Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Monday, December 5, 2011
TAKE A STAND AGAINST THE OBJECTIFICATION AND EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN BY THE MEDIA
As a woman and a mother, if there were only one thing and nothing else that I could ever teach my own daughter and my friends and fans, that one thing would be to RESIST MEDIA MARKETING AND MANIPULATION.
America as a whole has been brainwashed and hammered to become everything that we ARE TOLD TO BE. We are told how we should live, what we should want, what we NEED, what we should wish for, hope for, and dream of. And definitely how we should LOOK.
As we are manipulated, shamed and guilted into striving for the 'perfection' that is tied up in a neat little package and laid out before us, and then bashed into our brains by constant messages, both subliminal and blazingly blatant, we achieve these force fed ideals at no small cost.
Here is an example:
All people are highly suggestible. Men are certainly no exception. Men are told by the media and the world of marketing what type of woman is desirable. They come in three hair colors (blonde, brunette and redhead) and four skin tones (fair, medium, medium brown, and dark brown). Other than that the body type is pretty much the same. And the inner contents are not so important as long as they are easy to manage and eager to please.
As the men are obviously admiring the 'models' that they are told they should desire, women in pursuit of men strive very hard to be what their men want in a woman.
As a result of needing to make themselves desirable to men, women will do just about anything. This well designed head game produces the following results-
1. Girls and women spend their ENTIRE LIVES believing that they are not beautiful because they do not look like models in magazines and in the media. Some become depressed and must use antidepressants. Some actually kill themselves.
2. Women get plastic surgery. Boob jobs, Butt lifts, vagina tightening, nose jobs, face lifts, or whatever fix they feel is needed to become the ideal.
3. Dye and process their hair with chemicals that cause cancer.
4. Ruin their nails by using acrylic overlays.
5. Starve themselves to unhealthy weights sometimes resulting in serious illness and death.
6. Expose themselves to the sun until they get cancer and their skin is either permanently ruined or they require surgery to fix it.
7. Go into debt trying to stay clad in the latest and greatest fashions.
While those who market to us are responsible for what they dish out- WE are responsible for taking it. This is something that we do not HAVE to allow and I am begging every person who reads this blog to take a stand.
By allowing this sort of exploitive marketing we are creating a situation that has no good end. This very situation is what causes women to be objectified and as long as women ARE objectified we will never be taken seriously. We will never be appreciated for anything we ever do except for being thin, large breasted and meeting the CRITERIA required for being WORTHY of being objectified.
As objects we have no dimension, no value and no power. Our achievements mean NOTHING. Our dreams are invalidated. Our contributions go unnoticed until a man takes credit for them.
How can we provide solid and important role models to young women when we are not taken seriously and we largely go unheard? This video addresses the issue. What you will see here is the extended length trailer.
As a young woman men tried very hard to exploit me, objectify me, and control me. I allowed it to happen at first because I was too young to know that I didn't HAVE to. At 18 I decided that I was not going to let these things happen to me if I could possibly prevent it. I stopped watching television that offended me. I stopped reading magazines that offended me and I stopped keeping my mouth shut when I saw images or actions that I knew were wrong. I was very artistic and athletic and I spent my time pursuing my interests. Men still found me attractive and I never had a shortage of dates (which I eventually stopped doing as I realized I was gay and it wasn't to be a phase).
When my daughter was a little girl- I let her dress any way she wanted. She did NOT choose to dress like a pageant princess. She chose jeans and girly t-shirts. She liked it when we attended the theatre or a formal event because she liked dressing up- but she chose really beautiful, elegant dresses.
Before long- my daughter noticed fashion magazines and television and everything changed. She did not change the way she dressed, but she became very unsettled by what she was beginning to percieve of as what was expected of her to be beautiful. She became unhappy with her looks. Suddenly her boobs were too small, her nose was too big, her hips were too wide, she was too short and she wasn't BLOND.
So- we turned off the television. We stopped looking at the magazines and we talked about the marketing and media issue several times a week for years. I reassured her constantly that she was worthwhile and desirable and that she would not want a man that was so shallow that he had to be told what to want. Soon she started getting boyfriends. She remained true to herself and she learned that buying into the message that was being sent to her so constantly and so loudly would have destroyed the person that she really was.
It was heartbreaking to watch my daughter have to go through this senseless, ridiculous self doubt, low self esteem, and self loathing just so some asshole could sell shit.
Let us hope that we can stop this madness.
America as a whole has been brainwashed and hammered to become everything that we ARE TOLD TO BE. We are told how we should live, what we should want, what we NEED, what we should wish for, hope for, and dream of. And definitely how we should LOOK.
