Just a couple good TFLNs today

(425): Waking up at a teachers house is a very confusing thing http://tfl.nu/hqjw

(707): Would jacking off with Benadryl cream be good or bad for the poison oak on my dick? http://tfl.nu/yjm9

Headline of the day

Knife-Wielding Thief Steals $56 of Toilet Paper from Fairway Market: Cops

Wouldn't it have been easier just to steal some Kaopectate?

Today's news round-up--it's all good

Keep checking back. I add things to this during the day.

Good News

• NY judge: Apple conspired to raise e-book prices It always amazes me how businesspeople fail to understand basic anti-trust law.
• Eliot Spitzer’s return could boost Christine Quinn’s mayoral bid I support Quinn. While I don't agree with everything she's done, I think she will be effective in running the city, unlike many of the other candidates. And she will definitely be great for the transgender community--I've talked directly with her about that.
• Effects of Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage Start Rippling Out Through Government
• North Carolina Republican governor threatens veto of abortion curbs

It's TFLN time

(978): So your brother is gay after all... Just caught him making out with my brother... Apparently he's gay too http://tfl.nu/cj9m

(631): He is so sweet! He thanks me for sending him dirty pix. I should keep him. http://tfl.nu/j092

(713): Like, you've got the smoothest dick in the west. Do you moisturize?
(1-713): Yes I do http://tfl.nu/5hh2

(630): I woke up in a tow truck cuddling plan b. Can you pick me up? http://tfl.nu/45h3

Today's news round-up

Good News

• U.S. debt collector hit with record penalty for abusive calls
• A.C.L.U. Lawsuit Aims to Overturn Pennsylvania’s Ban on Gay Marriage
• Democrats Plan Challenge to G.O.P.’s Filibuster Use This is a good compromise.
• Catholic hospitals accept birth control compromise
• Federal benefits won’t extend to domestic partners under DOMA ruling This good, because it refutes the argument that civil unions are the equivalent of marriage.
• Air Force pulls sexual assault prevention brochure

Bad News

• Killers' life terms 'breach their human rights' A life sentence without the possibility of parole is not a violation of human rights.

Yesterday's news round-up

Good News

• Judge blocks new Wisconsin abortion law
• Tortilla Factory Owner Gets Jail Time for Violating Payroll Laws But I doubt he'd get that if this was the only thing he did.
• Femen topless protester wins French asylum

Bad News

• New Indiana Law Makes It A Felony For Same-Sex Couples To Apply For A Marriage License

Not much in the TFLN department today

(775): The lady at walmart just said she is so happy im still alive....Was i that drunk on the 4th? Dont answer that http://tfl.nu/7hy2

(512): Had a turkey baster with clean pee in it in my pants to pass a drug test, and the bottom fell off, so yeah I'm pretty pissed. http://tfl.nu/bj7a

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Schools Seeking to Arm Employees Hit Hurdle on Insurance More guns in schools = more dead kids.

Bad News

• WWOR-TV in New Jersey Replaces Nightly News This is a failure of the station to serve its area, as required by law. I'm not surprised this is a Rupert Murdoch company.

Ridiculous News

• Spitzer To Run For NYC Comptroller And a brothel operator or something similar that he was patronizing is also running!

Two weeks of TFLNs

(360): A baby just tried to pull out his mom's huge tits at work today and nearly succeeded. I was silently cheering for the little guy. http://tfl.nu/u51s

(646): I'm at a restaurant. I am NOT about to discuss my asshole over the phone. http://tfl.nu/dft1

(804): the last time I drank tequila I ended up riding your skateboard nude down the street... so yeah, I'll have a few shots. http://tfl.nu/qdeq

(570): Just fucked up my mustache shaving, gonna have to take it off because now it makes me look like a pedophile
(1-570): FYI your old mustache made you look like a pedophile http://tfl.nu/2z1a

(423): Stripper just cleaned my glasses with her nipple... http://tfl.nu/apqw

(215): I told you alcohol was flammable, but you didn't believe me until you tried to extinguish your sparkler by submerging it in vodka and the bottle burst into flames. http://tfl.nu/kido

(240): You also thought the cure to hiccups was drowning yourself (and you were right) http://tfl.nu/pdep

(407): When you're a bigshot ER surgeon and I'm a starving artist, I want you to remember who held your hair last night. http://tfl.nu/dw2v


