I have an urge to post, but I don't really have anything to post about. I could talk about Planet in Peril or the California Fires or the party on Saturday. I could talk about the cat on my lap who just jumped in front of my monitor, blocking my view. I could talk about the weather. But, I think I am going to talk about dancing.
I have always loved to dance. I remember when I was young, grade school, middle school...my female cousins and I would put on shows. I would choreograph and then we would perform for the family. In middle school I would go to "activity nights" (they were dances and there was also volley ball or a movie) and I would get down to the Macarena and the Electric Slide. In highschool I kinda stopped...I was too cool for school dances and too busy getting stoned to care. In college I got back into it a little, but it was only encouraged by drunkeness. Dancing sober was out of the question. Now, I am sooo happy to be dancing again. I forgot that I could actually do it. I do have rythym. My musical past has given me the knowledge of counting and keeping the beat.
But the greatest thing, I think, is a kind of communication with the body. A kind feeling empowered with using the body to create. And feeling my body move and be moved. I don't hurt today, and many of you remember Felly and I's constant bitching after the first few weeks of class about the pain. Today I feel tired, maybe sore, but it is good. I am aware of my body rather than just floating around in it unnoticed. I was never one to excercise...and although I certainly am "excercsing" now, it doesn't feel like that. It feels like fun. I look forward to class, look forward to learning something new each time. Look forward to rockin out.
So yeah. I like dancing. And shit...who cares if you are good or not really? It isn't about that at all. I think in many ways it is similiar to music, the universal language. People have been dancing for...shit, I don't know how long...a long ass time I would presume. If you can get someone to dance, you can have a good time with anybody.
So, in conclusion, if you want to be inspired, come to the Battle on Saturday...and if not, I hope to see you all at Halloween party later that evening!
Lauren's Journal
My Podcast Link
10/25/2007 11:14 #41793
What to post...10/23/2007 13:27 #41759
This is TOO much<object width="425" height="366"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KmsOIjzQ1V8&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KmsOIjzQ1V8&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="366"></embed></object>
jenks - 10/23/07 15:41
or... get the link for the video you want. Paste it into your journal. Then highlight it and click the "youtube" button at the top of the journal entry box. I just finally figured that out myself the other day. But like josh said, don't use the 'embed' link, but just the regular URL for the movie.
or... get the link for the video you want. Paste it into your journal. Then highlight it and click the "youtube" button at the top of the journal entry box. I just finally figured that out myself the other day. But like josh said, don't use the 'embed' link, but just the regular URL for the movie.
joshua - 10/23/07 14:56
Lauren - if you want to embed youtube videos, simply use the regular ol' link (not the embed link) and place it inbetween the tag "youtube" like this -
[ and ] = bracket
bracketyoutubebracketlinkbracket/youtubebracket
If that makes sense!
Lauren - if you want to embed youtube videos, simply use the regular ol' link (not the embed link) and place it inbetween the tag "youtube" like this -
[ and ] = bracket
bracketyoutubebracketlinkbracket/youtubebracket
If that makes sense!
drew - 10/23/07 14:11
this is great
this is great
lauren - 10/23/07 13:28
Ok, I obviously don't know how to imbed youtube videos. here is the link:
:::link:::
Ok, I obviously don't know how to imbed youtube videos. here is the link:
:::link:::
10/19/2007 11:04 #41711
Are you kidding??Category: science
Ok so, this guy, uh "James Watson, a Nobel Prize winner for his part in the unravelling of DNA" ( 
) has basically said that africans are not as intelligent as white westerners because of genes.
My first instinct is to say, of course they are not as smart because WE have denied them the ability to learn, exploited them, colonized them, enslaved them, and continue to do so. My next argument being that "intelligence" is relative. We as white americans have been trained to think in certain ways that is quite distinct from many cultures and this could easily be reflected in how we measure our intelligence vs. other culture's.
