Drugs for kids, Rick Santorum, and new amphibians

02 Mar 2012 1 Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Drugs, Links, Politics, Travels, Uncategorized, Writing

The joy Tatum brings to our family is indescribable.  We adore our little angel.  Yet even with her in my arms there is still so much heartbreak.  I am determined to spend the rest of my Tennessee time focused on my precious daughter.  During those difficult periods where she’s napping and I’m left alone with my thoughts….it’s time to unleash my tried and true defense mechanisms of mindless distractions and pretending this nightmare is a figment of my imagination.  Neither one of these works, at least not for very long, but a temporary ‘escape’  helps me return to my mission with renewed strength and focus.  With that being said, enjoy the links that piqued my interest recently.

As horrifying as this article is, it doesn’t surprise me in the least.  Young people are the perfect consumers.  Catch them young enough and they’ll be buyers for life.  To hear of ‘cheese addicts’ [and we're not talking about my penchant for the dairy product] and kids ‘overdosing on Strawberry Quick’ makes me ill.  It’s never too early to talk to your children about drugs.

Can you imagine what our society would be like if these were legal items to purchase?

Perhaps it is in poor taste to write about legalizing drugs considering the previous paragraph but I try to group things in a way that makes sense to me.  Citing Portugal’s decision to decriminalize drugs [and the subsequent 50% drop in drug abuse over the course of ten years] as an example, author Richard Rider offers compelling examples as to why drugs should be legalized in the United States.  While this notion is shocking to some people– and I’m certainly not agreeing with him– he does make some valid points that we would be remiss not to consider when formulating an opinion on this issue.

Inhalable caffeine?!  Where can I get some?!  I completely understand the concerns with this product but in my mind all I see is the joy of multiple cups of coffee minus the disgusting taste and frequent trips to the ladies room.  ;)


“Rick Santorum Represents Everything Europeans Find Weird About America” – With such an interesting title I expected a little more substance….though the limited observations presented were interesting.  Classes pertaining to international relations and comparative politics comprised much of my course load as a political science major and I’ve always been enthralled with the various forms of governments in our world.  It’s fascinating to get a glimpse of how other nations view the United States.  Reading foreign news sources regarding U.S. political coverage [especially during an election year] is something I highly recommend if it’s not already a part of your routine.  Don’t be one of those insulated Americans who forgets the rest of the world exists.

Traveling makes you a better writer. I'd like to go here, please.

It’s no secret that Rick Santorum wouldn’t make the cut for scoring an invite to my ideal dinner party.  His beliefs regarding women’s reproductive health never cease to amaze me with their sheer ignorance.  Undergoing an amniocentesis is not “morally wrong”– it’s a potentially life saving test– and it is simply not true that it is used to “recommend abortion.”  Had Sarah Fister Gale not received an amniocentisis, her daughter would have died shortly after birth….yet because she took her doctor’s advice [in response to an anomaly in her blood work] her daughter’s RH- disease did not cause them to bury an infant….and her 11 year old girl is now healthy.  Yes, certain chromosomal disorders and neural tube defect detected from amniocentesis are deemed ‘incompatible’ with life and mothers are given the option to terminate.  But what about those parents who use the results of such a crucial test to give their children the medical attention they need and the best quality of life possible?

There’s a new type of limbless amphibian recently discovered in northeastern India.  So they’re not exactly the cutest things I’ve ever seen but it’s always exciting when science discovers something new!

Though I’ve never felt the need to justify my wanderlust– bonus points for the literary types who understand why writers should travel.  I couldn’t agree more.  While Disneyland may not be the Acropolis in terms of cultural value– it’s the next vacation on the calendar.  Adam and I will take a Mommy and Me trip….and I know that experience will be infinitely more rewarding than any historic landmark.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Ground Zero Memorial, Brazil’s steamy soap operas, and Jo Calderone

31 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Alan Gompers, Birth control, Celebrity, Crime, Injustice, International, Links, Patriotism, Politics, Pregnancy, Quacks, Travels, USA, West Memphis 3, Women

The 9/11 Memorial

One of my most surreal experiences in NYC involved Alan Gompers taking me to Ground Zero.  He dropped me off and waited in the car a few blocks away, offering me my solitude as I gazed at the area where the Twin Towers once stood.  At this time my view of the memorial was severely limited as it was under construction.  The 9/11 Memorial is now completed– with the exceptions of a museum and shopping center to come later– and opens to the public on the tenth anniversary of September 11th.  CNN’s account details the specifics of the design, acknowledges the conflicts associated with its construction, and shares a brief history of significant memorials in our country.

