The following posts mark my entry into the blogosphere in 2003 at chandrasutra.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
ENVIRONMENT
You’re soaking in it
One of the most terrifying things I’ve seen on television in recent months are those ads for disposable cleaning products. I watch in horror as manic, Khaki-pants wearing housewives rush in a state of housebound frenzy, jamming flimsy plastic faux mops into the nooks and crannies of their gigantic and spotless homes. Aside from the obvious Freudian readings, the commercials feature toxic attidues not only towards women (retro 50s values, etc) but to all aspects of our mental and environmental health.
Just the other day I was introduced to yet another new throwaway cleaning product, this time for dishes. It’s a tiny soapy cloth you use once then toss in the garbage (but won’t those landfills smell great?!). And tossing her magic cloth in the garbage the advertiser tells her not to worry because “there’s plenty more where that came from!”.
Canadian scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki has seen the commercials too. Take a look at what he had to say about the ‘more-where-that-came-from’ mantra in his weekly column “Why Science Matters”:
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
WORD
Letting go of catchphrases
Canadian author and writing instructor Crawford Kilian urges web and blog writers to avoid ‘buzzwords’ (oops, just used one!).
“And while I don’t expect uniformly brilliant and original writing on blogs and other sites, I would be a happy inquisitor if people would only avoid some unfortunate words and phrases. If you go to Buzzwords, you’ll find a highly therapeutic array of terms to avoid.”
I would add to this what I call the ‘clutch of the catchphrase’. Number one on my most despised catchphrase list is the “how cool is [item du jour]/that?”. Dear writer: avoid at all costs.
The key to avoiding such desperate measures as the buzzword or catchphrase is creativity and intelligence in writing. Kilian’s Crofsblogs offers a wealth of resources and wisdom for people who wish to express themselves with originality and style.
link: Buzzwords to avoid
- found at crofsblogs
DONATE
Donating online
Amnesty - Crisis in Iraq
http://www.amnesty.org.au/iraq/donate.html
Women’s Commission For Refugee Women and Children
http://www.womenscommission.org/donate/index.html
Fair Trade
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get_involved_donations.htm
Charity Village
http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/nonpr/index.asp
The Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites
World Computer Exchange
http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/
Doctors Without Borders
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/
HOLIDAY ETHICS
Stop buying, start giving
Got an old computer? Monitor? keyboards?
Clothes that don’t fit? Blankets? Household items?
Non-perishable food or plastic containers?
There are a lot of people out there who could use any of the above. If you’re not sure where to send them find out if there are any local organisations in your neighbourhood. Your grocery store probably has a donation box too - just pick up a few extra items and drop them in the box.
Still shopping for the holidays? Hate consumerism?
Instead of buying your relatives and friends more junk they probably don’t need, make a donation to the cause of your choice in their name.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
DIVERSIONS
Test your freedom with the civil liberties quiz
Are you the kind of person who worries that there’s a radio transmitter in your PopTarts? Then you might enjoy the ACLU’s “Are You Being Watched?” quiz. If you’re not the kind of person who worries about stuff like that you should definitely take the quiz.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
POLITICS
When the rich rule the stupid
Curtis White examines the cost of chronic stupidity in his essay “Concerning Stoligarchy”
“Since hundreds of thousands if not millions of our fellow citizens think that what people like Ann Coulter, Bill O’Reilly, and Bill Maher say is perspicuous and persuasive, is it not plausible to suggest that the most meaningful political alliance in this country is between the rich and the chronically stupid?” - from The Village Voice
DIVERSIONS
Some of my favourite Guardian diversions. Granted you’ll do better if you’re from the UK (or know your references) but they’re great fun if you A) love literature B) follow politics C) think you’re smart …
Samuel Beckett
James Joyce
Japanese literature
Irish literature
women writers
Do you know your Bushisms?
Are you an Imperialist?
Are you an intellectual?
This is kind of interesting…
Mood matching poetry
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