERYDAY LIFE AND ESPECIALLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH. Only marriage provides the certainty and the security that people know they can count on in their times of greatest need.

EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW IS A FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE. Prop 8 separates one group of Californians from another and excludes them from enjoying the same rights as other loving couples.

Forty-six years ago I married my college sweetheart, Julia. We raised three children – two boys and one girl. The boys are married, with children of their own. Our daughter, Liz, a lesbian, can now also be married – if she so chooses.

All we have ever wanted for our daughter is that she be treated with the same dignity and respect as her brothers – with the same freedoms and responsibilities as every other Californian.

My wife and I never treated our children differently, we never loved them any differently and now the law doesn’t treat them differently, either.

Each of our children now has the same rights as the others, to choose the person to love, commit to and to marry.

Don’t take away the equality, freedom and fairness that everyone in California – straight, gay or lesbian – deserves."

Full text of the initiative

The Text:

PROPOSITION 8
This initiative measure is submitted to the people in accordance with the
provisions of Article II, Section 8, of the California Constitution.
This initiative measure expressly amends the California Constitution by
adding a section thereto; therefore, new provisions proposed to be added are
printed in italic type to indicate that they are new.
SECTION 1. Title
This measure shall be known and may be cited as the “California Marriage
Protection Act.”
SECTION 2. Section 7.5 is added to Article I of the California Constitution,
to read:
SEC. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized
in California.

- here

Floridian? Prop 2:

"Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."

I'm not from California or Florida. I don't have the money to give to the campaigns. But I DO have my voice, and the ability to speak up. These amendments are wrong in more ways than I can describe. How can depriving people of respect and happiness ever be the right thing, ESPECIALLY since allowing it DOES NOT do anything to harm others?

One of the women I grew up with is planning on moving somewhere where her and her partner can be married. I have family who have given up hope of legal recognition of their commitments, settling for the respect and recognition of family. I have friends who will not be able to adopt because PA doesn't recognize them and their commitment for what it is. If I were to preform a marriage ceremony for a couple whose religious beliefs allow them to be wed here and called it a wedding or a marriage, I could be arrested.

I don't actively do the wedding thing- in part because It's not right to say no to a couple that love each other deeply. I don't know that I'd be willing to marry in a state with a gay marriage ban- not because I wouldn't be allowed (it's 50-50, really, with a lean towards hetero at the moment) but because it wouldn't be right.

So, please, vote, support, and speak up- no on prop8 and prop 2.

More info:
votenoonprop8
sayno2

A part of:

MCCAIN: Yeah, well, you pal around with dark elves.

nicocoer — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:06:12 GMT

BEST. COMMENTARY ON THE RACE. EVER.

If campaign 08 was a game of D&D.

nicocoer — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:02:04 GMT

Feed Matty-moto!
Feed Baka-kiki!!Feed Nini-nari!

On a more cheerful note, click on my creatures whose names are the most atrocious mutations of Arashi names I could think of? :D?

[Public Post] Why is McCain delaying the debates?

nicocoer — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:24:06 GMT

In response to: http://demandthedebate2008.com/

I couldn't believe it when I heard about McCain asking to delay the debate. What is the man THINKING?

Honestly, this just asks for a high level magnification on his faults. What is the full reason? Is it really the fact that "the Economy is about to crater" (as David Letterman has quoted McCain saying)?

Or is it that Sen. McCain's Health is failing? The senator's health hasn't been too great, and there are reports floating about that he's having issues with one of his eyes. Is it a relapse with his cancer/the surrounding health issues? Is it a stroke? Exactly how good is this man's health if it is a factor here?

Another question- why, when you have someone who is neither in Congress nor the Senate, is your VP not continuing on the campaign while you work on the economy? It really makes me wonder. After all, if you can't trust your running mate to campaign on her own, or to do the campaign equivalent of the position she's running for (being in charge while the head is incapacitated), I believe that tells us something about your Opinion of her. If you can't let her do the job now, how are we to believe that you think she's going to be able to later?

But that tangent isn't entirely on the topic of the debate.

Another theory that wouldn't surprise me is that this is, in part, a reaction to falling polls. If the Democrats continue campaigning and/or point out the faults of the republican ticket while you are off "saving the world", you can bill them as Callous/unpatriotic/bullies when you pop back up in the 10th and 11th hours. If they don't continue campaigning, thereby avoiding the accusations above, you might be effectively pressing "pause" on the polls until your campaign can think of what rabbit to pull out of the hat next.