PARENTS

(416): Happy Birhtday!
(289): Dad, it's 3am and it's not my birthday... wherever you are, go home http://tfl.nu/oimr

(614): I am slightly proud of the fact his mom turns on the dryer located behind the spare bedroom EVERY time we visit! http://tfl.nu/68by

(618): Those drunk pictures you took of me? My mom is showing those to my grandparents. http://tfl.nu/mt2r

(570): If you really loved me, you'd support my weed habit.
(1-570): As the person who squeezed you out of my vagina, the answer is no. http://tfl.nu/hlm9


MORNING

(785): Woke up in the middle of my kitchen clutching a cheesy gordita crunch http://tfl.nu/29tb

(612): I woke up with my panties in the cat food dish, and everything covered in honey and bruises. http://tfl.nu/ns4w

(305): I woke up with my name tag for work still on my shirt. It was a rough night. http://tfl.nu/aqrx

(703): Are you alive?
(1-703): I woke up under the pier. http://tfl.nu/dfp7

(727): Sorry about waking up naked in your bed this morning. http://tfl.nu/1b4x

(212): Hey guys guess what I found in my bed this morning? I wish it was a man..but it was a potato http://tfl.nu/ss5k

(720): We are no longer allowed to have pre 4th party week. I woke up with a donut stuck to my face and 'MILF' written in black marker on my stomach.
(1-720): Mother of the Year http://tfl.nu/ysx6

(978): But I did spend part of my morning scrubbing your cum off my grandmothers piano. http://tfl.nu/s054


HANGOVERS

(972): Hungover, threw up in a cosmetic case in my car this morning.  This is real life. http://tfl.nu/3lzm

(518): I am in the bathroom at work, pooing while eating pretzels. Hungover Fridays are in full effect http://tfl.nu/1a0b

(337): How's the hangover?
(1-337): I've been begging my dog to mercy kill me for over an hour. He has this look like he might do it, you know, as my best friend should. http://tfl.nu/4fpy

(713): I woke up with a massive hangover and realized I still had an entire bottle of tequila in my car...so yeah, working on tomorrow's hangover. http://tfl.nu/74mv

(306): I swear to god, my hangover cure is a green tea and a 15 minute twerkout. works every time http://tfl.nu/lht5


SEX

(405): No foreplay. Missionary. Too quick. And he owns a fedora.
(405): I almost fell asleep reading that.
(405): I almost fell asleep fucking it. http://tfl.nu/v47a

(406): The golf course isn't that incognito for sex. http://tfl.nu/qp54

(850): so...the lady doing my pedi totally noticed the human bite marks on my calf. Who says marriage ends your sex life? Love u! http://tfl.nu/677z


AND FINALLY

(630): Prop 8 repealed and I FINALLY got my period. Good day for America!!! http://tfl.nu/dwug

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Argentina: Women will now collect welfare money

Bad News

• After Ruling, States Rush to Enact Voting Laws

Plat du jour

Today's news round-up--It's all bad

Bad News

• RI Senate Dems formally segregate straight and gay marriages
• Russia's Putin signs law limiting adoption by gays
• Wis. gov signs abortion bill requiring ultrasound
• Burlesque 'demeans women', says council as it bans show
• Afghan Court Reverses Convictions in Torture of Girl

Animal headline of the day

Goats invade airport to prevent fires

"Invade" is hardly the right word.

Happy Read Naked Day!

Read Naked Day

H/T to Naked Girls Reading and especially Naked Girls Reading NYC

Today's news round-up

Good News

• FDA Rule Could Make Generic Drugmakers Liable
• Parents who withheld care are guilty of homicide, Wisconsin justices say
• Calif. lawmakers pass K-12 transgender-rights bill
• Mayor Bloomberg defeated in court, judge tosses suit against ‘living wage’ bill

Bad News

• Supreme Court's Ginsburg vows to resist pressure to retire

Happy Independence Day!

