Teachers defend shock tactics in DWI program

Teachers defend shock tactics in DWI program

I'm probably going to be very lonely in my opinion about this piece. While it is extreme and, as some argued, made an negative impact, I actually found it a strategy that worked well.

I guess we all want to coddle our kids and protect them from emotional damage, but these are high-schoolers we're talking about. Having been a high-schooler not too long ago, I know that teens at that age (well, most people at any age, really) wouldn't really take anything seriously until it had a personal impact. And this did.

You can warn them about drunk-driving, show horrible vehicle accidents (or would that be considered abuse too?), but it probably would not sink in for majority of them because it's always someone else. But putting them in the inner circle of a drunk-driving tragedy certainly would leave a mark.

Some say it's a bad way to handle the matter, making the kids distrust authority figures. I would say give the kids a bit of credit; I don't think they'll never trust another adult again just from this. Besides, it seems in this case the uproar from the students were more from the "you made me sad, that was really mean" angle rather than just because they were lied to. Once they calm down, the parents too, hopefully they'll realize the bigger picture to the stunt, rather than focusing on how their feelings were hurt.

Let them shed tears, get angry, get emotional... those strong feelings might return the time they decide to go drinking and driving, or letting a friend do so. I sincerely hope they remember how horrible it felt hearing that a friend died from a drunk-driver--that they will think twice about possibly inflicting that pain on another. May it scare them to the point they won't drive with even a drop of liquor (or drink at all), and encourage others to do the same.

I only wish one day all these kids and their parents will come to thank their teachers and the policemen who cared more about the kids' lives than fearing backlash and lawsuits.

These kids may have lost a bit of their innocence, but maybe they gained enough to save a life.

Living Like One of the Guys

Interesting column this time from Dr. Helen in which she wants to switch from purse carrying to just a wallet: Ask Dr. Helen: Living Like One of the Guys

I'm one of those "wallet-only" type of girls, unless it's a book bag for when I'm going to classes, or a backpack for trips, since I never found the idea of a purse ever a good idea. (I also hate having my hands anywhere but inside my jacket pocket, but that's another thing.)

Especially in Indonesia, where I'd seen first-hand how a pair of thieves stole a cell-phone from my friend's purse, how my girl friends and female relatives had to clench their purses shut anywhere remotely crowded, how even standing on the escalator would be a disaster if you let your guard down (saw this first hand too). Oh, guys get their wallets lifted also, but there's just less stress and paranoia involved.

I use a leather male wallet that's been with me for many years now. I don't put much in it except my cards, whatever extra cash I have, and the requisite collection of photo stickers with friends (hey, I'm still a girl!). Going out, I bring that, a chapstick, my two cell phones, and my glasses. Maybe even the car keys if I'm driving. It's a very simple thing.

Although, I admit I take advantage of girl friends and their purses to the point that I actually forgot my phone and wallet with my house mate when we were in Indo for vacation--we were too used to living in the same house in the States. I would hand over my phones (rarely my wallet, but I do sometimes) and any other extra items to whichever trusted girl friend with a purse available.

Heck, I even once handed over my phone (and wallet maybe?) to a guy friend who had extra space on his multi-pocketed cargo pants.

Hmm... after writing that, maybe I shouldn't be so judgmental of women carrying huge purses around...

(The question would be how things would work out between me and my future boyfriend/husband if neither of us is willing to bring along a purse or bag of some kind... It might actually get troublesome.)

Image is everything

Over at Samizdata.net is the funniest satanist I've ever seen:

The whole 6 point satanic image thing would have worked better if he didn't use those small, pastel colored, scrunchies-like hair ties. Too much spunky adolescent girl and too little evil satanic leader.

Berkeley Marines Protest at zombietime

Zombie has the new photo report up at zombietime on the Berkeley Marine protest.

I'm a dweller of the Bay Area as well (my college is in San Fransisco--an art college) and had my own share of crazies, but never to the level zombie puts him/herself willing into. I salute him/her.

Well, in this particular report, I never been so ashamed of young people. I'm not as young as they are (I'm a senior in college now, even if I look 17), but I still consider those people as of a similar age group.

I really wanted to smack some of those kids.

Especially the disrespectful way they "debated" their elders. I understand they're young, arrogant, and brainwashed, but so are cult members and I would smack them too. It's really "aaaaargh" just reading about their behavior, let alone having to actually hear their voice or see them move (or smell them).

If I was there and had less restraint and honor, with no fear of legal repercussions, I probably would had flown into a rage at the closest self-righteous, kaffiyeh clad, smirking youth. Damn, I hate those things by the way. And every other student in my school seems to have one, or is talking about getting one.

Oh, interesting thing today. My Friday design class' teacher is quite the outspoken liberal (even from day one) and would pipe in with the usual liberal quips out of nowhere. It's actually quite humorous rather than annoying, or offensive, just because it's all so silly. Self-parodic (not an actual word? I'm inventing it!), almost.

I find it amusing that on the first day he assumed we were all liberals/Democrats in the class and urged us to vote for Hillary/Obama because "the world is watching," referring to the fact that Hillary is a woman and Obama is black. Wow. Yes. Great arguments to vote for the leader of your nation. I'm definitely convinced.

Anyway, two examples from today that got me almost laughing out loud (I did chuckle eventually)...

First, one of the students had a stamp design that showcased old space/sci-fi themed tin toys like robots and spacemen. In one of his design idea sketches was a cutely drawn toy spaceman, with a ray gun (the teacher previously stated he didn't like the ray gun idea at all because he's very anti-gun), on a planet. The teacher dismissed the idea because it gave the impression of: "Not only are we invading other countries, we're invading other planets too."

I kid you not.

It's what he said. I laughed because it was so out there and sad. I wasn't even sure the spaceman was actually human, let alone an American occupier.

Then comes my stamp designs. I went with a way I could incorporate American pride without getting subconsciously biased against: children interpretations of classical American stamps. My stamp bases are the common USPS stamps of the American flag, Liberty Bell, a Purple Heart, and the American Clock design. Guess which one pushed his button?

This Purple Heart stamp got a, "I'm not sure... you know, war," comment from him. I think I zoned out for a few seconds wondering if I really heard what I just heard. He's a great guy, designer, and teacher, but I'm afraid he'll burst into ashes upon contact with any military medal.

Good(?) thing my mom is a lite-commie liberal so I'm desensitized enough to just get a chuckle out of it and move on.

So, kudos to the young people, and everyone else, who showed up to support America and our soldiers at Berkeley and elsewhere. God bless our military and their families! Thank you for our freedom.

Tact, anyone?

Is there something wrong with me as the first thought after I read this article is, "Wonder how badly it'll turn out if it was 'Looking Good for Mohammed'..."

'Looking Good for Jesus' Cosmetics Line Pulled From Singapore Shelves Following Complaints

Curious though, just who is the target audience of this product? Hippy women with a blasphemous Jesus fetish? In Singapore?

(Some guy in marketing needs to be fired.)