As we are manipulated, shamed and guilted into striving for the 'perfection' that is tied up in a neat little package and laid out before us, and then bashed into our brains by constant messages, both subliminal and blazingly blatant, we achieve these force fed ideals at no small cost.
Here is an example:
All people are highly suggestible. Men are certainly no exception. Men are told by the media and the world of marketing what type of woman is desirable. They come in three hair colors (blonde, brunette and redhead) and four skin tones (fair, medium, medium brown, and dark brown). Other than that the body type is pretty much the same. And the inner contents are not so important as long as they are easy to manage and eager to please.
As the men are obviously admiring the 'models' that they are told they should desire, women in pursuit of men strive very hard to be what their men want in a woman.
As a result of needing to make themselves desirable to men, women will do just about anything. This well designed head game produces the following results-
1. Girls and women spend their ENTIRE LIVES believing that they are not beautiful because they do not look like models in magazines and in the media. Some become depressed and must use antidepressants. Some actually kill themselves.
2. Women get plastic surgery. Boob jobs, Butt lifts, vagina tightening, nose jobs, face lifts, or whatever fix they feel is needed to become the ideal.
3. Dye and process their hair with chemicals that cause cancer.
4. Ruin their nails by using acrylic overlays.
5. Starve themselves to unhealthy weights sometimes resulting in serious illness and death.
6. Expose themselves to the sun until they get cancer and their skin is either permanently ruined or they require surgery to fix it.
7. Go into debt trying to stay clad in the latest and greatest fashions.
While those who market to us are responsible for what they dish out- WE are responsible for taking it. This is something that we do not HAVE to allow and I am begging every person who reads this blog to take a stand.
By allowing this sort of exploitive marketing we are creating a situation that has no good end. This very situation is what causes women to be objectified and as long as women ARE objectified we will never be taken seriously. We will never be appreciated for anything we ever do except for being thin, large breasted and meeting the CRITERIA required for being WORTHY of being objectified.
As objects we have no dimension, no value and no power. Our achievements mean NOTHING. Our dreams are invalidated. Our contributions go unnoticed until a man takes credit for them.
How can we provide solid and important role models to young women when we are not taken seriously and we largely go unheard? This video addresses the issue. What you will see here is the extended length trailer.
As a young woman men tried very hard to exploit me, objectify me, and control me. I allowed it to happen at first because I was too young to know that I didn't HAVE to. At 18 I decided that I was not going to let these things happen to me if I could possibly prevent it. I stopped watching television that offended me. I stopped reading magazines that offended me and I stopped keeping my mouth shut when I saw images or actions that I knew were wrong. I was very artistic and athletic and I spent my time pursuing my interests. Men still found me attractive and I never had a shortage of dates (which I eventually stopped doing as I realized I was gay and it wasn't to be a phase).
When my daughter was a little girl- I let her dress any way she wanted. She did NOT choose to dress like a pageant princess. She chose jeans and girly t-shirts. She liked it when we attended the theatre or a formal event because she liked dressing up- but she chose really beautiful, elegant dresses.
Before long- my daughter noticed fashion magazines and television and everything changed. She did not change the way she dressed, but she became very unsettled by what she was beginning to percieve of as what was expected of her to be beautiful. She became unhappy with her looks. Suddenly her boobs were too small, her nose was too big, her hips were too wide, she was too short and she wasn't BLOND.
So- we turned off the television. We stopped looking at the magazines and we talked about the marketing and media issue several times a week for years. I reassured her constantly that she was worthwhile and desirable and that she would not want a man that was so shallow that he had to be told what to want. Soon she started getting boyfriends. She remained true to herself and she learned that buying into the message that was being sent to her so constantly and so loudly would have destroyed the person that she really was.
It was heartbreaking to watch my daughter have to go through this senseless, ridiculous self doubt, low self esteem, and self loathing just so some asshole could sell shit.
Let us hope that we can stop this madness.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
TEETH BITE. The Mestizo Vein - Part 3
Now on SMASHWORDS! TEETH BITE. The Mestizo Vein - Part 3!
Part 3 - Luna continues sharing her vampire history as secrets that will forever change her relationship with Monette reveal themselves. Meanwhile, Rodriguez continues trying to unravel the mystery behind Alejandro’s death and the connection she suspects involves Luna. Experience power, passion, and obsession. The unholy trinity that is Teeth Bite: The Mestizo Vein Part 3.