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Mentally disabled NY newlyweds find home to share
• NY rail retirees in disability scam lose benefits
• Not guilty verdict for San Diego chalk protester
• California judge allows yoga in public schools
• New Yorkers' new domain: '.nyc' gets initial OK

Bad News

• Commentator rejects BET apology over attire clash It appears BET has no problem with sexual orientation. It's gender expression that freaks them out.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Atheists unveil Fla monument near Ten Commandments
• Why DOMA's death has already saved one gay couple from being forced apart 
• Payroll company to protect employee gender rights
• Oregon's new charity law takes tax break away

Bad News

• Russia's Putin signs anti-gay measures into law
• As Pay Cards Replace Paychecks, Bank Fees Hurt Workers
• Federal judge refuses to block Kan. abortion rules

Plat du jour--guest submission

Found by Joanne.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Court rejects gay rights cases from Ariz., Nev.

Bad News

• Judges Decline to Order Warrant for Use of GPS in Civil Matters A somewhat different analysis: Court rules Inspector General went too far in GPS tracking ex-employee
• Dozens arrested at gay pride rally in Russia

Just what we don't need

Pride Guide 2013: Pride Ride

We don't need a bunch of drunken people doing a pub crawl on bicycles. I don't care if they are LBGT.

Question of the day

When a wine bottler uses a plastic stopper, is it still correct to call it a cork?

Animal headline of the day

Eager beaver blamed for New Mexico Internet outage

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Mich. ban on domestic partner benefits blocked
• British Muslims urged to denounce sex crimes in forceful sermon Also, the soldier murder in London.
• Judge puts parts of new Kan. abortion law on hold

Bad News

• Religious groups vow further legal fight after contraceptive rule released
• NYC's Met doing away with metal admission button I like my button collection. I don't like sticking things on to my clothes.

Animal headline of the day

Black bear breaks into Knoxville Zoo

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Smithfield drops Paula Deen as spokeswoman
• New Jersey poised to become second state to ban anti-gay therapy
• New Air Force Leader Becomes Highest-Ranking Openly-Gay Person in Defense Dept
• Disney renames Mouseketeer stage for Funicello

Bad news

• Texas House of Representatives passes sweeping abortion restrictions UPDATE: Texas Republicans on verge of passing abortion law
• Supreme Court makes it harder to sue businesses for discrimination, retaliation
• BBC reporters 'intimidated' by Turkey
• Christian school won’t let 12-year-old girl play football, citing lustful thoughts and the Bible

After an absence of over a year, it's the return of Texts from Last Night!

With new formatting!

(818): Want to go swimsuit shopping? First one who cries buys ice cream. http://tfl.nu/75x9

(818): I taught her to play Monopoly. She sold me her bra to keep from going bankrupt. http://tfl.nu/o8z5

(828): Still no second date. Guess you shouldn't show guys your taser on the first date. http://tfl.nu/q3v1

(541): I just want to be covered in whipped cream and spanked, is that too much to ask? http://tfl.nu/caku

(832): Two dicks, one me.
(832): Yoga's definitely paying off. http://tfl.nu/ljaq

(306): I mean I'm not gay but a hundred bucks is a hundred bucks http://tfl.nu/ndt4

(902): I was loaded. my pee still has a hint of lime http://tfl.nu/b6xy

(306): how is it that I keep meeting up with you when Im drunk?
(1-306): you stand on my porch screaming my name until I come out with you... http://tfl.nu/x6zk

(651): I've found a new low. I was climb-on-the-bar-piano drunk. http://tfl.nu/9vy1

(330): You left your underwear in a sandwich bag on my kitchen counter. http://tfl.nu/exdp

(937): Got laid at work. Yes, AT work, why they let me run this tennis center by myself speaks to their poor judge of character. http://tfl.nu/p33a

(703): YOU WORK IN THE US CAPITOL! YOU CANNOT HAVE SEX IN THE BATHROOM!!
(202): Dude, you are totally ruining intern season for me... http://tfl.nu/al91

(202): Yes, he does have a boomerang dick. No matter how many times I throw it away, it keeps coming right back and winds up hitting me in the head. http://tfl.nu/ntvr

(205): There are Vine videos that have lasted longer than he did http://tfl.nu/00cd

(202): Whore are you.
(301): Is that a Yoda insult or are you asking me where I am?
(202): Yes. http://tfl.nu/xx42

(608): We learned many a lesson today about drug use in canoes http://tfl.nu/pi7l

(936): If you're still up for that roadtrip, I managed to end up in Louisiana and could use a ride home. http://tfl.nu/6ayk

