HS Kinn

HHS "Conscience Rule" is almost a done deal

hskinn — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:27:25 GMT

Despite public outcry, W has decided to kick women's rights in the teeth on his way out, AGAIN. According to Women's Health, the "conscience rule" will likely be written up tomorrow and will go into effect 30 days thereafter. It's an executive rule, and I hope it will be promptly addressed by the Obama administration once he's sworn in. Someone tell Joe Biden, he'll get all up in that. :D

In the meantime, ladies, if a pharmacy decides to allow its employees to deny medications based on the conscience rule, BOYCOTT them. That's right, vote with your feet. Dear pharmacists, I'm sorry, but if your conscience prevents you from dispensing the medications prescribed by a physician for whatever reason, FIND ANOTHER JOB.

No really. I have a degree in education. I could go teach at a Christian school but I don't. You know why? I'm Pagan. That's right. I don't go work at said Christian school and then whine about it conflicting with my beliefs. Get a grip, and join a profession more suited to your belief system. It will make everyone happier, including you.

I'm quite serious about the boycott. I'm going to call my local pharmacy where I get my $550 a month in prescriptions filled, and by god, if they don't fill EVERYONE's prescriptions, they won't be getting my monies. I'll take my expensive asthma/allergy meds elsewhere. I urge you all to do the same.

weekend update, w/ hs kinn

hskinn — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:10:17 GMT

Randomized for your pleasure. Or something.

I haz tween boys. The Sithling is having a sleepover w/his BFF tonight.

I still work for the Evil Empire. I still like it, but it's given me wicked carpal. Well, I had the beginnings of carpal before, but this has made it worse. I've been working and sleeping in splints to keep my wrists from getting more fucked up.

This week's my third anniversary w/Mr K. I'd still marry him again.

Batman Batman Batman. We're going to see it at midnight, on our anniversary, and we're bringing the Sithling and friends. What? That's not romantic? Well...he's taking me to a nice restaurant for our anniversary the next night, ALONE. Sans children.

Speaking of movies, I can't get worked up about Twilight. I haven't read the books, so I'm kinda meh about it. Of course, stuff like this doesn't help. I blame you, duncatra.

On the other hand, I am totally worked up for the new Clone Wars film. Moar Star Wars, plz.

I am still mulling over the Thinking and Drinking fiasco at Jezebel.com, to the point where if my wrists weren't fucked, I'd have probably fired up a feminist/girly blog over it. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lizz-winstead/jezebelism_b_110903.html

http://jezebel.com/5022871/thoughts-about-thinking--drinking

http://www.onedatatime.com/dick_liker/2008/07/rape-can-be-boring.html I told the Sithling's Godmother that I can't quite related to the third wave of feminists. She and I both identify as feminists, of course.

These entries, and the ensuing comments beget the question, though...how can you think that using your body to manipulate men is a feminist act? There's a word for that...but it's not feminist...it's asshole. Seriously, if you feel free to "do it to the men before they do it unto you", you're the type that will manipulate anyone, not just men. Stop co-opting the cause to justify your bad behavior, assholes.

Han still kicks ass...

hskinn — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:43:52 GMT

...and so does Dr. Jones. I had the pleasure of watching a midnight opening of Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skulls. Indie still kicks ass. I'll try and write a more coherent review when I haven't stayed up late and then worked all day but yeah. Awesome. Go. see. it. NOW.

How to save a life

hskinn — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:49:16 GMT

I feel very blessed and lucky to live in the USA. No, I'm not going all jingoistic on you, I swear, but I am grateful for modern medicine. Healthcare here in the States is a sticky issue, and one I won't rant and rant about today, because I'm gonna talk about women who don't have access, even via the emergency room, to obstetric care. This one's near to me, because when I had my son, I hemorrhaged pretty severely. It's not fun, even if you don't die from it.

May 09, 2008
Simple Innovation Saves Women's Lives

Around the globe, 500,000 women die every year from complications related to giving birth. The most common cause is obstetrical hemorrhage, or heavy bleeding, which can cause death in two hours or less.

Consider that in many rural areas a hospital can be hours or even days away, and the urgency of medical attention becomes clear. Given this dire situation, some health researchers are working on promoting the adoption of less-invasive, evidenced-based medical practices to prevent excess bleeding from occurring during childbirth and simple innovations that can help stem the blood flow when there is a problem.

One low-tech device that can be used to help women who are hemorrhaging and who don't have immediate access to maternity care interventions is the LifeWrap. Also known as a non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG), the LifeWrap -- which resembles a partial wet suit -- is made of neoprene and Velcro, and it literally wraps around the lower body, using pressure to treat shock, resuscitate, stabilize and prevent further bleeding in women with obstetric hemorrhage.