I thought Ok, maybe this guy did some "testing" and maybe his tests show some kind of difference, but as I kept reading, more and more information about this guy is revealed and not only is he racist asshole, he is also homophobic and mysogynistic. IE:
"In 1997, he told a British newspaper that a woman should have the right to abort her unborn child if tests could determine it would be homosexual. He later insisted he was talking about a "hypothetical" choice which could never be applied. He has also suggested a link between skin colour and sex drive, positing the theory that black people have higher libidos, and argued in favour of genetic screening and engineering on the basis that " stupidity" could one day be cured. He has claimed that beauty could be genetically manufactured, saying: "People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty. I think it would great."
There are toooo many connections here. Doesn't he know that "libido's" of black women and men have been used as a TOOL agaist them for hundreds of years? Does he have any idea that this kind of bullshit has allowed white men and black men to rape black women with the excuse that they are much more sexual than white women? Doesn't he know that the "black male rapist" was just another way to keep black men as predators to be feared? If this guy is so smart maybe he should know when to keep his goddam thoughts to himself.
And one more thing. I am always always always weary of science. Sometimes I really do think we are sticking our dirty little noses where they don't belong and that we are doing something terribly terribly wrong. What would happen if we made "all girls pretty"? What the fuck would that solve? And what would happen if we were able to screen out stupidity? It sounds more and more like a SciFi remake of the Holocaust to me. It makes me sick to my stomach that we are messing with nature's (god of you want) plan of who are are and what we are going to be.
On that note, don't forget about CNN's special report: PLANET IN PERIL premieres Oct. 23 & 24 at 8pm on CNN and stars 3 of my most favoritist men, Anderson Copper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Jeff Corwin from Animal Planet.
) has basically said that africans are not as intelligent as white westerners because of genes. My first instinct is to say, of course they are not as smart because WE have denied them the ability to learn, exploited them, colonized them, enslaved them, and continue to do so. My next argument being that "intelligence" is relative. We as white americans have been trained to think in certain ways that is quite distinct from many cultures and this could easily be reflected in how we measure our intelligence vs. other culture's.
I thought Ok, maybe this guy did some "testing" and maybe his tests show some kind of difference, but as I kept reading, more and more information about this guy is revealed and not only is he racist asshole, he is also homophobic and mysogynistic. IE:
"In 1997, he told a British newspaper that a woman should have the right to abort her unborn child if tests could determine it would be homosexual. He later insisted he was talking about a "hypothetical" choice which could never be applied. He has also suggested a link between skin colour and sex drive, positing the theory that black people have higher libidos, and argued in favour of genetic screening and engineering on the basis that " stupidity" could one day be cured. He has claimed that beauty could be genetically manufactured, saying: "People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty. I think it would great."
There are toooo many connections here. Doesn't he know that "libido's" of black women and men have been used as a TOOL agaist them for hundreds of years? Does he have any idea that this kind of bullshit has allowed white men and black men to rape black women with the excuse that they are much more sexual than white women? Doesn't he know that the "black male rapist" was just another way to keep black men as predators to be feared? If this guy is so smart maybe he should know when to keep his goddam thoughts to himself.
And one more thing. I am always always always weary of science. Sometimes I really do think we are sticking our dirty little noses where they don't belong and that we are doing something terribly terribly wrong. What would happen if we made "all girls pretty"? What the fuck would that solve? And what would happen if we were able to screen out stupidity? It sounds more and more like a SciFi remake of the Holocaust to me. It makes me sick to my stomach that we are messing with nature's (god of you want) plan of who are are and what we are going to be.
On that note, don't forget about CNN's special report: PLANET IN PERIL premieres Oct. 23 & 24 at 8pm on CNN and stars 3 of my most favoritist men, Anderson Copper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Jeff Corwin from Animal Planet.
jenks - 10/20/07 13:45
I read this yesterday, and thought 'yikes', but then made the more startling realization- this guy is WATSON! Of Watson and Crick! Discovered the double helix of DNA! he is like the father of genetics!
And... he's an... asshole??!
Whoa...
I read this yesterday, and thought 'yikes', but then made the more startling realization- this guy is WATSON! Of Watson and Crick! Discovered the double helix of DNA! he is like the father of genetics!