Animal headline of last week

Police: Intoxicated L.I. Man Plows Car Into Pack Of Dinosaurs

Sub-head: Only One T-Rex Remains Intact After Crash

Schaeffer said the car finally came to a stop in front of a pink elephant.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Atheist Immigrant Wins Citizenship Despite Anti-War Beliefs
• States fight discrimination toward gay foster kids
• Minn.'s Franken hardly a GOP target for defeat I supported Franken in 2008, even going to a little fundraiser he had in NYC. I got a chance to speak to him a little.
• Royal Navy makes traditional toasts gender neutral
• Food Network won't renew Paula Deen's contract

Bad News

• Leading human rights group evicted from Moscow office

A baker's dozen warnings about Walmart

Snake! Woman says she found one in bag of potatoes from Wal-Mart

An even dozen Walmart warnings

They're dangerous. Stay away.

4 shot at NC law firm, Wal-Mart; suspect caught

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Illinois father gets prison in child-binding case
• Murkowski becomes third Republican U.S. senator to back gay marriage

Bad News

• Sign Language Ban Imposed on N.J. Girl UPDATE: School Bus Sign Language Ban Lifted FURTHER UPDATE: This happened 12 years ago. Now the girl is suing.
• Islamists Press Blasphemy Cases in a New Egypt Blasphemy should not be a crime. The U.S. should stop giving aid to Egypt.

Plat du jour

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Supreme Court strikes down Arizona voter ID citizenship law
• In Israel, Streisand slams treatment of women
• Arizona Gov. Brewer signs Medicaid expansion law This is probably the first time that she's appeared in my Good News section.
• Military plans would put women in most combat jobs
• New Hampshire Court Strikes Down Tax-Credit Aid To Religious Schools

Bad News

• New Governor Shock to Some Inside Egypt He should not be a public official.
• Two Boy Scout Leaders' Membership May Be Revoked for Marching in Utah Pride Parade

Public service announcement

Estimated taxes are due tomorrow.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• NY man who says 4 kids vandalized home is charged

Bad News

• 2 Polio Workers Killed in Pakistan

Plat du jour--guest submission

Found by Joanne.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Australian general delivers PSA aimed at sexists in the army
• Italy upholds prison terms for police over 2001 G8 abuse
• Caterpillar drops Boy Scout support over gay ban
• Multnomah County becomes one of first in nation to require gender-neutral bathrooms for transgender users
• Whole Foods revises employee language policy
• Social Security Removes Surgical Requirement for Gender Marker Change

Bad News

• Teacher fired over ex-husband’s ‘threatening and menacing’ behavior
• Police in Greece Victimizing Trans Persons

Plat du jour

Better for the company image, I guess

Sweden's Arriva lifts shorts ban for skirt-wearing drivers

Plat du jour

Somali thugs are still at it

Somali pirate attack thwarted by EU Naval Force

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Senator blocks Air Force officer's nomination Military commanders should not be interfering in criminal procedures.
• Army suspends general linked to sex-assault probe See above.
• Hillsborough unanimously votes to repeal 8-year old ban on recognizing Pride events

Bad News

• US waives condition on $1.3B in aid to Egypt Egypt needs some lessons in democracy and human rights.
• Mississippi aims to curb teen pregnancy with umbilical blood law I very much doubt this will reduce teen pregnancies by any significant amount.

From the Department of Irony

Google bans Glass from its own shareholder meeting

Semi-random thoughts

• Happy coincidence: We have tickets to see Andris Nelsons conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing the Verdi Requiem at Tanglewood this summer. They recently appointed him their next Music Director.
• I see that the "open wheel" Indy race cars do not have such open wheels any more. They are now allowed to have fenders in front and behind the rear wheels. The front wheels are still fairly open. However, there are small, curved, vertical extensions at the end of the front wing, and there are little wings low to the ground, not that far back behind the front wheels. 
• Following up on this, I just got an email addressed to "Dear << Test First Name >>,".

Today's news round-up

Good News

• American tourist gang-rape: India police arrest three men
• Georgia OKs "GAYPWR" but bans sex acts, guns - on license plates
• Jobless claims fall, labor market gradually improving
• California bullet train project lurches ahead as contractor chosen

Bad News

• Teen Punished for Stopping a Knife-Wielding Bully From Attacking a Student
• Paris student dead after skinhead attack

Plat du jour--guest submission

Found by Carolyn, on Tommy Brookshire's Facebook page.