Check out a video here to see how it works.

Dr. Suellen Miller, director of Safe Motherhood Programs at the UCSF BIxby Programs for Global Reproductive Health, is currently conducting foundation-funded studies of the LifeWrap to treat maternal hemorrhage in Nigeria, Mexico, Egypt, Zambia and Zimbabwe. She is also working with Pathfinder International on a postpartum hemorrhage project in India.

What has the research shown so far?

In 2004, Suellen Miller, Dr. Paul Hensleigh, and their Egyptian colleagues, conducted a pilot study at four large hospitals in Egypt. Study participants who suffered severe obstetrical hemorrhage and shock were treated according to standard management or standard management AND the LifeWrap.

There was a 50% decrease in bleeding for the women treated with standard care AND the LifeWrap. 75% fewer women in the LifeWrap died or had severe maternal morbidity.

That's super impressive, but as the LifeWrap website points out, larger studies are needed, especially for funding.

These studies would provide the scientific, clinical and statistical evidence required by donor and advisory agencies (World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA, USAID) before they will contribute the funds necessary to distribute the LifeWrap globally.

With Mother's Day around the corner, now's a great time to make a donation to LifeWrap to help speed up distribution -- $160 buys one LifeWrap, which can be used up to 50 times.

In other news this week, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that relatively inexpensive interventions helped health care providers in Latin America improve the way they treat mothers during labor and delivery, especially when it came to reducing blood loss.

The teaching techniques focused on behavioral change strategies aimed at modifying practices. According to the study, researchers were able to reduce the number and severity of episiotomies at public hospitals in Argentina and Uruguay and increase the use of the hormone oxytocin – which is given to mothers to make their uterus shrink and bleed less during the third stage of labor.

"Both of these changes greatly reduced the amount of blood mothers lost during childbirth, with mothers in the intervention hospitals losing 44 percent less blood," said Marci Campbell, a professor in the UNC School of Public Health whose research focuses on health interventions.

"This randomized trial showed that knowledge alone does not change behavior," Campbell said. "It takes the combination of opinion leaders, personal visits, reminders, and support to change behavior. This change is especially important for developing countries where maternal hemorrhage is a major health threat. However, the intervention also could be beneficial in developed countries, including many parts of the United States, where rates of routine episiotomy are still above optimal."

Source: http://ourbodiesourblog.org/blog/2008/05/simple_innovation_saves_womens_lives.php

Speed Racer: The Movie - What you need to know

hskinn — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:04:00 GMT

John Goodman kicks a ninja's ass.

Speed Racer: The Movie - WYNTK (Ladies' Edition)
Matthew Fox (aka Jack from Lost) kicks a ninja's ass, SHIRTLESS.

Film viewing is enhanced by drinking a large margarita beforehand.

Fine China

hskinn — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:03:03 GMT

I solemnly swear I am not making this up:

The China Vagina Collection. Link NSFW. I think. It's kind of a Rorschach-esque take on the female anatomy, but if your boss is looking, I wouldn't press my luck.

Happy Mother's Day!

hskinn — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:12:44 GMT

For my mom, who is awesome:

and my Grandma, from whom I get my curly locks ~~and stubborn temperament~~:

I can hear you laughing at my hair. You just wish you'd had hair that fierce back in the 80s.

While we're discussing fab moms and flashbacks, here's my baby godmother, who scanned a pic of us back in the 90s: cut for unrepentant ~~substance use~~ frizz:

ETA: Baby godmother is the woman with the big grin and middle finger waving freely. *G*

good reads!

hskinn — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:53:04 GMT

Hey Gloria!

I’m reading Son of the Morning right now and it’s AWESOME! I hope the Naked Gentleman worked out as well for you!

Incidentally, gentle readers, I must mention just how fabulous Sally MacKensie’s Naked series is - Kayleigh Jamison got me started on them and now we’re going through the whole series! They are Regency through and through, and while more risque than a traditional Cartland, but it’s appropriate for a Regency, if that makes sense. It’s got the playful banter and underlying sexual tension and it’s…like chocolate mousse - decadent and light as air.

I’ll post more about Son of the Morning later, but for now I’m totally sucked into it. The hero’s a hunky Scot, and there’s time travel, and Grace, the heroine is awesome - intelligent and attractive, but not too much - not Mary Sue perfect.

The simple things

hskinn — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:32:21 GMT

As you all know, I just celebrated my birthday. Today my son's godmother (and one of my beffies since high school) came over, and brought me a couple gifts.