Imagine taking your first ride in an airplane….only to spot from the sky your home in the middle of a burglary.  This happened to Steven Lynn of Jonesboro, AR.  His uncle was at the residence and the two robbers ran from him– only to have Lynn’s pilot follow them as they attempted their escape– and describe their whereabouts to dispatchers.  Police promptly busted the unlucky capers thanks to the aerial assist.

Shocker:  Michele Bachmann says something stupid.  Apparently she missed the memo that the Everglades is not the place to drill for oil and natural gases.  Oopsie.

Consider Real Clear Politics to be your Cliff Notes on contemporary political issues.  I wholeheartedly believe that society would be less apathetic to the political process if they understood it more and made an increased effort to be informed.  As a political science major I cannot stand it when people adopt a snobbish attitude towards politics….that’s truly unfortunate.  Knowledge is power.  Arm yourselves.  Real Clear Politics offers email updates to ensure you are up to date with all things political and includes some of the following categories:  Real Clear Markets, Real Clear World, President Obama, Election 2012 Analysis, and National Security.

If you don't know who this person is, allow Real Clear Politics to assist you.

I’ve mentioned the West Memphis Three numerous times in this blog.  Although most of you are familiar with the case I wanted to include a link of archives from WREG [the leading source for local news in Memphis].  In addition to the information you can find online, I highly recommend reading The Devil’s Knot by Mara Leveritt and watching the films Paradise Lost 1 & 2.  I have yet to write my massive pieces regarding the acquital of these three men but I guarantee you it is coming.

“How a mix of female empowerment and steamy soap operas helped bring down Brazil’s fertility rate and stroke its vibrant economy” – National Geographic‘s article on Facebook grabbed my attention yesterday.  [[Sidenote:  National Geographic's brilliant photos and informative articles are posted daily on their Facebook page-- friend them if you haven't already.]]  Reading about women defying societal and religious norms to take control over their reproductive lives is empowering.  Their six-point plan for decreasing the nation’s fertility rate proved particularly interesting.

Lady Gaga a.k.a. Jo Calderone

Whatever your opinion on Lady Gaga’s music [it's not my cup of tea] you cannot dispute the fact that she most definitely makes a statement.  For the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Gaga attended as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone….yet were her intentions and message lost in this [arguably] over the top display?  Kelsey Wallace, blogging for Bitch magazine, says: “I do appreciate her postmodern-to-the-extreme commentary on celebrity culture, and I like that she attempts to do something with the platforms she’s been given– both politically and artistically….however, the cheesy accent and wild mugging for the camera pushed the persona into self-indulgent territory.”  For me it was too much.  As the article mentions, Annie Lennox did this first, and I’m disappoint that Gaga [with the premiums she places on innovation] didn’t give credit where it was due.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

The quest for better schools, ‘loungerie’ for little girls, and overprocessed hair

17 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in A woman's Right to choose, Beauty, Child Abuse, Death Penalty, Education, Fashion, GLBT issues, Hair, Injustice, Links, Lookin' snazzy, Motherhood, Outrage, Politics, Schools

Could you even imagine spending 22 years on Death Row– the last 13 of them with multiple sclerosis– for a murder you didn’t commit?

According to Huffington Post:  “Ohio mother of two Kelly Williams-Bolar was released from jail Wednesday after serving nine days for falsifying records…convicted by a jury of using her father’s address to claim residency status that would allow her children to attend a higher-performing suburban school…put on probation for two years, ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, and may threaten her ability to receive the teacher’s license she was working towards.”  While I would never advocate breaking the law, I completely sympathize this mother’s position.  Who doesn’t want the best for their children– especially when it comes to education?  The article touches on the interconnected factors of race and socioeconomic and how can negatively impact a child’s schooling.