Animal headline of the day

Town mails discarded dog poop back to errant pet owners

Today's news round-up (with some older stuff)

Good News

• Cheerios stands by TV ad showing mixed-race family
• Agency drops plan to allow small knives on planes
• The Latest Navy SEAL Book Could Impact the Military's Transgender Rules
• Court: Girls can buy morning-after pill for now
• FBI to track hate crime statistics for Sikhs
• Prosecutors push for 'kill switch' to prevent smartphone thefts I was amazed how little Verizon would do when I lost my phone the first time.

Bad News

• Mosque burns down in London in suspicious circumstances
• Federal judge accused of saying minorities predisposed to commit violent crime
• Exxon Mobil rejects resolution to protect LGBT workers The boycott of Exxon Mobil must continue.
• Nigerian lawmakers enact same sex marriage ban with penalty of up to 14 years in prison

Sort of Good, Sort of Bad, News

• Churches split on Scouts' welcoming of gay youth It's bad that so many troops will be losing sponsors, but it's good that these conservative churches will no longer have any influence over the BSA.
• Apple Removes 'Ex-Gay' App; Will Google Follow?

Animal headline of the day

Cat detained on illegal mission at Russian prison

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Jury finds for Ohio teacher fired while pregnant
• Obama nominates 3 to appeals court, testing GOP
• Ohio St. president retires after Notre Dame jabs He was an embarrassment to the Big Ten and my birth-state of Ohio.
• Senators blast military response to sex assaults
• The Only Thing More Expensive Than Kids Is Kids Who Are Bullies

 Bad News

• Egypt sentences 43, including Americans, in NGO case This sounds like at least some of the people in power in Egypt still don't understand how democracy is supposed to work.
• Pot arrests more likely for blacks No surprise.
• Professor allegedly fat-shames Ph.D. applicants
• American Tourist Gang-Raped in Manali, Police Say I think a boycott of tourism to India is in order.
• Fla. governor vetoes immigrant driver license bill
• Pa. school graduation won't use transgender name He is not asking for his preferred name to be on the diploma, and the announcement of the name is not an act that has any legal consequences.

Sort of Good, Sort of Bad, News

• Video captures Jasper, Texas, police officers beating woman At least the cops were fired.

Headline of the day

Sinkhole swallows swimming pool

In other words, a hole in the ground fell into a hole in the ground.

Living with bears XLIII

I gave up reporting occurrences of bears intruding into humans' areas several years ago, simply because it was so common. However, this one is too close to home. My wife taught school in Montclair.

New Jersey: After a Bear Is Caught in Montclair, Students Are Allowed Back Outside

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Puerto Rico House approves LGBT non-discrimination bill
• Senator: Fire commanders allowing sex assault I'm glad to see senators from both parties speaking out on this. As for the foot dragging comments by Gen. Dempsey, there is a lack of faith in the inclination of the officer corps to handle sexual assault accusations properly. 

Bad News

• LGBT-Inclusive Immigration Reform Good as Dead, Say Advocates
• Protest in Paris against France's gay marriage law

What were his parents thinking?

William Steven Power is a race car driver. He goes by the name Will Power.

Not my store, unfortunately

Found by Helen Boyd

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Obama tells Naval Academy grads sexual assaults threaten military The military officers must take the lead in preventing these crimes, and prosecuting the accused when they occur.
• Judge rules against Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio in racial profiling suit

Bad News

• Banks’ Lobbyists Help in Drafting Financial Bills
• Turkey to ban late-night sales of alcohol

This is so wrong

Fingers at the ready! Keep your nerve steady – its sanitary insanity!

Take toilet gaming to a whole new level with this frantic line drawing game! Warning: contains punch in the face gameplay and some serious swiping action!

In Men’s Room Mayhem you’re hired as the janitor of your very own chaotic men’s room. You’re responsible for directing patrons, keeping everywhere sparkling clean and steering patrons away from trouble!

Get your customers safely to the urinals and stalls in time – but hurry! Otherwise there’ll be a few nasty accidents for you to clean up!

Avoid fights by strategically steering patrons past each other with pinpoint precision, but be careful, patrons pile up fast while the drinks are flowing – so mind your pee’s and queues! And if your customers have a run in, fists will be flying!