And... he's an... asshole??!
Whoa...
lauren - 10/20/07 12:22
(e:metalpeter) - I have a couple of issues with your comment. The first one about whether Africa is "way behind" Europe...what do you mean by this? Do you mean that they aren't as technological as we are? They aren't "civilized"? I personally think that there is a lot we could re-learn (remember we are ALL from Africa) from tribal societies about how to live WITH nature rather than trying to control her. I do not think that there is anything advanced about polluting the earth or relying on other countries for our food.
And second, I don't understand your bringing in black single mothers into this argument. Are you referring to his comment about blacks libidos? I think there may be alot you don't know about the history of women's sexuality and how it has been shaped and exploited by men and how there have been racially specific uses of sexuality that have long standing effects on black women. Even if black women might have higher libidos, (which I do not beleive) that does not explain single motherhood...what about contraception, forced sterilization, forced motherhood, cultural expectations, welfare, and slavery?
One final thing...we need to remember that Race as we know it is a cultural construct. Throughout history legal definitions of who and who is not black or white have been changed according to ideas of needs of the elite. It is never never never as simple as black and white.
(e:metalpeter) - I have a couple of issues with your comment. The first one about whether Africa is "way behind" Europe...what do you mean by this? Do you mean that they aren't as technological as we are? They aren't "civilized"? I personally think that there is a lot we could re-learn (remember we are ALL from Africa) from tribal societies about how to live WITH nature rather than trying to control her. I do not think that there is anything advanced about polluting the earth or relying on other countries for our food.
And second, I don't understand your bringing in black single mothers into this argument. Are you referring to his comment about blacks libidos? I think there may be alot you don't know about the history of women's sexuality and how it has been shaped and exploited by men and how there have been racially specific uses of sexuality that have long standing effects on black women. Even if black women might have higher libidos, (which I do not beleive) that does not explain single motherhood...what about contraception, forced sterilization, forced motherhood, cultural expectations, welfare, and slavery?
One final thing...we need to remember that Race as we know it is a cultural construct. Throughout history legal definitions of who and who is not black or white have been changed according to ideas of needs of the elite. It is never never never as simple as black and white.
fellyconnelly - 10/20/07 10:52
not that i am defending the old coot but we also have to remember that the prejudiced bastard was born in like the 1700's or something... if you have ever dealt with the ancient and decrepid, you just KNOW that they stubbornly stick to their ancient mindset and will defend it to the end. He did take this racial comment back - whereas he sticks vehemantly to his aborting gays comment.
He just sounds like many of the really old men who can't wrap their mind around today's society. this one just happens to have a microphone and a nifty title.
not that i am defending the old coot but we also have to remember that the prejudiced bastard was born in like the 1700's or something... if you have ever dealt with the ancient and decrepid, you just KNOW that they stubbornly stick to their ancient mindset and will defend it to the end. He did take this racial comment back - whereas he sticks vehemantly to his aborting gays comment.
He just sounds like many of the really old men who can't wrap their mind around today's society. this one just happens to have a microphone and a nifty title.
lauren - 10/19/07 18:09
(e:joshua) - I completely agree with you. I have to admit, I get a little emotionally involved in these types of things and I do throw my own opinions out there without much regard for other people's opinions. Don't get me wrong, I think this guy is a total asshole, but I would never intend on silencing him. And indeed you are right, let the bastard speak so he can make a fool of himself on his own terms. And I can also admit to loving disagreements loving to argue. If it weren't for people like this, who could I run my mouth to? :)
Oh yes and one more thing...I by NO MEANS consider myself a scholar. I read, I write, I participate in hierarchal forms of knowledge production, but I do not beleive that my degree gives me any more right or authority to talk about shit than anybody else. I just write what I think based on what I know. That is all.