Kelly Williams-Bolar

In Kansas, new legislation was passed that covers the termination of a pregnancy only if women purchase a special abortion insurance rider added to their regular insurance policy for an additional cost.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again– a woman’s right to choose is about just that, choice– regardless of your opinions on the actual act of abortion.

A French company now makes ‘loungerie’ for little girls.  Marketing a product modeled after lingerie for adult females for prepubescent and adolescent children [4-12] borders on child pornography.  Creating outfits or pajamas to mimic mommy’s attire is one thing but fancy, somewhat racy undergarments for a young girl is deplorable.

Everything else I’ve discussed in this batch of links has been somewhat somber.  Now I wish to lighten it up a bit with…. overprocessed hair.  While this article caters to those who have bleach damage, I think it’s perfect for anyone who is guilty of too much coloring and/or heat styling.  Products and tips are offered for the repair of your fried locks and there are also two recipes found for treatments that you can find in your kitchen and at your local health store.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Tweakers, birth control, the death penalty, etc.

13 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Controversy, Death Penalty, Drugs, Food, GLBT issues, Health, Links, Military, Planned Parenthood, Pregnancy, Social Justice

5 Ways Methamphetamine Can Make You a New Person

Adam painted these in summer school. Aren't they lovely?

Sick and tired of having to justify your crystal meth habit to those sluggish, slow-brained folk?

15 Pregnancy Power Foods

Even if you’re not pregnant you should take a glimpse at these nutritious foods.  Raw broccoli may not be your idea of culinary bliss so be mindful of how to incorporate the items into dishes you enjoy.  I was pleasantly surprised how….common…a lot of these things were and how much of them I already like.  [[Sidenote: While I am on pregnancy and parenting websites daily-- I try to only share the ones I think will be most interesting to my readers-- regardless of whether or

not their uterus has an occupant or they claim a dependent other than themselves on their tax return]]

Innocence and the Death Penalty

I found this article through a link on an Amnesty International Piece entitled ’35 Years Of Death Penalty Regret.’  While I’m against the death penalty– though not for ethical reasons– the thought of innocent people facing execution makes me ill.  “Since 1973, 138 people in 26 states have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence.  Not to imply that a person should be found guilty if there is room for reasonable doubt [though it happens all the time]….but nobody should be sentenced to death without incontrovertible proof of their guilt of a heinous crime.

Lesbian marine in California to be jailed after she and girlfriend ‘faked marriages with male colleagues to pocket $75,000 in allowances’

The headline alone caused me to snicker before I even read this; however, there was really nothing funny in the piece.  To make a long story short the marine wanted to live with her civilian girlfriend off-base but couldn’t afford it, thus prompting her to marry a fellow soldier, a male heterosexual.  Of course– reading only the first few sentences– the rabble-rouser in me said: “Haha, look at them making a statement and calling attention to some archaic limitations our society places on love!“  But then we learn that the civilian girlfriend marries a marine as well…..their living arrangements are questioned, the marines are in lots of trouble and their is possible jail time.  Most shockingly, the female marine seemed blissfully unaware that she could get in any sort of trouble for this.  While I applaud the fact that she did not hide her girlfriend, she should have fully understood the consequences, and been willing to take more of an activist stance.  Overall I felt like her attitude and lack of research made her an inappropriate ‘role model’ [if you can even call her that] for the cause and A) it’s absolutely ridiculous that the military– though they certainly aren’t the only organization guilty of this– doesn’t respect and honor those who serve equally and B) marriage is still defined by gender as opposed to love.