She got me a Diva Cup - not of interest to you gentlemen, I know, but I've been thinking about getting one cause it's more ecologically friendly.

She also bought me one of my most fave goodies - a Terra Nostra Rice Milk Choco bar. I know, a chocolate bar? But when you're vegan you eat a LOT of dark chocolate, and milk chocolate is verboten - and even if it weren't, it bothers my tummy. So the Terra Nostra bar is rice milk, and easy on my tum. And the kind she bought, they don't sell at my local health food stores. I can get the plain bar and then fight the Sithling for it. You know it's good cause Mr Picky loves it, LOL.

The final thing she got me, which I thought was very thoughtful and very her, was a National Geographic magazine, from April 1975. *G* I am reading it now. I'm gonna have to take some pics of the ads, omg. I wish my scanner wasn't dead, or I'd scan samples for you.

Battlestar Galactica Video

hskinn — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:38:30 GMT

BSG is Love!

Romance meta for you!

hskinn — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:29:07 GMT

This Smart Bitches review made me laugh so hard I coughed...ok, all laughing makes me cough, but it was worth it.

For the authors and feminists on the f-list, here's a deep thought for you: http://jezebel.com/369256/is-a-female+only-literature-prize-sexist

From the article:

Still Life scribe A.S. Byatt bitched about the prize to the Times of London, saying, "Such a prize was never needed" because it ghettoizes women's literature...[However] In the past ten years, three women have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction (for those counting at home, that's 30%).

I don't know how I feel about this, honestly. I write romance, which is the red-headed stepchild of the publishing industry, and the most poo-ed on of all genres. Like it or not, if your work is oriented toward women's issues, you are ghettoized. (Romance sells more than half the paperbacks in the USA, btw) I had my MIL tell me that she didn't consider my work romance, and she meant it as a compliment, because in her words, "It has a plot."

I'd also like to add that when I met Susan Sizemore at a convention she straight up told us that if you're a woman and you want to write something other than romance, it's not bad to write the romance first, because it's much easier to get your foot in the door there, and then branch out into other genres.

There are actually a lot of romances that have plots now, that don't center on sheiks or sekrit babies. But that's a rant for another day. I guess this is like my feelings on the Romance Writers of America, where I agree with the goal, but I'm not so thrilled by the execution. So what do you think, f-listers? Does having our own award put us in our own lipstick ghetto? Or are we liberating ourselves from sexism?

Oh Kev!

hskinn — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:24:57 GMT

I have this not-so-sekrit crush on Kevin Smith, and have since Clerks came out. I know, I know, he's married, I'm married, it'll never happen. Still, he's my fave fanboy after Mr K. And I can still fangirl. Right now he's shooting Zack & Miri Make a Porno, with Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks. The clip below (from the View Askew site) is funny as hell, but even funnier if you've seen the Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel vids that it's ripping on. VIDS NOT SAFE FOR WORK.

NOT SAFE FOR WORK FOR REAL Y'ALL. Other than that, enjoy.

Kickin' it Old Skool

hskinn — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:30:14 GMT

Good morning, gentle readers. I feel a little better today. Thank you again for all the well-wishes. I have an assortment of blog-o-sphere goodness to share with you all.

1. Kayleigh Jamison and some other fab ladies have a book signing party!

2. Preditors and Editors is being sued. Louise Bohmer has a fairly serious take on it, and PN Elrod...well, see for yourself. I took this more seriously until I saw that she named "Miss Snark" as a defendant. Miss Snark? For Reals?

3. Alan Wilder, formerly of Depeche Mode, now of Recoil, blogs - Music for the Masses - I think not. I must confess that the title totally hooked me, as Music for the Masses was my first Depeche album. I've been a fan of Recoil for a year or so, and hearing a perspective from someone who's escaped the corporate machine fascinates me.

"And can the musician act as entrepreneur? Is it fair to expect our scatterbrained creative songwriters and virtuosos to also hold a degree in business management? Formulating their own strategies and marketing models as they go? I mean wasn't this the whole reason record companies and managers came into existence in the first place? From my own experience, simply trying to 'stage manage' what has been a very small-level experiment has taken up most of the first 3 months of the year - valuable time which I intended to spend composing new music."

I've had this conversation with many a fellow author, and on a lesser level, it's true of us as well. It's a criticism leveled at indie presses - some it's fair, some it's not. You have to hustle to get your work out there, and yet, the biz end of publishing is draining. It's why I'm not a publisher anymore. I never wrote. There are other reasons too, my health being a biggie. Don't worry, I'm not dying, I just need to take better care of myself.