Extra points are scored for maintaining proper men’s room etiquette (which you guys will all know about, and you girls can learn the secrets to the unwritten rules) as well as for demonstrating good personal hygiene. Are you a washer or a walker? In either case, try to encourage patrons to wash their hands for higher scores!

There are 5 different locations for you to manage as you progress. Level-up to unlock them by completing specific in-game objectives. But beware! Levels become more difficult to navigate as each wave of patrons gets longer!

Don’t forget – older and drunk patrons don’t move as fast as some of the little squirts! So prepare yourself for both slow and fast pee-ers! (peers)

Can you control the stream and get your patrons in and out accident free? Or will you simply run out of time and finger flexibility – winding up with the ultimate janitorial fail: a condemned men’s room!

Download Men’s Room Mayhem today and become the master of bathroom etiquette and cleanliness. Find out what really goes on behind cubicle doors in the ultimate Toilet gaming experience!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ripstone.mrm

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Senate approves Obama nominee to key appeals court
• EU wants big companies to reveal national tax bills Good idea. We should do that in the U.S., too.
• Madison Square Garden Told to Fix Penn Station or Move Out
• Peace Corps to Accept Same-Sex Couples

Bad News

• Russian court denies Pussy Riot's Alekhina parole
• Minnesota Republicans Kill Anti-Bullying Bill

Not a warning about Walmart

I was tempted to add this to my series about the dangers of Walmart, but they really had nothing to do with this, other than the fact that their parking lots take up a considerable amount land.

Pieces of 747 fall on woman’s house and Walmart lot

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Archie Comics' gay kiss a poke at real controversy
• Vermont passes law allowing doctor-assisted suicide
• GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate in Va. Compares Planned Parenthood to KKK Another Republican losing votes for his party.
• Seth MacFarlane won't return as 2014 Oscar host

Bad News

• Turkey cancels Eurovision Song Contest over lesbian kiss
• Algerian editor accuses government of censorship
• Slow Response by Georgians to Mob Attack on Gay Rally
• Measles surges in UK years after vaccine scare

Another classical flashmob

HT to Lynette Nusbacher

Headline of the week

Fire Department Rescues Cop Who Was Trying To Rescue Cat From Tree

The NYPD had no comment.

Living with moose VI

Shocked Family Films Wild Moose Swimming in Their Pool

Today's news round-up

Good News

• In Response to Sex Assaults, Military to Review Staffing
• France gay marriage: Hollande signs bill into law
• FILA approves new rules to keep wrestling in Olympics I was shocked the Olympics removed wrestling, a sport that goes all the way back to the original, ancient Greek games. I hope it gets back in.
• Calif. doc with 'cancer cure' gets 14 years in prison
• Scandal Involving Gifts and Theft Charges Complicates Politics in Virginia I love to see Republicans in trouble.
• HK transgender woman wins legal battle to marry

Bad News

• Hard-line Afghan MPs block law protecting women
• Georgia governor engaged in Bible dispute It doesn't matter who pays for the Bibles. Putting them in state-owned cabins is an implicit endorsement of a religion.
• Women sad, angry over sale of nonprofit Ohio home

Semi-random thoughts

• I received an e-mail at my male e-mail address from a pro-women's rights organization to which have contributed in the past.  It read 

  Dear xxxxxxxxx, 
  
  Have you ever thought about the ways in which you’re treated unfairly just because you’re a woman?

  where xxxxxxxxx is my male first name. I guess they don't think they have any male supporters. Or maybe they just don't think.
• My wife and I got word that there is a parking space now available in the garage in our building. We applied for it in 1998 when my wife got a job in New Jersey, so we bought a car. At long last there will be no more hunting for a spot on the street. Hooray! The only thing is, my wife retired nine years ago, and we got rid of the car.
• I see that tickets to Radio City's Christmas show go on sale next week. I think that's rushing the season more than a little.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• French gay marriage law ruled constitutional
• ‘Hog tied’ grandson lands woman in prison
• Pentagon Recognizes Transgender Veteran, Advocates See A “Shift”

Bad News

• Crowds break up gay rights rally in Georgia (the country)
• EU LGBT survey: Poll on homophobia sparks concern
• Colorado sheriffs sue over new gun restrictions How does this law harm the sheriffs? Does anything in it even apply to them? I think they may lack the standing to sue.

Plat du jour--guest submission

 
I guess being unemployed isn't so bad for some people.