Birth control, exams to cost more at Planned Parenthood

Budget cuts in Davidson County [Nashville, TN] put Planned Parenthood in a bind.  Sadly this is all too common at Planned Parenthoods throughout the nation.  Select staunch conservatives erroneously equate this crucial organization with an ‘abortion factory’– I actually heard that phrase used somewhere!– but your personal beliefs about a woman’s right to choose should not negate the importance of Planned Parenthood.  If you disagree with some of the services they provide, take your business elsewhere.  Don’t forget that they provide gynecological services to low-income and/or uninsured women, contraceptives, and disease testing.  We desperately need this.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Sidewalk chalk, The Teflon Cauldron, and sooty mangabeys

29 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in * R. i. P. *, Caylee Anthony, Child Abuse, Crime, Family, Gardening, Links, Memphis, Pagan beliefs, Parenting, Religion, Sickness, Spirituality, Trials

Family gardens and a ‘pizza pot’ project

We’re so excited about our family garden! I told my husband that all I wanted for my birthday was my own little section of soil ready to be planted. Even if you aren’t looking to make gardening an educational activity with your children, there are excellent tips in the article for making the most out of your space with a container garden. The idea of plucking something from the backyard and incorporating it into a meal thrills me.

Sidewalk chalk

My friend, Jessica, shared this link with us. Adam’s only played with sidewalk chalk a few times because it’s one of those products that I always forget exists. Now I won’t have that as an excuse anymore because I’ll just whip up a batch of my own. Much like the garden, this is another fun summer project that is great for families but certainly doesn’t require kids….or anyone other than your adult self for that matter.

‘Casey Anthony Trial Pits Mother Against Son’

Another comprehensive article from David Lohr on The Huffington Post. I’ll continue to link to his articles throughout the trial. Please explore his other articles on the Post if you haven’t already as he is one of my absolute favorite reporters.

Obsessed?

Are you a mom who is becoming obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial? An interesting phenomenon….

What happened to Christian Choate is horrific beyond words– the negligence of DHS is appalling– and everyone that had a chance to save this boy and failed to act should be prosecuted

How can anyone hurt a child, much less their own? Hearing about the torment suffered by kids at the hands of adults is so profoundly disturbing….but we need to keep the spotlight of the public on these instances so we are compelled to act. Forty years ago child abuse was a taboo topic. We’re far from where we need to be as a society and in terms of law enforcement and government involvement– yet the more we acknowledge this disturbing epidemic the more we can do to work towards its eradication.

The Teflon Cauldron

Want to know about modern paganism in the Mid-South area? Check out the newly revamped Teflon Cauldron and offer your input for what you want to see. As I’ve stated many times, I am so proud to be a part of a spiritual community that encourages all religious traditions.

Does this monkey hold the cure for AIDS?

I’ve heard rumblings about this before…..and I really hope that scientists are onto something here. But I can’t get over the photo here. Sooty mangabeys looks fierce. He knows he’s he’s got this.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane

Valentina Tereshkova, sterilization, and kick ass geriatrics

23 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Activism, Blogs, Feminism, Giving, GLBT issues, Injustice, Journalists, Links, Politics, Space

Alice’s Bucket List

A terminally ill British teenager decided to make a blog with her ‘bucket list.’ Thanks to the generosity of countless individuals and organizations, so many of her wishes have come true. These are the stories that warm my heart….but when I hear there were impostors pretending to be Alice and her mother it made my blood boil. How disgusting. Shame on those lowlifes.

Let’s make this an uplifting endeavor– even if you are unable to contribute financially or mail an cheerful card to Alice, consider becoming a bone marrow donor. BeTheMatch.org is great place to get started. I am proud to be on our national marrow registry and also a blood donor. Please consider doing something easy, cost efficient, and virtually painless that can save lives.

Adventures in Feministory: Valentina Tereshkova, Outer Space’s First Lady

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that I’m obsessed with space. Another great passion of mine is Russia. Add to that my penchant for feminism and Valentina Tereshkova is one of my personal heroes. Read more about this incredibly lady who beat out more than 400 applicants to be the first woman in space.

North Carolina Faces Sterilization Program’s Legacy, May Offer Compensation

North Carolina is the only state trying to make amends to thousands of people who cannot have children because of eugenics-inspired theories about social improvement that ended almost four decades ago.  Why do we hear only of North Carolina making amends?  Forced sterilization makes me ill.

U.N. Council passes gay rights resolution

“In what the U.S. State Department is calling a “historic step,” the U.N. Human Rights Council passed a resolution Friday supporting equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution, introduced by South Africa, is the first-ever U.N. resolution on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons.” We’re making progress…..