(e:joshua) - I completely agree with you. I have to admit, I get a little emotionally involved in these types of things and I do throw my own opinions out there without much regard for other people's opinions. Don't get me wrong, I think this guy is a total asshole, but I would never intend on silencing him. And indeed you are right, let the bastard speak so he can make a fool of himself on his own terms. And I can also admit to loving disagreements loving to argue. If it weren't for people like this, who could I run my mouth to? :)
Oh yes and one more thing...I by NO MEANS consider myself a scholar. I read, I write, I participate in hierarchal forms of knowledge production, but I do not beleive that my degree gives me any more right or authority to talk about shit than anybody else. I just write what I think based on what I know. That is all.
metalpeter - 10/19/07 18:03
Is it true that sometimes people use there science to back up there political beliefs, yeah it is. The question I have is why is he being attacked? I don't believe he is correct, but what if he is? Evolution is a theory that no one really knows if it is true or how it works. What if somewhere along the evolutionary tract we changed and really aren't the same. Of course I think that the difference between countries and races of people is cultural and not racial. But when you are a scincetist you only look at the social aspects of things. If you compare Africa to Europe they are very far behind. Look at how many black single mothers there are who have multiple kids by multiple fathers. Science and DNA could explain that. I'm not saying it does but if you only look at the scince it does or could make sense. Does anyone really know why most people are born stright but some people are gay and then some people are bi sexual? I'm not saying it is right but what if there is a gay Gene. I'm not saying the guy is right or wrong but based on only science the guy may not be as crazy as we all think he is. But my gut says that he is using science to back up his personal beliefs.
Is it true that sometimes people use there science to back up there political beliefs, yeah it is. The question I have is why is he being attacked? I don't believe he is correct, but what if he is? Evolution is a theory that no one really knows if it is true or how it works. What if somewhere along the evolutionary tract we changed and really aren't the same. Of course I think that the difference between countries and races of people is cultural and not racial. But when you are a scincetist you only look at the social aspects of things. If you compare Africa to Europe they are very far behind. Look at how many black single mothers there are who have multiple kids by multiple fathers. Science and DNA could explain that. I'm not saying it does but if you only look at the scince it does or could make sense. Does anyone really know why most people are born stright but some people are gay and then some people are bi sexual? I'm not saying it is right but what if there is a gay Gene. I'm not saying the guy is right or wrong but based on only science the guy may not be as crazy as we all think he is. But my gut says that he is using science to back up his personal beliefs.
joshua - 10/19/07 15:12
It has to be said - viewing the world through a prism, whatever that prism is, is a pitfall that I see too many people finding themselves in. People that consider themselves scholars often buy into their own BS and assume its true, but have no ability to see the truth because their viewpoint is considerably narrow in scope.
What? You mean to say that a scientist managed to their pre-conceived notions through a study? Noooo. I've never heard of this.
(e:lauren) - surely when people disagree with you, you'd hate it when you're told to keep your thoughts to yourself because your thoughts, to them, are so horribly offensive that they think they simply shouldn't be said. Think abortion is murder? STFU! Think feminism is fascism by another name? STFU! Don't like the war? Oh... please continue and would you like a cup of tea? Its an incredibly arrogant mindset. Sometimes you simply have to let people talk, not only because we have certain unalienable rights, but because you have to give them enough rope to hang themselves. Its far more satisfactory to let people make fools of themselves and watch them squirm than it is to tell them to keep their mouth shut.
It has to be said - viewing the world through a prism, whatever that prism is, is a pitfall that I see too many people finding themselves in. People that consider themselves scholars often buy into their own BS and assume its true, but have no ability to see the truth because their viewpoint is considerably narrow in scope.
What? You mean to say that a scientist managed to their pre-conceived notions through a study? Noooo. I've never heard of this.
(e:lauren) - surely when people disagree with you, you'd hate it when you're told to keep your thoughts to yourself because your thoughts, to them, are so horribly offensive that they think they simply shouldn't be said. Think abortion is murder? STFU! Think feminism is fascism by another name? STFU! Don't like the war? Oh... please continue and would you like a cup of tea? Its an incredibly arrogant mindset. Sometimes you simply have to let people talk, not only because we have certain unalienable rights, but because you have to give them enough rope to hang themselves. Its far more satisfactory to let people make fools of themselves and watch them squirm than it is to tell them to keep their mouth shut.
james - 10/19/07 13:51
This guy has been off the hook for decades, sputtering out crap like this. He is the Don Imus of science.