4. That actually brings me to the next question I've gotten a lot of lately, which is, am I reopening, either as AA or under another name. No. I am content to be an author. If anyone wants a suggestion of where to place your work, depending on who you are, and your writing style, I am inclined to recommend...

Lachesis Publishing
Loose-ID
Dark Roast Press
Samhain Publishing

I'm not affiliated with any of these houses as an author or admin, that's just based on observation. I will put as a disclaimer that I know Rhiannon Rhodes of Dark Roast. She was our promo queen, and her vision of what sort of titles she wants to put out is similar to Aphrodite's in terms of the "hot with plot" delivery. I anticipate good things when they launch. The rest of the rec's are based on friends of mine who have good experiences with the companies.

5. Finally, people have asked about my own work, and where I'm placing it. I haven't subbed anywhere yet. I am reediting Immortal Reveries and I want to finish some of the WIPs and then I'll start subbing. I want to enjoy the craft of writing again. So far I am. ;-)

Miso Soup

hskinn — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:24:24 GMT

As y'all know, I've been sick. I appreciate the well-wishes. If I'm not perkier by Monday I will go to the doc, I swear. Miso soup is full of probiotic goodness, and it's like chicken soup for vegans, in that it's all nice and warm and salty (i hear your pervy thoughts... *cough*) and it goes down well when you're feeling a bit under the weather. Sooo...here's a recipe.

2 c water
2 garlic cloves or 2 T dry garlic
1/2 to 1 vegetable bouillon cube, depending on how salty you want it. Keep in mind miso paste itself is pretty salty.
handful of spinach, torn, or 1/2 c frozen.
2 oz of tofu, cut into small cubes
2 T miso paste

Mince or press garlic cloves. Pour water, garlic and bouillon into pan to boil over medium high heat. As the water warms, dip out about half a cup and whisk it with the miso paste until it's completely blended. Set aside. Add spinach and tofu to now-boiling water. Remove from heat, wait for bubbling to subside. Pour in miso mixture and stir. Serve and enjoy!

p.s. Makes two servings. I also recommend serving with green tea.

Arcana Barbie?

hskinn — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:16:20 GMT

Here's a random factoid about me: I like to collect dolls that look like my characters. Since my characters are adults, who do you think I end up buying?

Yes, Barbie, the biggest little woman in American dolls. Scary, isn't it? They even have a Deidre of Ulster Barbie.

Ahem. Anyway, I happened on the Barbie Tarot online and had to share with you all.

Put your beverages down and scroll to the second grouping of Major Arcana.

Yes, that's really a set of Barbies based on a Jude Deveraux book. Slide your eyes to the right, to #7, the Chariot - "Secret Hearts and Earring Magic Ken”. With all due respect to Dave Barry, I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP. When you can tear your eyes from the pic, read the card interpretation.

You’re welcome.

Press Release: Aphrodite's Apples closes

hskinn — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:41:07 GMT

Aphrodite's Apples is closing, effective February 13, 2008. It was a difficult decision to make on our part, but we feel it will be best for all parties involved. We are not having financial issues, and final royalties shall be calculated and paid out in a timely fashion. We appreciate all the time you've spent on this company, and consider it a privilege to have worked with our authors and readers. Thank you,

--Aphrodite's Apples Press

16 Random Facts About Me

hskinn — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:15:27 GMT

'Cause I was tagged by adriannebrennan

1. I'm tall - 5'9" in my bare feet.

2. I love Latin/Caribbean cuisine.

3. I rarely watch TV. My TV is for videogames and DVDs.

4. I am addicted to the Sims.

5. I'm allergic to dairy products.

6. I bake my own bread.

7. My two best friends in the world have been my friends since high school.

8. I'm equally devout about the AA crew and my crit group, who are all awesome women and awesome writers.

9. The first story I ever wrote and finished was a vampire title, and I was 13 when I wrote it.

10. I was gonna sekritly marry Kevin Smith one day.

11. I am the techie-est person in my family.

12. I was born on Shakespeare's birthday.

13. My mom and I have the same initials, just in different order.

14. I own Shoes. Lots and lots of Shoes. You can never have too many shoes or handbags, preferably that match the shoes.

15. My desk area is covered in Star Wars figures, pictures of friends and family and, um...stuff. I am a pack rat.

16. I was in a goth band in college.

I am supposed to tag people now, but I'm not big on it. I'd be curious to read this about:

elisa_rolle
koshien
mandlebars
mlsky
stonedtodeath

Did Harlequin hear about the cookies?

hskinn — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:08:47 GMT

The Dark Side has cookies, yanno...

