(no subject)

[jebbypal]

Blackwater, among others, given 15 billion to take part in global war on terror. Because, you know, it was going so well when the military was involved in it. And the implications of paramilitary organizations operating within our national borders, but not answerable to our laws.

Surprisingly, the Democrats are actually going to introduce a resolution to condemn Rush Limbaugh following his statement that any soldier who supports leaving Iraq is a "phony soldier".

Microsoft XP to remain available through June 2008.

the recent apple update is disabling unlocked iphones

So, first, Verizon banned NARAL's from using it's texting services for contacting NARAL supporters. (Also, NARAL would only be contacting people who wanted to be contacted - this isn't would be like spam texting). Then Verizon rapidly reversed course on the issue. I guess the Board of Directors didn't like the idea that every pro-choice person in the country would rapidly change providers once this hit the news. A little digging reveals that the Verizon policy chief (who originally called NARAL "unsavory") is Tom Tauke, a former anti-choice Congressman from Iowa that NARAL spent 100 grand in 1990 to defeat. He's on the record as saying "When NARAL comes into [Iowa], I'm not going to sit back and take it". You know what's going to be interesting? If Verizon's board of directors "takes" being used for petty revenge with the potential risk to their profits.....Tauke may not be long for his job if this continues to get much press.

A school in upstate NY has banned carrying any sort of backpack or purse. If you're female and carrying one, you are asked if you are menstruating. Because every teenage girl wants to admit to creepy rent-a-cops that she gets her period. The students are protesting and being expelled for wearing feminine hygiene products on their clothing, as necklaces or using tampon boxes as purses. This is so stupid and I can't believe it's happening. Parents should be up in arms. If they aren't, the kids should storm the next school board meeting and demand to be heard (in a peaceful manner).

Comments

[kurukami.livejournal.com]

Gaaaaah. As always, Jebby, I'm grateful that you post these and get the word out. Happenings like that (in, well, pretty much ALL those cases!) get my blood boiling. So thanks!

*scowls at "non-governmental" proto-fascists everywhere*

[jebbypal]

well, the ms xp being available till june next year is good news :) LOL

[kurukami.livejournal.com]

In the sense that it's less of a pain in the ass than Vista, yes... *grin*

[sixersfan.livejournal.com]

This isn't new. Backpacks and purses were banned in my high school. I have no clue how menstruating girls handled it; I've never thought about it or wondered about it before. But most folks were in favor of the rule.

[luridmuse.livejournal.com]

the middle school Kat goes to here, they must carry clear or mesh backpacks, this sort of conversation has come up, as many middle school girls have started having their periods on how they are to conceal that from the rest of the school. the school board has yet to come up with a good answer.
for now, we've given kat a black velvet drawstring 'purse' I had that she keeps in her backpack. while she's been asked whats in it, so far it hasnt been an issue.
if her school did what this school is doing. we'd be having some serious issues. it was embarrassing enough in school with this crap schools dont need to make it worse

[jebbypal]

You know, I'm still of the mind of why are we making all the students suffer instead of I don't know, having a zero tolerance bully policy? Oh, I know, because that would make the adminstration and teachers actually do their jobs.

It pissed me off enough in public schools that they could search your desk and lockers at any time ever. I never went to private schools because I didn't want to be forced to wear a uniform. And I thought it was pretty stupid at my nerd school that they actually deemed a girl's pink dye job and weird haircut as violating the "no student will do anything to distract others from their studies" policy.

But I swear, combine the "you can't carry any personal bag" mandate with crap "teach the tests" that NCLB does, and I guarantee I so would have become a problem student...or just said fuck it, dropped out, get my GED, and apply to colleges that way.

Public schools have become waaay much more interested in grooming a compliant service industry rather than actually producing people capable of learning.

[jebbypal]

they still allow trapper keepers and the like, no? Most thin pads and tampons should fit into the ziplock bags that arent' see through in those, I'd think...

[luridmuse.livejournal.com]

naah they stopped letting kids carry trapper keepers in schools a while back. some might be able too still but Ive never ran into any. most have right on the supply list "no trapper keepers"
Ive got her using a small velvet purse like thing now. the school whined but I told em to bite me.

[jebbypal]

so when will they ban books? I mean, really, what did trapper keepers let them smuggle in? crazy.