My Democracy Problem

13 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 13th,2011 | International Politics, Politics |  Comments Off on My Democracy Problem

I have not written about Egypt here, or Tunisia, which may seem strange considering I write about Lebanon. I wish the people of Tunisia and Egypt the best and truly do hope they will be able to form working democratic governments that can be an example to the rest of Africa and the Middle East.

But, at least in Egypt’s case, I am afraid that their democracy will be 51% of the people enslaving 49% of the people. I see hope in Lebanon because they have 3 strong factions to balance. In Egypt, right or wrong, I see another Iran.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie

12 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 12th,2011 | Friendship, Relationships |  Comments Off on Happy Birthday, Stephanie

The summer I was 2 years old, a family moved in next door to us, also with a 2 year old. You may not believe me, but I have a distinct memory of going over there, riding on my dad’s shoulders, to meet them.

We became best friends. In 5th grade, she moved to the other side of the state. After 7th grade, she moved back, but I moved away.

Neither of us is good at letters, or even email, so we’re not really close anymore. But when I was little, I had a sister. And today is her birthday.

Compromise in Relationships

11 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 11th,2011 | Finances, Marriage, Relationships |  Comments Off on Compromise in Relationships

This thread started out as a continuation of last week’s discussion on how couples manage their money. The poster talks about the fact that she and her boyfriend have lived together for three years and never had the “money” talk, until now. And it turns out they’re on different pages but need to get on the same one soon because she’s pregnant.

This thread has devolved, as YM threads are wont to do. But I think the end message is an important one- in a relationship, know what you’re willing to compromise on and what your not, financially or otherwise.

Giving Minors Access to Birth Control

10 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 10th,2011 | Healthcare, Politics |  Comments Off on Giving Minors Access to Birth Control

Planned Parenthood is currently being damned for giving girls who claim to be under the age of consent information about birth control. Legally, they are probably required to do so, regardless of the fact they are there with someone who may be their pimp. (And let’s be honest, real pimps don’t identify themselves to PP counselors.)

In Washington, the age of consent is 16. Privacy rights regarding sexual health begin at 14. Providers can’t refuse care based on age; they are ethically required to give the care and legally required not to disclose it (unless there’s actual evidence of abuse).

My Velocity Micro Cruz eReader

09 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 9th,2011 | Finances, Games, Reading, Software, Technology |  1 Comment »

I bought myself an eReader for birthday/Christmas. I’d spent a lot of time researching the different brands and functionality, and finally settled on the Velocity Micro Cruz Reader. It came pre-loaded with the Borders app, but because its 3rd party, I can download the Kindle or B&N apps, too.

In addition to being an eReader, the Cruz has some tablet functionality. I’m able to browse the web and download games and other apps from the Android app store. Its tablet functionality is not perfect, but considering I paid eReader price ($120), I’m not complaining. And still reading books on it.

New Jersey Devils (2)

08 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 8th,2011 | Hockey, New Jersey Devils |  Comments Off on New Jersey Devils (2)

I haven’t talked a lot about hockey this season because my Devil’s have been terrible. After granting Kovalchuk a CBA altering contract, the team lost for the first half of the season. In fact, it looks like they might miss the post season for the first time in 14 years, since I became a fan.

In this second half, they’ve started picking up and are on a winning streak, but I think its too little, too late.

Luckily, I have a secondary team, the regional Vancouver Canucks to cheer for, too, and they are at the top of the heap.

 

The SuperBowl @ Home

07 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 7th,2011 | Advertising, Football, Television |  Comments Off on The SuperBowl @ Home

Stayed home to watch the SuperBowl because I’m sick. I do miss the communal feeling of watching with a group, but I still enjoyed the game. I’d been saying for a while I thought it was Aaron Rodgers’s year, so I’m happy with the Green Bay win.

There weren’t any commercials that I loved, but I liked the “meta-ness” of the Motorola tablet commercial, and thought the VW new generation Beetle commercial was cute. I was amused that we started with an Eminem commercial where he told us he didn’t do commercials, and later we had a second Eminem commercial.

My Favorite Soundtracks: Once More with Feeling (Buffy TV Show)

06 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 6th,2011 | Music, Television |  Comments Off on My Favorite Soundtracks: Once More with Feeling (Buffy TV Show)

Recently I threw my Once More With Feeling CD in while I was out and about. This is not “great” music, and certainly the lyrics sometimes leave a bit to be desired. (My husband claims someone should have given Whedon a rhyming dictionary.) But it does what a musical soundtrack is supposed to do. It tells the story.

The Giles and Tara duet is probably my favorite piece (not just because they are the two best singers) because of the emotion involved and the traditional (as in musicals) way the audience is given to understand a difficult, character defining, decision.

My Favorite Books: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

05 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 5th,2011 | American Gods, Authors & Books, Neil Gaiman |  1 Comment »

I just finished reading American Gods for the second time. It actually made more sense to me this time around because I was not as busy trying to figure out what was happening and could pay more attention to the little details. Things that never seemed to fit before fell nicely in to place.

This is Gaiman at his adult storytelling best. The book is dark, the characters layered and imperfect. There is no happy ending, only the understanding that life goes on, and the knowledge that even if home could be defined, sometimes, you just can’t go home again.

Couples and their Money

04 Feb

Erin Shanendoah |  February 4th,2011 | Budgeting, Finances, Marriage, Relationships |  Comments Off on Couples and their Money

We’re discussing a 5 part series on Slate about how couples manage their finances. Do they combine all their money, just some of it, or none of it?

We’re common potters, in the author’s terms. It is what works best for us, but I don’t believe that is the only way for people to manage their finances. Much like everyone’s marriage is different, how they manage their money as a couple (or as individuals) is a decision best left up to them. There is no right way, there isn’t even a “grown up” way, other than not constantly bouncing checks.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

100 Words On

topics explored in exactly 100 words