A less than salutary theory buzzing about is that the campaign is genuinely scared that they cannot put in a good showing. In this line of thinking, someone realized that the talking points won't fly in the current socio-economic environment. Because of that, they need time to reformulate.

An extension of the last idea is that by pushing the presidential debate to when the VP debate was supposed to be, they might be able to avoid the VP debate altogether. This ties in the earlier tangent about the repeated demonstrations by McCain and the Campaign of a lack of faith in the bottom half of their ticket. Repeated refusal to have Palin more actively and independently campaign really does lead me to believe that the campaign is using her as a figurehead of sorts. That they expect the public to have faith in her when they themselves do not.

Maybe it's a little of all of the above. Human beings (and politicians more so) are usually complex in their reasoning, even when they can only admit to one reason. However, that is no reason to deny the American public a chance to review and test the candidates on their views and their ability to answer questions under scrutiny.

To quote half the blogs, pundits, and even talk show hosts: This reeks.

[Public Post] OBAMA LES MISERABLES

nicocoer — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:26:27 GMT

Sorry to spam but. I have a secret (not so secret) love of Les Miserables. Like, a couple years ago it was my private full blown obsession- I have the 10 year concert (aka dream cast) on VHS and I watched it like. Twice a day. I even have a HP-Les Miserables icon!

So, when I saw this I freaked- in a GOOD WAY.

♥ ♥ ♥

Let's just hope the Obama "revolution" turns out better than the one in Les Miserables. (In Les Mis,While Jevert (McCain Here) kills himself, The Thenardiers (Palin is Mme Thenardier here) go from obscurity to being nobility on the backs of the public/ due in part to the failure of the revolution. Want wiki synopsis? You Can Haz.)

Edited like. 20 times for HTML fail and typo fail.

nicocoer — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:45:14 GMT

AS EXPECTED I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THEM. THEY ARE GOING TO DIE

I'm a bad dragon mama. ;_;

[Public Post] Get Fuzzy does Palin, and Reflections on being a token Liberal

nicocoer — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:45:53 GMT

I love Get Fuzzy- I get it in my e-mail every day.

"Liberal" Rob Wilco and his dog, the gullible and well meaning Satchel Pooch, have to put up with the antics of his cat, the Conservative and abrasive Bucky Katt. Drawn and Written by Darby Conley, it has enough cultural references to spark recognition, but not so much that the reader has to google all the time or feel like it's over their head.

I believe it ran in my county for a month. Then suddenly it was replaced. I never knew the reason, but I think it was because it was too liberal and poked too many jabs at the places that my county still has weaknesses in. Considering the fact that Peter Greene, who was my 11th grade English Teacher, is the Token Liberal (and half the population here doesn't "get" anything he says) on the paper it's not suprising.

There's a low tolerance in a population for those who are different. In Venango County (which is forever "Venango-Land" thanks to Mr. Greene) the majority is dictated by conservative values, so the liberal is shunned. In the area of New England where my Aunt Jen and Uncle Ben McCanna live/are from, The majority is a liberal one. Talking to Ben one night, I was talking about how we have a token liberal.

"Oh really? You need to move to Boston area or Vermont- even the Token Conservative is rare."

This is proably an exaggeration, of course. But the fact remains that tokenism is a universal issue. Mental Health boards have their token MH consumer on them- and the "Token" consumer group often has it's own Token MH provider. Same in the cross disability community. Same in the religious communities- I remember one festival I went to where we had a Token Jew. So when I look at people like me, like The adult MH planner, my landlady, Mr. Green. . . When I look at us, I have to remind myself that though we are "token" liberals, we aren't the only ones in that position.

[Public Post] Interesting NY Times Article

nicocoer — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:42:05 GMT

*September 9, 2008*

*EDITORIAL*

*Debunking an Autism Theory*

Ten years ago, a clinical research paper triggered widespread and persistent
fears that a combined vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella — the
so-called MMR vaccine — causes autism in young children. That theory has
been soundly refuted by a variety of other research over the years, and now
a new study that tried to replicate the original study has provided further
evidence that it was a false alarm.

The initial paper, published in The Lancet, the prestigious British medical
journal, drew an inferential link between the vaccine, the gastrointestinal
problems found in many autistic children and autism. In later papers,
researchers theorized that the measles part of the vaccine caused
inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that allowed toxins to enter the
body and damage the central nervous system, causing autism.