Freed Journalist’s Letter of Thanks to Amnesty Activists

Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev was released from captivity due largely in part to letters written on behalf of those for Amnesty International. In high school I was very involved with the group and hope to continue doing so in the near future. Your letters DO make a difference.

6 Old People Who Could Kick Your Ass

Remember in my previous post where I mentioned that awesome old woman? Don’t mess with her or any of her friends!

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane


Spoons, poverty, and the narrow miss of Judgment Day

05 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Being broke, Culture, Food, Gender, GLBT issues, Health, Humor, Links, Memphis, Politics, Quacks, Religion, Sickness, Vegetarian

Taking a break from washing the car

The Spoon Theory

One of the most insightful articles I’ve seen in a very long time, Christine Miserandino– who struggles with Lupus– poignantly explains her sickness to a friend who is not ill.  This is a must-read, even if you don’t know any people suffering from serious ailments [whether they make you look 'sick' or not], it is sure to make you appreciate your good health if you are one of the lucky ones in terms of health…..and it will strike a chord if you’re not.

Victoria, have we got a secret for you…

The paragraph beneath the beautiful woman on the runway says it all:  “Andrej Pejic is a willowy blond Eastern European model who has appeared on John Paul Gaultier’s catwalks, starred in Marc Jacobs campaigns, and graced international editions of Vogue.  And this month, Pejic truly arrived– first with a topless magazine scandal and then by sharing FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World list along with the likes of Mila Kunis, Brooklyn Decker, and Megan Fox.  Pejic, by the way, is also a man.”

Poverty stricken and bitter  [and funny]

Being broke sucks any way you spin it.  Climbing out of the hole can be a vicious catch-22.  Banks adore expensive loopholes.  Your job doesn’t pay enough but it costs an arm and a leg to further your education to get better work.  And then your engine blows which drains even more of the cash you don’t have.  I hope good fortunes rain on the snarky John Cheese in the form of an entire orchard of money trees.  At least he can laugh at his misfortunes!

Veggie Tales

During the months where I was a vegetarian [and especially for the few weeks I managed to be vegan], I never felt better– light, fresh, and healthy– and I have made the decision to abandon my carnivorous ways once and for all.  I’ll blog more about my personal food choices at a later date but I encourage you all to read this article from Zenhabits.  While it does require some extra diligence, being a vegetarian can be so easy.  Reasons why it’s good to eliminate meat, tips for becoming a vegetarian, and further resources are provided.

Memphis and the Fords

Those of you from Tennessee are familiar with the Fords, a prominent political family.  John Ford’s ['Operation Tennessee Waltz'] daughter, Victoria, earned the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Award upon her graduation from high school.  “Unlike others

Breezing by us at The Little Gym

here who recorded rough childhoods and tragic experiences without distance, perspective, or insight, this writer emerges from abuse and tragedy with a lucid vision, a clear and original voice,” says judge and writer Melissa Fay Greene on Victoria Ford’s writing.  She’ll be one to watch….for all the right reasons.

Outrage:  Jose Guerena

Yet another revolting story from the state of Arizona– this time involving a former Marine who was shot during a SWAT team raid of four houses allegedly involved in a marijuana trafficking ring, one of those being the home Guerena shared with his wife and four-year-old son.  The Pima County Sheriff’s Office, not surprisingly, has tried to cover this up as much as possible and distort the story to their benefit.

Fish oil’s numerous benefits

Most people are cognizant of the fact that fish oil is good for your heart but it can also help with your mood and reduce alcohol cravings.

Get thee to a museum

Enjoying the finer things in life makes for happier men.

The world’s not ending after all, oopsie

If you are alive and reading this post, chances are May 23 was a normal day for you.  Harold Camping is an elderly Christian radio host who predicted this date would in fact be Judgment Day.  After missing this elusive event in 1994 due to a ‘mathematical error’ he is now covering his tracks by saying that 200 million folks will ascend to Heaven in October because this was an ‘invisible’ judgment day.  Don’t feel too bad for Mr. Camping, though…..his organization’s only worth $104 million dollars.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane