in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us

Wait... for what?

Nobel Peace Prize? Really? What exactly has Barack Obama done to earn that award? Even more so, what had he done back in February, not even a month into his presidency, to even warrant a nomination? Didn't his entire campaign revolve around change and action and doing things to correct what he considered to be wrong in our country and the world? In spite of being nominated in February, what has he done in the months since to earn this honor? His expeditious policy ramrodding and liberal rhetoric has raised ire and rage across the country, not peace.

Then again, Al Gore made a movie and wrote a book....

So what's the moral of the story? The Nobel Peace Prize is a joke? The veritable 4th Grade "Good Job!" sticker of global awards?

So, why was Obama nominated and then ultimately crowned winner of this award? According to the Norwegian Nobel Committee's explanation, Obama is to receive the award "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." According to Alfred Nobel's will, the Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."

Ok...

Apparently, the Nobel Committee received a record 205 nominations for the Peace Prize this year. Out of those 205, they were unable to find one nominee that actually accomplished something furthering world peace and met Nobel's standard for receiving this award? Someone who lives life fighting for change, not just talking about it?

What about someone like Greg Mortenson? Mortenson, nominated for the prize by members of Congress, is a former army medic and mountaineer, who has made it his mission to build schools for girls in places where opium dealers and tribal warlords kill people for trying. His Central Asia Institute has built more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan - a mission which has, along the way, inspired millions of people to view the protection and education of girls as a key to peace and prosperity and progress.

I don't know. Sounds like he deserves some recognition to me. And I am sure the other 203 nominees have done equally impressive things for peace and humanity globally. I'm going to get off my soapbox in a just a moment, but first, I would encourage you to scan the List of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and maybe click on a couple and read their stories. And after you have absorbed the tradition of the award and the type of individuals and groups it typically rewards (from Mother Teresa to Martin Luther King, Jr. to Amnesty International), ask yourself if this year's winner fits that mold, based on his accomplishments, not his campaign promises.

Actions speak louder than words...

We both like smoking cigars...

So what's the problem here, huh?


Oh. Right.

That reminds me (as many things do) of Eddie Izzard's Dress to Kill stand-up show... which was filmed in 1999, coincidentally, in San Francisco... hmmm

"What the f*** have you been smoking, eh? Certainly you haven't been smoking in a bar in California, that's for certain!"
‘Cause you can't! No, no smoking in bars now, and soon, no drinking and no talking! Be careful, California! You're supposed to be the crazy state, the out there, the wild ones, you know?..." [full transcript]

People need to get over themselves and lighten up a bit. First of all, it's Jordan. I don't think I'm going to tell him what not to do, but that's just me. Secondly, it's a golf course. Apart from a dark, hardwood gentleman's club or maybe your own backyard, a golf course has to be one of the few remaining places a cigar can be enjoyed without significant social backlash. Tobacco is the latest societal scapegoat and cigars the most heavily scrutinized.

Let him enjoy his freaking cigar and get over it.

Just like Sesame Street

I've decided, the Letter of the Day is "B"

Therefore, today's Playlist of Productivity includes:

• Band of Horses
• Band of Skulls
• Beirut
• Belle & Sebastian
• Ben Folds
• Ben Harper
• The Beta Band
• Beulah
• Blue Merle
• Bon Iver

Not too shabby...

City sounds are humming around
I'm sitting on my doorstep
Watching the world go round

When the crowd is dragging you down
I'll give you my street address
You'll take a ride downtown

The sun is out

Plenty of Hiding Places

1,018 pages. That's plenty of room to hide unsavory regulations and edicts.

Interestingly enough, only 16 pages into the massive "health care for all Americans" bill, there is a restriction that should outrage any free people. Walking hand-in-hand in the setting sun of a democratic republic are mandatory state-run health care and individual insurance deemed illegal.

Shouldn't we, the people, be concerned by the incredible amount of pressure and force applied by the Obama administration and leaders in Congress to get this bill passed in an expeditious manner? Why such a huge document? Why push it through so fast? Is it cause you're afraid people might figure out what you're really up to? Afraid the warm, fuzzy feelings will wear off and your starry-eyed faithful will finally start questioning you and your motives?

“To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.”

-Thomas Jefferson

Where is the healthy cynicism and distrust of a rapidly expanding federal government? Where is the accountability and transparency?

25 Steps to a More Perfect World

I like this guy's ideas... Also the Ralph Steadman picture.

Ok. Maybe not all of his ideas, but most of them. Here are my faves:

#1 - "No more bathroom attendants. They're just creepy. And hell, no more charging money for stuff that used to be free. Now give us our little bag of peanuts, airlines."

• Not just creepy, bathroom attendants also create awkward situations in a place where awkward situations should be avoided like the plague. Do I tip you for doing something that I can do myself? Do I feel obligated to buy your little travel size mouthwash and then tip you? Why does this make me feel like I am in pre-civil-rights Alabama?

#2 - "Carpentry, plumbing, and electrical courses would be mandatory for all boys in middle school."