Part 3 - Luna continues sharing her vampire history as secrets that will forever change her relationship with Monette reveal themselves. Meanwhile, Rodriguez continues trying to unravel the mystery behind Alejandro’s death and the connection she suspects involves Luna. Experience power, passion, and obsession. The unholy trinity that is Teeth Bite: The Mestizo Vein Part 3.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
TEETH BITE - The Mestizo Vein - Part 2
Part 2 of TEETH BITE. The Mestizo Vein is now available on SMASHWORDS
TEETH BITE - the Mestizo Vein - Pt. 1 by Jaguiler & Blue Sleighty
FREE until 10/28 with this code at SMASHWORDS: JJ34J
Ebook Short Description
Betrayal gave her birth. Sin gave her life. Fate gave her power. Blood gave her destiny.
Extended Description
She sat in her room, the world spinning all around in one dark mass, the voices of memory encompassing every thought. Where could she go to quiet them?
"No where," they answered, "We are you, and you are us."
Tossing and turning, she raged in her sleep, blankets and pillows thrown all over the floor. She finally awoke when her hand hit the corner of the headboard. "Damn," she yelled as she sat up, turned on the light, and examined the gash on her right hand. The blood ran thickly down her knuckle and over her wrist. For a moment, she sat motionless and watched it.... (Read more) She sat in her room, the world spinning all around in one dark mass, the voices of memory encompassing every thought. Where could she go to quiet them?
"No where," they answered, "We are you, and you are us."
Tossing and turning, she raged in her sleep, blankets and pillows thrown all over the floor. She finally awoke when her hand hit the corner of the headboard. "Damn," she yelled as she sat up, turned on the light, and examined the gash on her right hand. The blood ran thickly down her knuckle and over her wrist. For a moment, she sat motionless and watched it.
As the creek of blood began to clot, she released herself from her fascination and licked her hand. Her saliva stung the wound pleasantly, and at once, the congealing trickle stopped. She looked at the clock – 3:37 a.m. She'd almost made it through another night.
Getting up and going to the bathroom, she rinsed the wound and poured peroxide on it. Bubbles pushed their way in and around the cut, playing with the still open wound. Small drops of blood fought their way back to the surface. As they appeared, the peroxide engulfed them.
Looks like pink champagne, she thought, smiling to herself and knowing full well that she didn’t have to allow this to go on. Still, the peroxide's sting gave her that familiar feeling, the feeling that just the right amount of pain can give to one's desires.
A couple hours hung in the balance before daylight, the remaining cover of darkness providing so much temptation, but what would be out there at this time of the morning, she thought. She gave the clock another glance – 4:03 a.m.
Rather than leave the safety of her home, she picked up the phone and dialed. The voice answered and obeyed. Within a half-hour, the doorbell rang. It was time.
(Less)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Stuffed Poblano Peppers - Blue's Famous Recipe!
You should read first and then cook. NOT as you go along with this recipe. There is a lot to be said about how to roast and skin peppers. http://inspiredbites.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-roast-and-peel-poblano-peppers.html This website is a pretty good resource. After the peppers are roasted, however, most people let them steam a bit. Not just COOL like on this website. But- the website has visuals and it is very helpful up to the point of taking them out of the oven. In Texas and Mexico- we take them from the oven after roasting and put them in a large bowl and put a plate on top to catch the steam. A big zip lock will work just as well. You can place them in the bag and let them cool and continue steaming.
After the peppers are steamed and feel cool enough to handle, we take the seeds out. You should wear food prep gloves so you don't get the capsaicin in your skin. The seeds are SPICY!
So when they are cool enough to handle peel them (just pull off the skin with your fingers- may need a knife to coax) - then, take a knife and cut a slit in the pepper lengthwise from bottom to the top (remember they are going to be stuffed- so they should be like a pouch or a boat, kind of). Then with gloved fingers, gently remove all of the inside stuff until you have just the walls of the pepper and the stem still attached.
You can freeze these- so you might want to keep that in mind if you end up loving the recipe. :)
I recommend buying 6 peppers in case of malfunction. More if you're entertaining. lol
It will take at least 1/2 of a cup of stuffing per pepper.
For the stuffing- the possibilities are endless. You can use shredded chicken, ground beef, sauteed veggies, or a combination.
For instance:
3 medium yellow squash
3 medium zucchinis
1 medium onion (any kind that you like)
1 chopped medium to large tomato (any color or variety)
2 -3 cloves of garlic (smashed and chopped)
3/4 tsp Cumin
3/4 tsp Chili Powder
3/4 tsp Oregano You can substitute taco seasoning if you would prefer for these spices.
salt to to your liking
2 - 3 TBSP of olive oil
Any of these options should be sauteed with the above ingredients:
optional: 1 jalapeno pepper (HOT)
optional: 1 red bell pepper
optional: 1 green bell pepper
optional: chopped spinach or kale
optional: 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or cracker crumbs- whatever you have)
These options do not need to be sauteed:
optional: any kind of cooked shredded or ground meat or poultry (should be warmed)
optional: chopped walnuts or pecans
NOT AN OPTION (must have) - 1 - 2 cups of cooked rice (any kind), lots of cheese (your favorite), sour cream, picante sauce or salsa
1. Sautee all that needs to be sauteed until it is as soft as you like it with recommended spices. Transfer to mixing bowl when cooked.