Now, a team of researchers from Columbia University, Massachusetts General
Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tried and
failed to replicate the earlier findings.

These researchers studied a group of 38 children with gastrointestinal
problems, of whom 25 were autistic and 13 were not. All had received the
vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. The scientists found no evidence
that it had caused harm. Only 5 of the 25 autistic children had been
vaccinated before they developed gastrointestinal problems — and
subsequently autism. Genetic tests found remnants of the measles virus in
only two children, one of whom was autistic, the other not.

The new study adds weight to a growing body of epidemiological studies and
reviews that have debunked the notion that childhood vaccines cause autism.
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the C.D.C.
and the World Health Organization have found no evidence of a causal link
between vaccines and autism.

Meanwhile, the original paper's publisher — The Lancet — complained in 2004
that the lead author had concealed a conflict of interest. Ten of his
co-authors retracted the paper's implication that the vaccine might be
linked to autism. Three of the authors are now defending themselves before a
fitness-to-practice panel in London on charges related to their autism
research.

Sadly, even after all of this, many parents of autistic children still blame
the vaccine. The big losers in this debate are the children who are not
being vaccinated because of parental fears and are at risk of contracting
serious — sometimes fatal — diseases.

I find this very very interesting. Particularly since the original lancet article is clung to by so many pro-causation parents. I wonder- how many of them know that the researchers behind the vaccine-causation theory have withdrawn support of it? That nearly a third of them are under investigation for fitness to practice?

In any other study pushed by any other group this would be a dis-qualifier. Yet Vaccine Causation, although having been debunked MULTIPLE times, is pushed by an influential PARENT group, Generation Rescue (Autism Speaks I'm told is more genetic and pro eugenics? o_0). I won't get into how the group is a parent group rather than an Autism group, that's dividing, confusing, and lengthy issue. (Feel free to ask me why I'm against them, though. :) )

I wonder if it's because of Autism Speaks' and related parent organizations' prevalence and influence that so few people know the factors against the Vaccine Causation Theory? For any one that gets into an academic or pseudo-academic discussion with me, you'll know that I'm big on the whole "perception influences culture more than facts" thing. And perception is influenced by many factors. In this case, it has been the ability to recognize a common fear or shame, and having the funds to push an agenda based on it.

Perhaps that is another factor that prevents parents from continuing their investigation for why beyond the commonly publicized- shame. If it's not the fault of Vaccines, whose fault is it? If it's a genetic issue, is it bad for me to have reproduced? Is it MY fault that my child has this condition? etc.

Now, I have issues with most of these points. Why? Because, it focuses on the perceived lacks rather than the truth. From my point of view, just having Autism isn't a tragedy. It is what happens after that is. Let me ask you, what is more disabling- having your speech fall out on you (and finding alternative ways to communicate) or being prevented from seeking out alternative at ANY time? I mean this in an applied sense.

Let's use an education background. If a student can't talk, which will be more devastating for his future- having to learn an alternative system of communication, or being placed in a class that doesn't follow an academic course because of an assumption that there is only one way to learn? I would say the latter- Just because a student must learn an alternative way which might take a little more work doesn't mean that the student CAN'T get to the end point. This single minded-ness in HOW we get there creates fear- fear that burdens everyone involved, including the taxpayer.

I could go on and on about how this perception further impacts the economy (spending more for now SAVES money in the long run by creating a way for a person to generate money and give back. . . ) but that's getting more off topic than I already have.

In the end fault should be irrelevant, and blaming vaccines which have been proven to protect public health is irresponsible if there's a reason to believe it's not true. Let me end with a Tale told to me by a therapist, Supposedly of Buddhist** origin (icarusancalion? I'm pretty sure this is fairly garbled?).

One day a man came to the Buddha and, trying to be clever, asked of Him:

If a man is shot with an arrow, what sort of punishment should the shooter have according to his importance?

The Buddha smiled and replied:

Tell me, is it more important to the man shot that the arrow in his side be removed, or to know the genealogy of the man who shot him?

To me, this would be like the difference between learning an alternative way to cope (learning sign language, AACs, different teaching methods, using visuals or patterns to reinforce a lesson, etc.) and focusing on causation- one can help those needing helped. The other is impractical at best, damaging/limiting at worse.

** No, I am not Buddhist, and neither was the therapist. However, I hold great respect for the Buddha's teachings, and incorporate them where I can into my daily life.

