Lynn Flewelling's Blog, page 59
November 22, 2010
The Pope on Condoms
From AP: VATICAN CITY (AP) — "A Vatican insider says Pope Benedict XVI is seeking to "kick-start a debate" with his suggestion that using condoms could be acceptable in some cases as a means of fighting AIDS.
Benedict said in an interview that for some people, such as male prostitutes, using condoms could show moral responsibility because the intent is to reduce infection. Theologians have long been studying the possibility of condoning such limited condom use as a lesser evil.
One Vatican official said Monday he believes the pope just "decided to do it" and get a debate going.
The pope did not suggest using condoms as birth control, which is banned by the Roman Catholic church."
So male prostitutes can protect their clients, but all those wives who are going to die of AIDS in Africa (or anyone anywhere of any STD) thanks to their husbands (or lovers) practicing church-mandated unprotected sex are out of luck? What about female prostitutes? The Pope condones male prostitutes? It's not my intention to bash the Pope or Catholics, I'm just confused.
Benedict said in an interview that for some people, such as male prostitutes, using condoms could show moral responsibility because the intent is to reduce infection. Theologians have long been studying the possibility of condoning such limited condom use as a lesser evil.
One Vatican official said Monday he believes the pope just "decided to do it" and get a debate going.
The pope did not suggest using condoms as birth control, which is banned by the Roman Catholic church."
So male prostitutes can protect their clients, but all those wives who are going to die of AIDS in Africa (or anyone anywhere of any STD) thanks to their husbands (or lovers) practicing church-mandated unprotected sex are out of luck? What about female prostitutes? The Pope condones male prostitutes? It's not my intention to bash the Pope or Catholics, I'm just confused.
November 21, 2010
Cruise News
Wondering what you want for Christmas? Going to kill someone if you get another damn Target gift card or cheese assortment? How 'bout a New England autumn writing workshop cruise with me? Great food. New friends. Fancy dress up nights. Elegant accomodations and service. See the exact spot that inspired much of Stalking Darkness. Midnight Formal Drunken Shuffleboard tournaments! Oh, and loads of solid advice on writing and publishing, too. Trust me, it's a blast!
Spots still available for a mere $200 deposit.
http://www.sff.net/people/Lynn.Flewelling/s.cruise.html
Spots still available for a mere $200 deposit.
http://www.sff.net/people/Lynn.Flewelling/s.cruise.html
November 19, 2010
Med update
Back from my EEG, sleep deprived and with gunk in my hair, but none the wiser until the neurologist reads the whatever. Not until next month! Not worried, just curious.
Here we go again
Up indecently early today. I'm having an EEG at 5pm and I have to be tired enough to sleep while they have me wired up. Since I can't have any caffeine for 12 hours previous I got up at 4 am so I could have an hour of coffee drinking before I go clean. You have to have your priorities, after all.
I have a long history of doctors thinking I might have some serious ailment which, after much expensive, worrisome testing, turns out to be nothing. I don't even get concerned anymore. My hands have been shaking worse, though it comes and goes, and it's inconvenient. Luckily the neurologist seems to have ruled out Parkinsons, and I think I could handle almost anything else now that that's off the table. My husband's aunt has that and it's a terrible disease. Dementia scares me almost as much as pain. Seeing someone disappear while they're still there . . . Something similar happened with my dad, although for different reasons, and it's beyond tragic. I'd much rather bow out gracefully than that.
So anyway, here I go again. I'm actually looking forward to it. Should be interesting to observe. Who knows? It might end up in a book someday. Everything is research.
I have a long history of doctors thinking I might have some serious ailment which, after much expensive, worrisome testing, turns out to be nothing. I don't even get concerned anymore. My hands have been shaking worse, though it comes and goes, and it's inconvenient. Luckily the neurologist seems to have ruled out Parkinsons, and I think I could handle almost anything else now that that's off the table. My husband's aunt has that and it's a terrible disease. Dementia scares me almost as much as pain. Seeing someone disappear while they're still there . . . Something similar happened with my dad, although for different reasons, and it's beyond tragic. I'd much rather bow out gracefully than that.
So anyway, here I go again. I'm actually looking forward to it. Should be interesting to observe. Who knows? It might end up in a book someday. Everything is research.
November 18, 2010
Stoopid Amazon :-(
My Sherlock:Season One DVDs are delayed until late November. *pout*
Stalking Darkness
Stalking Darkness is now available in e-book format!
November 17, 2010
TSA Body Search Unconstitutional-- Duh!
I just saw the head of TSA on CNN, claiming they've had only 700 complaints about their invasive body search methods. I think they need a few more data points. Contact them! tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
In case you haven't read the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Spread the word! Let these knuckleheads know how you feel.
In case you haven't read the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Spread the word! Let these knuckleheads know how you feel.
November 16, 2010
Baby Otters Learn to Swim. Can we say "Awwwwwww!"
A reader on Twitter sent me this and what a good day for baby otters. Well, any day is good for any otters in my world, but here you go!
Knitter's Humor
Here's a weird, funny little video. Scroll down to the November 1st entry and click on the picture. Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth debate what she will knit him for Christmas.