This guy has been off the hook for decades, sputtering out crap like this. He is the Don Imus of science.
joshua - 10/19/07 12:03
Damn, Jay got the crack in before I could.
Damn, Jay got the crack in before I could.
jason - 10/19/07 11:30
It is merely one example of how biases in scientific research can inflict damage on people, only this time the offender went the route of upsetting the politically correct so it is, of course, a media spectacle.
Now, I probably 99.9 percent of the time roll my eyes at the politically correct. If he wasn't a biased, racist jerk, and if his findings were purely scientific, he still would be in hot water with them. Larry Summers, a LIB, got forced out of Harvard for daring to suggest differences between the sexes.
This time though, I think they are absolutely right about the guy. Wow, a scientist creating research to support his bias? Naah, never heard of it. I agree, it is really a sad state of affairs. I'm sure Europe will have him.
It is merely one example of how biases in scientific research can inflict damage on people, only this time the offender went the route of upsetting the politically correct so it is, of course, a media spectacle.
Now, I probably 99.9 percent of the time roll my eyes at the politically correct. If he wasn't a biased, racist jerk, and if his findings were purely scientific, he still would be in hot water with them. Larry Summers, a LIB, got forced out of Harvard for daring to suggest differences between the sexes.
This time though, I think they are absolutely right about the guy. Wow, a scientist creating research to support his bias? Naah, never heard of it. I agree, it is really a sad state of affairs. I'm sure Europe will have him.
carolinian - 10/19/07 11:23
Reminds me of my idea for a novel set in the future where humanity was on the brink of extinction because the majority of humanity was genetically engineered to look like supermodels and was subsequently hit by an space virus that only killed supermodels.
Reminds me of my idea for a novel set in the future where humanity was on the brink of extinction because the majority of humanity was genetically engineered to look like supermodels and was subsequently hit by an space virus that only killed supermodels.
10/13/2007 13:03 #41627
BlehI know that writing about the weather is kinda lame-o but I am upset. Just a week ago I was in a tank top and now the wind is blowing like crazy and it is downright cold. I don't like it. Grrrrrr.
In other extremely exciting news, my cat's anal glands leak. Its lovely, really.
In other extremely exciting news, my cat's anal glands leak. Its lovely, really.
fellyconnelly - 10/14/07 10:28
jbeatty! perhaps we could set up an (e:strip) ski trip! wouldn't that be swell! you can all watch me break things!
i am also hoping that all of our dancing classes will get me knees prepared for the brutal WNY snow slopes!
jbeatty! perhaps we could set up an (e:strip) ski trip! wouldn't that be swell! you can all watch me break things!
i am also hoping that all of our dancing classes will get me knees prepared for the brutal WNY snow slopes!
jbeatty - 10/14/07 10:00
I have to admit all of this colder weather is getting me excited for ski season! I love listening to other people complain about cold and snow while I secretly wish for it.
I have to admit all of this colder weather is getting me excited for ski season! I love listening to other people complain about cold and snow while I secretly wish for it.
janelle - 10/13/07 13:17
I'm sorry.
My parents dog has anal glands that get swollen and have to be popped by the vet. My mom says it's the most foul smell ever.
I'm sorry.
My parents dog has anal glands that get swollen and have to be popped by the vet. My mom says it's the most foul smell ever.
10/15/2007 11:40 #41659
Mom TalkCategory: parents
I had such a wonderful conversation with my mom last night on the phone. she called me...just to tell me she loved me...and we started chatting about whatever...
first she asked if i had had any more beers with the presbyterian minister...i said no but that we had been talking a bit about homosexuality and the church...and she started talking about how it might actually split the church....
and then she brought up how when she was in oklahoma (where she and I and my older brother were born and were her/my uber christian family still lives) she felt like my homosexuality was "the pink elephant in the room". they would ask if i had a boyfriend and she would reply..."well, no boyfriends". i think maybe she might understand a little more why I was so hesitant to tell her in the first place...its amazing to see your parents grow.
we also talked about how my little brother, who still lives at home at the age of 19, and spends all his money on "poker and pot". i told her i would rather him be buying pot than alcohol...she of course said she'd rather him buy neither, but holy shit...sometimes i have a twinge of guilt because I feel like we (my older brother and I) have taken down her ability to resist...she just lets it go now....maybe this is good, maybe not, I don't know.