[Public Post] Today's Flavor of Palin: Book Burning and anti-first amendment!

nicocoer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:50:49 GMT

Today's Flavor of Palin: Book Burning and anti-first amendment! OM NOM NOM AMERICA!

Today's post by Making Light Has quite the listing of blogs with a beef (or maybe it's a Moose?) against Palin. Or maybe they just have brains enough to read.

Speaking of reading, Book Banning wank! Apparently Ms. Palin tried to Ban her some books back in Wasilla? When the local librarian refused, she fired her- until the community rallied and Ms. Emmons was reinstated. A few short years later, Ms. Emmons left Wasilla for a position in fairer soils. Other local positions were either pushed out- like the public works director, city planner, museum director, amongst others- or fired outright like Irl Stambaugh, the local police chief.

In further ignorance or abandonment of the First amendment, she forbid city employees from talking to the media without her express permission. Um. WUT? For a Mayor in a VERY small town? 0_0

On other flavors, check out her "Pro-family" stance (no benefits for same-sex couples, Supports an amendment that forbids abortion even in the case of rape or incest, and against stem-cell research) and how it trumped McCain's stances on the official Republican Platform. (which you can read here)

(Psst: How did this end up a political blog? Maybe things will go back to normal soon? :-/ )

[Public Post] Broadening the definition of abortion? F-CK YOU TOO.

nicocoer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:10:58 GMT

President Bush has just issued a regulatory change that lets
health care providers define abortion, which could threaten
access to birth control and broader reproductive health care,
and allow federal funding for so-called "crisis pregnancy
centers" that refuse to inform patients of or provide patients
with a full range of reproductive health care options.

There's a 30-day comment period before the new regulation takes
effect, during which Planned Parenthood and other groups are
raising a massive outcry in defense of women's health care.

When more and more families are uninsured and having difficulty
accessing health care at all, and when at least one in four
teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease -- implementing
a rule that will limit access to health services is utterly
perplexing, unconscionable, and just plain wrong. It will only
hurt the women who most need help at times when they are most
vulnerable.

I believe it's our job to help stop it. Please join me in
telling President Bush "no." Here's the link with all the info
you need: here.

This would extend to the morning after pill (which doesn't help if the egg has implanted already- aka, not abortion as the egg needs to have not implanted yet) and possibly even the Birth Control Pill, which is used to treat many conditions outside of preventing pregnancy including Hormonal imbalances.

[Public Post] AND I THOUGHT THIS WAS AMERICA

nicocoer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:44:40 GMT

[blacksquirrel's] brother was just arrested.

Supposedly for "unlawful assembly" - in reality, he was walking back to his car after being turned away from a sold-out union-sponsored public concert.

In an Update later:

This is being reported as the arrest of 280 "violent anarchists." This is patently untrue. Yes, some people did smash windows and throw rocks yesterday, but the number of arrests is grossly inflated. [Her] brother said that they surrounded a grassy area the size of a city block and arrested everyone who was there at the time. Everyone. I am furious. Not only is this an incredible infringement of basic rights, but it's horrendously lazy. We pay the police to find out which people committed the crime, not to arrest everyone in the vicinity and let the courts sort it out later. It's sloppy, authoritarian, and inhumane.

I am Also furious. This is a no-no, big time folks. :-/

Other incidents/reports
Police raid Protesters' Houses and beyond
police detain 50 people in order to pre-empt planned protests.
the 250 included tear gas, in appropriate use of tear gas, and military intimidation. (link has video) UM.
Time reports
Huffington Post
The Nation
AFP
CNN and photos
msnbc (includes footage)
Tanscript and video report from Democracy Now! (Note: the footage of the producer's assault by a police officer is frightening)
video from a local news station (off of Yahoo.com) describing most protestors as peaceful (most outlets have been saying somethign very different)
**NEW!!! A post, extremely comprehensive, by the mother of a minor who was arrested and held without bail. (Includes many vids, resources, and updates, including a post by the minor)

Arrested teens and adults speak out on Youtube: Jacob Smith; "kyleteevee"; Journalists Corrine McDermid and Oliver Dykstra (further vid); Democracy Now producer Nicole Salazar

Commentary:
clarice has a brief post here from the POV of a law student.

ETA: Editing as I go

ETA2: On case you haven't noticed, this isn't on the top of the news tickers- meaning that we have to spread the word, and get enough hits, that it WILL and will then get aired. Please post to facebook, MySpace, Your LJ, anything you can think of.

ETA3: Have a commentary post? Let me know!