Tempted by Megan Hart

Blurb:

I had everything a woman could want...

My husband, James. The house on the lake.

My life. Our perfect life.

And then Alex came to visit.

The first time I saw my husband's best friend, I didn't like him. Didn't like how James changed when he was around, didn't like how his penetrating eyes followed me everywhere.

But that didn't stop me from wanting him. And, surprisingly, James didn't seem to mind.

It was meant to be fun. Something the three of us shared for those hot summer weeks Alex stayed with us. Nobody was supposed to fall in or out of love. I didn't need another man, not even one who oozed sex like honey and knew all the secrets I didn't know, the secrets my husband hadn't shared. After all, we had a perfect life.

And I loved my husband.

But I wasn't the only one.

I may have to purchase this tome just to verify the slashy goodness, or lack thereof.

ETA: (added not to spam f-list)

Dear Myspace,

Why are you and FireFox not in love anymore? Everytime I go there you CRASH! BAM! FWOOM! and other such 60s Batman TV show noises. *sigh*

WTF??

hskinn — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:51:30 GMT

Y'all know I homeschool my son. I think most of you also know that today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day today. The Sithling knows the broad strokes of what Dr. King was about, but I thought we'd look up some more in-depth information. We're also gonna watch Oprah's show on it. We came across this link: http://www.martinlutherking.org/

What.the.Fuck?? That racist POS website comes in just under the KING CENTER when you google "martin luther king" and it's a stellar example of why Dr. King's work is not finished, forty years later. Seriously, the entry for it on google reads:

Martin Luther King Jr. - A True Historical Examination
The truth about Martin Luther King: Includes historical trivia, articles and pictures. A valuable resource for teachers and students alike.
www.martinlutherking.org/ - 6k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

You know I had to run a whois on these idiots: http://whois.domaintools.com/martinlutherking.org Stormfront, Inc. I wasn't familiar with them either, but the Anti-Defamation League is: http://www.adl.org/poisoning_web/black.asp

There are just no words, gentle readers. At least not without four letters. And no, I'm not closing the window, I'm using it to show him that people who are assholes about one thing are assholes about most everything.

Oh Romancelandia!

hskinn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:48:15 GMT

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it all starts here, at the Smart Bitches site. And it's even made Fandom Wank...twice.

Goodies!

hskinn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:59:35 GMT

I'm squeeing today, for my pal Katrina Strauss has a new book out, a m/m yaoi - Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger. I had the privilege of reading while it was still in crit and it's a fab, fab book. If you like BDSM, yaoi, or m/m in general you should definitely give it a try!

ETA: Don't just take my word for it. Yaoi devotee Elisa Rolle has given Some Kind of Stranger a rave review, calling it, "This is maybe the best western yaoi style I have read till now..."!

Play along at home!

hskinn — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:31:25 GMT

Let's play spot the spambot on MySpace!

Can you see the spambot? Excellent, I knew you could do it!

Yeah, yeah, I know, I spent too long in elementary ed. BTW, what is it lately with me getting lots of rap acts trying to friend me on MySpace. It's not listed as an interest. I'll friend a band if it's a genre I actually listen to - rock/metal, electronica, alternative, maybe even folk. But rap? I like a wee, wee bit of reggaeton, and that's as close as I get to rap. LOL.

Karen Strikes Again

hskinn — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:54:17 GMT

Aww, crap, I know at least half the peeps she name dropped here...

http://karenknowsbest.blogspot.com/2008/01/whats-in-name.html

Also, unrelated but awesome...

Happy Birthday, angylinni

Happy New Year!

hskinn — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:16:02 GMT

Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had fun on NYE, but not too much... ;-) I know most people are posting their resolutions, but I'm not big on New Years' Resolutions. I think fellow Apple Tyree Kimber said it best: "...the key to New Years resolutions is to make a resolution you actually want to keep, have wanted for a while, and didn't just think of the night before."

So with that in mind, I'd like to...

spend more time with my friends. Yes, moonkitty2003, Tara, Joanne and sithdreams, I'm looking at you.

finish my WIPs. I have three good ones that all need to be done. That's four months each, get off your lazy ass, Heather.

exercise more. It would help my health condition and generally improve the quality of my life.

That's my small and do-able list. There's more, but the former educator/therapist in me says go for observable and measurable goals. "Be more patient" or "be more organized" are not observable and measurable. LOL.

May the New Year bring you joy and blessings,

--HS

Happy Holidays!

hskinn — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 21:37:05 GMT

I baked you all some cookies!

Add Glitter to your Photos