I also talked to my dad a little while...he had just returned from grandparents house and it seems my grandmother is losing her memory...asking about me and my older brother, wondering what it is that we are doing when she "should" know that I am in school and he is in Seattle...its weird...my grandfather was really sick a while ago, first mentally then physically, but now he is on some good medication and now my grandmother is the one who needs help. I feel way guilty about not seeing them as often as I should...both of my mom's parents are dead...they lived in OKlahoma so I rarely saw them...and my dad's parents live across town and I rarely see them still....meh.
So yeah...I guess what all this boils down to is that I am absolutely blessed with my parents...I don't think I could have ever imagined having such an open, honest relatioship with them... I guess this is one of those growing up kinda things, although I certainly know that not everyone has what I have and I am grateful.
first she asked if i had had any more beers with the presbyterian minister...i said no but that we had been talking a bit about homosexuality and the church...and she started talking about how it might actually split the church....
and then she brought up how when she was in oklahoma (where she and I and my older brother were born and were her/my uber christian family still lives) she felt like my homosexuality was "the pink elephant in the room". they would ask if i had a boyfriend and she would reply..."well, no boyfriends". i think maybe she might understand a little more why I was so hesitant to tell her in the first place...its amazing to see your parents grow.
we also talked about how my little brother, who still lives at home at the age of 19, and spends all his money on "poker and pot". i told her i would rather him be buying pot than alcohol...she of course said she'd rather him buy neither, but holy shit...sometimes i have a twinge of guilt because I feel like we (my older brother and I) have taken down her ability to resist...she just lets it go now....maybe this is good, maybe not, I don't know.
I also talked to my dad a little while...he had just returned from grandparents house and it seems my grandmother is losing her memory...asking about me and my older brother, wondering what it is that we are doing when she "should" know that I am in school and he is in Seattle...its weird...my grandfather was really sick a while ago, first mentally then physically, but now he is on some good medication and now my grandmother is the one who needs help. I feel way guilty about not seeing them as often as I should...both of my mom's parents are dead...they lived in OKlahoma so I rarely saw them...and my dad's parents live across town and I rarely see them still....meh.
So yeah...I guess what all this boils down to is that I am absolutely blessed with my parents...I don't think I could have ever imagined having such an open, honest relatioship with them... I guess this is one of those growing up kinda things, although I certainly know that not everyone has what I have and I am grateful.
drew - 10/15/07 12:05
haha. I had to read your post twice because my eyes were tired and I swear I read where you wrote "presbyterian minister" as "presbyterian monster."
I hope that wasn't a Freudian slip in my own brain!
Good reminder to be grateful. Thanks.
haha. I had to read your post twice because my eyes were tired and I swear I read where you wrote "presbyterian minister" as "presbyterian monster."
I hope that wasn't a Freudian slip in my own brain!
Good reminder to be grateful. Thanks.
Ohhh it was YOU asking me about roller derby!!!
Yeah you totally should come out.
Come tomorrow morning. You'll be up early anyway what with the time change. 8:30 am sharp, Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=101+Oliver+St,+North+Tonawanda,+NY+14120,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title)
You should totally at least come watch. More fun if you rent a pair of skates and give it a whirl.
(Did you see the post I did recently about roller derby? That was totally for you. And I had like a 400-word aside about how it's not really that dangerous really.)
you got to move it move it
I totally agree. I certainly don't consider myself any sort of great dancer, and I do not have any amazing innate sense of rhythm- but at the same time, music is powerful stuff, and how people can NOT feel a beat and be inspired to at least tap their fingers or something is pretty much beyond me.