This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 25, 2008). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Sometime between November 21st and November 25th, I thought this stuff was interesting. You might think so too!
- Otto the octopus wrecks havoc: "We knew that he was bored as the aquarium is closed for winter, and at two feet, seven inches Otto had discovered he was big enough to swing onto the edge of his tank and shoot out the 2000 Watt spot light above him with a carefully directed jet of water. Once we saw him juggling the hermit crabs in his tank, another time he threw stones against the glass damaging it. And from time to time he completely re-arranges his tank to make it suit his own taste better – much to the distress of his fellow tank inhabitants."
- An Important Announcement About Gothic Charm School!: Exciting news, Snarklings! Coming to bookstores in June 2009, the Gothic Charm School book! Gothic Charm School – An Essential Guide For Goths and Those Who Love Them. As you might guess, the Lady of the Manners is giddy with excitement about the upcoming Gothic Charm School book, and hopes that all of you are too. Because you see, this book isn’t a mere collection of assorted columns from the history of this site, gracious no! The Gothic Charm School book is full of all sorts of new goodies and artwork by noted fantasy artist Pete Venters.
- Miami judge rules against Florida gay adoption ban: Florida's strict law banning adoption of children by gay people was found unconstitutional Tuesday by a state judge who declared there was no legal or scientific reason for sexual orientation alone to prohibit anyone from adopting. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman said the 31-year-old law violates equal protection rights for the children and their prospective gay parents, rejecting the state's arguments that there is "a supposed dark cloud hovering over homes of homosexuals and their children." She also noted that gay people are allowed to be foster parents in Florida.
- seattlegothic: Clubbing 101: Don’t be a Douche-Nozzle: I've been a dj at the Mercury/MachineWerks for 12 years, and a nightclub patron for much longer. From my vantage point as a dj, I've seen both the best and worst of human social behavior. Most nights tick along nicely with a minimum of incident, but once in a while you get a night like last night where all kinds of crazy shit goes down, and you're reminded that it might be time for everyone to revisit the subject of club etiquette… After a long week of work, it's finally the weekend! You want to cut loose and have some fun! Here are some guidelines to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience in your Club of Choice.
- Panda bites student seeking a hug: "Yang Yang was so cute and I just wanted to cuddle him. I didn't expect he would attack," the 20-year-old student, surnamed Liu, said in a local hospital, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
- Rant: Twilight’s Hidden Morality Plays: Is the Twilight series pushing its own kind of morality along with its love story? I think so — and it is an element that parents and teachers need to be aware is in the books. The narrative suggests that it is better to submit and sublimate yourself to a superior being than to be your own person. Having a will of one's own is not conducive to Meyer's brand of love and living. Only heterosexual relationships are explored, and (married!) sex is always a power play with painful consequences. Plus it is preferable to be a teenage mother above all else, even if it kills you.