In which my liberal bleeding heart shows...

Obama calls for halt to Gitmo prosecutions

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (CNN) -- In one of his first acts in office, President Obama has ordered the U.S. government to suspend prosecutions of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay for 120 days, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

Papers filed at the U.S. prison camp said the request is made "in the interest of justice and at the direction of the president of the United States." It seeks a delay in proceedings until May 20.

Best thing I've read in a long time.

Also of interest: Obama Chief of Staff puts a stop to pending Bush regulations

H/t brigidsblest

Writer's Block: Open Arms

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No to the first question, yes to the second.

I have this thing about personal space. I'm really uncomfortable with physical contact with people who are A) not family, and B) not romantically involved with me. I will give a friend a hug if I haven't seen him/her in a long time, but that's about the extent of it. I have theories as to why this is, but those are personal and deal with some ugliness from my past. As it stands, I've got no trouble being snuggly with a significant other, or giving my mother or aunt a hug. However, if I don't know you/don't hang out with you, don't touch me.

What the fuck is wrong with you people?

These women are fucking GORGEOUS! (Yeah, I know, it's Spike. What was I expecting?)

You people want to know why women like me battle with self confidence and self-esteem issues? THIS shit is why. You can laugh at the idea that the media influences society all you want, but here it is in plain black-and-white. "Butterbodies."

Sure, I can lose weight and go to the gym X hours per week and count every single calorie that passes my lips...if I want a miserable existence. And, even if I lose all that weight and starve diet my way to a lower number on the scale - one that may not even be healthy, it still won't be enough. My boobs will be too saggy, or my hips will be too wide (and I do have an hourglass figure), or my butt will be too round, or even my hair won't be the right color. Hell, the fact that I can't tan is held against me (and yes, I have had several comments over my lifetime about the fact I'm pale).

It's not enough that I'm smart. It's not enough that I'm creative and can occasionally make people laugh or entertain them with words. It's not enough that I'm a mother. It's not enough that I am there for my friends and that they think I'm pretty awesome. It's not enough that I'm loved and thought of as beautiful by so many people.

None of it matters because I don't spend every minute of my life looking aesthetically pleasing enough to satisfy the masses. The same goes for the seven celebrities listed at the link. Their accomplisments as actresses and entertainers are all rendered moot the minute their pants size goes out of whatever the acceptable range is - a range we don't know because they keep changing it keeping perfection just out of our reach.

Fuck you, Spike.