The First Lady: A Feminist Review
I’ve thought about Michelle Obama’s role significantly. I wonder how much has been her choice, and how much has been the choice of media shapers. I really have no idea. It’s apparent that she has definitely broken with the expected role of the First Lady, but I do wonder how much is HER choice. And that’s what’s important to me. I appreciate one of the commentator’s saying that women’s equality is about choice. While I would love to see Michelle using her legal prowess to push forward her goals (e.g., improving eating habits, helping military families). But I guess it really does boil down to what she wants. And if she’s doing what she wants, I support (even if I’d really like to see her doing something else).
Why Does the Vaccine/Autism Controversy Live On?
Paradoxically, the great success of vaccines is a crucial reason why antivaccination sentiment has thrived, some scientists say. Most of the diseases that vaccines protect against have largely been licked. As a consequence, few people personally remember the devastation they can cause. So with less apparently on the line, it is easier to indulge in the seeming luxury of vaccine skepticism and avoidance.
Nice brief summary of the origins.
Kenyan man sues over sex ban ‘stress’
James Kimondo told reporters outside the Nairobi High Court his wife had observed the boycott and caused him “anxiety and sleepless nights”.
“I have been suffering mental anguish, stress, backaches, lack of concentration,” he said.
BAAAHAHHAHahahha;flkasjf;lakjsdf;lkjahahahahhahahahhaa
White in America – The Children
Racism, stereotyped vehicles, kiddies, Robin Thicke, and difficulty clapping. You’re on POINT, Mr. Wilmore.
Autism in California increases twelvefold
From 1987 to 2007, the number of children and adults with autism served by regional centers rose from 2,701 to 34,656, notes a study released this week by the state Department of Developmental Services.
That is a nearly 1,200 percent increase. By contrast, the state’s general population grew by 27 percent during that time frame.
Other disabilities saw much smaller growth rates. Regional center clients with mental retardation increased by 95 percent, cerebral palsy by 73 percent, and epilepsy by 66 percent.
People who have autism now outnumber those with cerebral palsy in the state, and they will soon surpass those with epilepsy.
I really want to understand this great increase in diagnosed cases of autism.
“In every marriage.. in almost all sexual relationships.. there is an exchange of sex for money or gifts,” Dr. David Katzenstein.
In Global HIV/AIDS and discussing the legalization of brothels. Intriguing.
Racing to Build a Better Light Bulb
I wouldn’t mind paying $35 for an item that lasts me 25 years! Lifespan as advertised sure, but how often do we drop that same amount of money for one meal. But this time light for years?? Doooone! Yes pleez no mercury, less replacing, woooo c’mon production!
Mapping Health Care Coverage
Pretty interesting to look at the fullsized image and check the delineations. Poverty, ethnic composition, employment… reflects the intricacies of health care coverage with other social issues (though you need to think about it instead of just seeing the different shades of brown–RACIST).
Myanmar one year after the cyclone
The country receives $2.80 per head in foreign aid, compared with $55 for Sudan and $49 for the communist dictatorship next door in Laos. In particular, almost no one wants to finance infrastructure; so schools, clinics, raised footpaths, fishing jetties and bridges in the watery delta have not been rebuilt.
Most Western governments prohibit the routing of any of their aid money through the regime. Some Europeans are reconsidering even that, though the European Union this week renewed its sanctions directed at members of the junta and at the export of Burmese gems, timber and metals. Japan and some UN agencies already attempt to co-operate with the government on health and education. And some of the independent Burmese groups that emerged to help cyclone survivors are still active. It is hard to argue when they say they deserve some help from abroad.
Obama Seeks a Global Health Plan Broader Than Bush’s AIDS Effort
I am glad that Obama is willing to throw money at less sexy diseases. You know, those tropical diseases that don’t affect anyone but those at the equator (or maybe those in the southern hemisphere). INterestingly, there are several diseases that have enormous morbidity, but are also close to eradication, or at least elimination. I sure hope that this increased funding towards neglected diseases will help with these (e.g., dracunculiasis). It just seems like one of those low-hanging fruit that can make such an important change!
I’m also going to pray for comprehensive sexual health education when addressing sexually transmitted diseases/infections. WOOO but let’s not go there right now.