Found by Joanne.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Minnesota Gov. Dayton signs gay marriage bill

Bad News

• ‘Call him Richard’: Company refuses to use shortened name on e-card Marks and Spencer is (collectively) an idiot.

Petitions--so many are a waste

I got an email from change.org, an online organization that lets individuals start petitions, and helps them collect signatures. The subject of the e-mail was "What 1,461,948 signatures did:," and it contained descriptions of about a dozen petitions which were successful in achieving the originators' goals. There was one thing that stood out to me about this list: all but two of these petitions were addressed to non-governmental entities (three if you include the University of Virginia). This confirms what I've thought for quite a while.

I am bombarded with e-mails requesting my signature on petitions. Even though I agree with the goals of a large majority of them, I sign relatively few. This is because most are directed to the government, which I know will not normally be swayed by these petitions. About the only time they are is when they bring to officials' attention subjects that they have heard little or nothing about.

Petitions to Congress about gun control, or abortion rights, or the minimum wage, or any other controversial topic, are useless. The petition solicitations from members of Congress to Congress are, at best, a method of getting supporters to feel good about their support. At worst they are more about soliciting campaign contributions than the subject matter.

I've even seen a few petitions directed to judges--anyone who thinks the U.S. Supreme Court will take any notice of a public petition has no idea how the court works. The same thing goes for petitions to churches--they are not going to change their beliefs because of a petition.

However, private concerns, especially companies dealing in consumer items, are very responsive to petitions. They know that every signer is a potential lost customer, so they try to accommodate as many as possible. These are the petitions I am most likely to sign.

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Rep. Pocan's Husband First Same-Sex Spouse Recognized by Congress
• Amtrak unveils locomotives to replace aging fleet
• Vermont House passes aid-in-dying bill

Bad News

• U.S. Genderqueer Denied Entry to Visit Canadian Partner; Officers See Therapist Letter, Question Mental Health
• South Korea Seeks Arrest of Irreverent Podcaster
• Arrests over 'anti-gay' murder in Volgograd Russia I guess it's good the arrests were made, but the rising homophobia in Russia is terrible.
• Gov't obtains wide AP phone records in probe
• Builders bulldoze Mayan pyramid in Belize

Plat du jour

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Judge Refuses to Drop Order on Contraceptive Pill Without Regard to Age
• Frustrated by low attendance, Indians players give out free tickets on Twitter, team president follows
• Heritage Foundation analyst who questioned Hispanic intelligence and wrote for nationalist website resigns

Bad News

• Christie Vetoes Early-Voting Bill I wish we had early voting, or mail-in voting, here in New York.
• On Eve of Pivotal Election, Pakistan Orders Times Reporter to Leave

Republicans: It's only a problem when a Democrat is President

From Being Liberal

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Iowa Supreme Court rules that birth certificates must name both same-sex parents
• Boycott appears to hit Rush Limbaugh's mega-deal 
• Lauryn Hill gets 3 months for failing to pay taxes

Bad News

• Workers Claim Racial Bias in Farms’ Hiring of Immigrants

Iowa wins in basketball!

Iowa to Play in Bahamas Instead of Alaska

Now let me see. Where would I rather go in late November, Alaska or Bahamas?

Micro movie review

42: I give it an 8.

Happy Star Wars Day!

May the Fourth be with you.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• PepsiCo ending ties with Lil Wayne
• For Angelenos, End of the ‘Free’ Subway Ride
• Man facing charges linked to SpyEye virus
• Rhode Island Becomes 10th State To Allow Same-Sex Marriage
• Partner benefits stand for Michigan state workers

Bad News

• Secular Turks see red over airline's lipstick ban
• Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade in danger after Superstorm Sandy
• Ex-NFL player's support for gay NBA player apparently costs him church appearance

Big rubber ducky!

Giant rubber duck makes splash in Hong Kong harbor

Associated Press Photo by Vincent Yu

I wish it would come to NYC.

Today's news round-up

Good News

• FDA lowers age for buyers of Plan B pill to 15 However: FDA appeals making 'morning-after' pill available to all ages 
• State mandates health insurance for transgender patients

Bad News

• Koch Brothers Plan More Political Involvement for Their Conservative Network
• 5-year-old boy shoots 2-year-old sister in Ky. They make child-sized guns colored like toys? And the parents leave it in a corner?