2. Add cooked rice and cooked meat (if you are using it) to the bowl. It should be warmed already for time's sake.
3. Mix thoroughly (add nuts if you are using them)
4. Spoon mixture into prepared poblano peppers until filled
5. Cook in 325f degree oven until meat thermometer reads 175. Or- do the best u can. 20 to 30 minutes.
When temp is right turn off oven. Top with cheese and let the cheese melt.
Mix sour cream with salsa or picante sauce in a 50/50 mix
It's ready when the cheese is melted! Drink beer, tequila, sangria, margaritas, or all . . . have fun!
Tortilla chips are good with them, too!
After the peppers are steamed and feel cool enough to handle, we take the seeds out. You should wear food prep gloves so you don't get the capsaicin in your skin. The seeds are SPICY!
So when they are cool enough to handle peel them (just pull off the skin with your fingers- may need a knife to coax) - then, take a knife and cut a slit in the pepper lengthwise from bottom to the top (remember they are going to be stuffed- so they should be like a pouch or a boat, kind of). Then with gloved fingers, gently remove all of the inside stuff until you have just the walls of the pepper and the stem still attached.
You can freeze these- so you might want to keep that in mind if you end up loving the recipe. :)
I recommend buying 6 peppers in case of malfunction. More if you're entertaining. lol
It will take at least 1/2 of a cup of stuffing per pepper.
For the stuffing- the possibilities are endless. You can use shredded chicken, ground beef, sauteed veggies, or a combination.
For instance:
3 medium yellow squash
3 medium zucchinis
1 medium onion (any kind that you like)
1 chopped medium to large tomato (any color or variety)
2 -3 cloves of garlic (smashed and chopped)
3/4 tsp Cumin
3/4 tsp Chili Powder
3/4 tsp Oregano You can substitute taco seasoning if you would prefer for these spices.
salt to to your liking
2 - 3 TBSP of olive oil
Any of these options should be sauteed with the above ingredients:
optional: 1 jalapeno pepper (HOT)
optional: 1 red bell pepper
optional: 1 green bell pepper
optional: chopped spinach or kale
optional: 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or cracker crumbs- whatever you have)
These options do not need to be sauteed:
optional: any kind of cooked shredded or ground meat or poultry (should be warmed)
optional: chopped walnuts or pecans
NOT AN OPTION (must have) - 1 - 2 cups of cooked rice (any kind), lots of cheese (your favorite), sour cream, picante sauce or salsa
1. Sautee all that needs to be sauteed until it is as soft as you like it with recommended spices. Transfer to mixing bowl when cooked.
2. Add cooked rice and cooked meat (if you are using it) to the bowl. It should be warmed already for time's sake.
3. Mix thoroughly (add nuts if you are using them)
4. Spoon mixture into prepared poblano peppers until filled
5. Cook in 325f degree oven until meat thermometer reads 175. Or- do the best u can. 20 to 30 minutes.
When temp is right turn off oven. Top with cheese and let the cheese melt.
Mix sour cream with salsa or picante sauce in a 50/50 mix
It's ready when the cheese is melted! Drink beer, tequila, sangria, margaritas, or all . . . have fun!
Tortilla chips are good with them, too!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
'Go purple' Thursday for LGBT youth - CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM
'Go purple' Thursday for LGBT youth - CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM (click for entire article)
(RNN) - What will Cher, Julianne Moore, Ricky Martin, TV talk show hosts, social media users and the Jersey Shore's Pauley D. all be doing Thursday?
They are all-in on a movement that will take America by storm, and it has nothing to do with Occupy Wall Street.
MTV, Facebook and even local landmarks will also join in on the pledge to "go purple" in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.
"With their support, millions of Americans will help remind countless young people that it's OK to be who you are," said Seth Adam, communications and publications manager for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
Thursday marks the second-annual Spirit Day, which teenager Brittany McMillan started as a response to several LGBT youths who took their own lives during the past few years because of bullying.
"At the end of the day, I want Spirit Day to make just one person feel a little bit better about his or her self, to feel safe enough in their own skin to be proud of who they are," McMillan said in an interview with GLAAD. "And even if it only stops one person from ending their life, that will be enough."
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