Sort of Good, Sort of Bad, News

• Colorado ushers in new law with midnight unions Civil unions are a step in the right direction, but it's not marriage.

Semi-random thoughts

• I'm beginning to think that "ex-dominatrix" describes a significant percentage of the women in New York City.
• At the writing of this all the continents save Antarctica are represented on my recent visitors map.
• I'm always amused to get e-mails that start off "Dear [FirstName]."

Micro movie review

The Sapphires--A very small gem: Predictable, enjoyable, entertaining.

Cartoon of the day

Today's news round-up

Good News

• GOP faces Senate recruitment woes in key states
• A Racial Divide Closes as Students Step Up
• ACLU: Pa. school will allow transgender teen at prom

Bad News

• In Ala., GOP dictates new landscape for education

West African thugs strike again

Pirates kidnap ship crew off Equatorial Guinea

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Philadelphia city council passes LGBT equality bill, first in the nation
• Catholic High School Allows Male Couple to Attend Dance
• Tax cheats pony up $5.5 billion in amnesty program
• Finest Hour: Churchill to be on UK bank note
• Dutch Man Said to Be Held in Powerful Internet Attack More and more of these "hacktivists" are getting caught.
• NY court: Lousy workers deserve fair workplace too Technically this is a not a NY court. It is a Federal court located in NY.

Bad News

• Wikileaks suspect named SF Pride parade marshal Innocent or guilty, Manning is not deserving of this recognition. UPDATE: WikiLeaks suspect won't be SF Pride parade marshal
• Court denies Pussy Riot convict parole

If you must go to Walmart, don't take your children

Police: Suspect Sexually Assaults Girl, 7, At White Plains Walmart

My 11th warning about Walmart.

Don't be smart in Mississippi

Charges dropped against man in ricin letters case

I am intrigued by the last sentence:

"Dutschke said the last contact they had was in 2010 when Dutschke threatened to sue Curtis for saying he was a member of Mensa, a membership group for people with high IQs."

I guess in Mississippi saying that someone is smart is defamatory.

Animal headline of the day (follow-up)

Germany: Bieber's monkey going nowhere

Follow-up to this.

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Sweden Adopts a Gender-Neutral Pronoun
• "Penmanship" is now 'handwriting' as Washington state removes gender bias in statutes
• France legalizes gay marriage after harsh debate
• Justices say marijuana possession not a deportable offense
• Senate confirms gay man to Air Force's No. 2 civilian post

Bad News

• Catholic school teacher fired after officials learn of lesbian partner

Yawn headline of the day

Boston bombing suspects did not have valid handgun licenses

Will the next article about them be "Boston bombing suspects jaywalked to set bombs?"

Animal headline of the day

Electric Eels Threaten 7 Train Extension, MTA Board Member Says

Today's news round-up

Bad News

• Conservative Koch Brothers Turning Focus to Newspapers
• Nigeria censors documentary in growing crackdown

Closed captioning fail

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Activists cheer as Montana formally decriminalizes gay sex
• Hundreds celebrate at New Zealand’s Parliament as lawmakers approve gay-marriage bill

Bad News

• Detroit emergency manager eyes end to union bargaining

Half Good, Half Bad, News

• Boy Scouts proposal: let in gay youth, keep out gay adults If they think this will make their problem go away, they're wrong.

Another Republican losing the votes of women

NH legislator calls women 'vaginas' in House email

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Mississippi's sole abortion clinic wins federal court stay
• New Zealand set to legalise gay marriage
• Ban on texting while driving speeds through Florida legislature

Bad News

• Nigeria reporters face criminal charges for story
• GMHC Slammed for 'Sweetheart Deal' With For-Profit AIDS Walk Organizer Just give directly to GMHC.

German beavers think big

From the Wall St. Journal,
Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/AFP/Getty Images

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Judge holds self in contempt for his smartphone I'd vote for him.
• Judge rules in favor of lesbians suing Hawaii B&B

Bad News

• A Missouri School Trains Its Teachers to Carry Guns, and Most Parents Approve I wonder how many of those parents will approve when kids start getting accidentally shot with teachers' guns.
• Pianist’s Posts on Twitter Spur Penalty From Turkey Unfortunately Turkey's idea of freedom of speech is not as broad as the U.S.'s.