• Couldn't agree more. I would add basic auto repair to the list. Our generation does have to (or get to) work on cars the way our dads did and I think that ultimately that is a bad thing. And don't get up on your high horse (or any horse for that matter) about "how come it's only for boys?" It's because boys grow up and become men (theoretically) and are immediately expected to know all of this stuff. If Sally wants to work in the machine shop to pay for her Doc Martens and Godsmack concert tickets, have at it.
  

#10 - "Men would be permitted to admit uncertainty, and women would find this hot."

• Why are we expected to have everything figured out all the time? Also, do we always have to be thinking about something deep and philosophical? I submit that "Nothing" should be an appropriate answer to "What are you thinking?"

#12 - "Women would start with the climax of their stories, and then go back and fill in the details (if we ask)."

#19 - "Singing 'Happy Birthday' at the office (with or without cake) would result in immediate termination."

Corvette Still Best GM Product

This is really good news. To have JD Power & Associates rank the Corvette as the best product in the GM line, in spite of the tough economic times and the push for greener, more efficient cars, is a ray of hope for the car industry. The Corvette also made Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars of 2009. And with the Z06 and ZR1 (Nurburgring Record) models continuing to catch the attention of global media, Chevy/GM need to ride the popularity of this car to the bank.

It shows that people still want power and style. The Prius has its own benefits, but it is not powerful and it is not sexy. The worst thing that GM could do in this restructuring time is to back off the development of the Corvette, emasculate it, and release some toned-down, super-efficient version. On the flip side, I don't know much about the promised, but delayed Volt, but there is no reason why they couldn't make that car fast, powerful, and "green." That is not the Corvette market, but there is definitely a desire for that. I think plenty of people would buy a stylish electric car that was easy to use and recharge, even more if that car had some kick to it. The old EV1 was apparently very fast, especially the acceleration. And just look at what Tesla has come out with. We are Americans, we love our cars, but I think we love to feel like we are driving a real car more than anything.

I have been shocked at how many people have jumped on the Prius bandwagon, seemingly out of necessity instead of desire or to feel better about themselves or better than other people. Sure, gas prices were skyrocketing, but it felt kinda like the Emperor's New Clothes where no one stood up and said "This car is ugly and boring. I'm not buying it. Give me a better option." And high-quality American muscle cars have gone by the wayside. Uber-generalization: Domestic cars in recent years have been cheap and crappy and feel that way. By comparison, when you get in a BMW or Benz or even VW, you feel like you're sitting in a car that was well-designed, well-engineered, and well-built. You feel like the additional cost of buying a foreign car is more than justified by the quality of the product. I just don't get that feeling in American cars. And don't tell me "that's like comparing apples to oranges, you can't compare a Ford to a BMW." Why not? Why can't you? Isn't that feeling the fundamental problem in all of this? Domestic cars are not competitive with imports because they aren't even on the same level. Doesn't that need to change if GM or Ford or Dodge is to succeed going forward?

Go watch a couple episodes of Top Gear (one of my favorite shows) and see and feel the passion the Brits have for cars that are impressive and inspiring and combine breathtaking beauty with exhilirating power. GM should hire Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond to restructure their product line cause I think it's that kind of love and passion that has been lost amidst a push for profit and productivity and economy.

I think the bankruptcies will be a good thing as long as the companies that emerge on the other side of these restructuring processes are better and have focus and drive. American cars had an image and purpose back in the day, but politicians and the EPA neutered them and the result was low-cost, low-quality vehicles that all look the same. I think the Corvette was the one exception (or one of the few) and I hope that GM realizes that people want power and performance and are willing to pay for it. Don't forsake your heritage, don't eliminate the one good thing you've got going for you. Go back to making exciting, badass cars that are stylish and can haul off the line.

Just found this page about the C7. Don't know what I think about the style of the nose and grille, but it sounds like the "SS" model will be quite a beast. Good work GM. Keep it up.

What should be done?

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achieving world peace.

Yet, amid the turmoil surrounding the controversial re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran, with protests erupting in Tehran, the forceful suppression of which continues to worsen (extending now to threats against media reporting), it is the leaders of the European Union that are taking a stand and speaking out. Vocal concern and opposition from Europe in stark contrast to the cautious response from the United States.

Obama's response: "I have deep concerns about the election... When I see violence directed at peaceful protestors, when I see peaceful dissent being suppressed, wherever that takes place, it is of concern to me and it's of concern to the American people."

As is pointed out in the WSJ article, Obama seems to be back-tracking from his recent statements in Cairo, where he committed to support "governments that reflect the will of the people." Now, in front of a different set of cameras, he is more concerned with not "meddling in Iranian elections."

Is this about the elections or is it about the Iranian people wanting the right to be heard in their "democracy?" Should the US be the leading voice against Iranian violent oppression? Maybe, but not doing so alone. The US needs to be one of many, including the leaders of Europe, who stand up for the rights and protection of the Iranian people and call for a fair and transparent election process. This brings up a lot of questions and frustrations concerning the mission and actions of the United Nations. Shouldn't the UN facilitate and lead cooperative action against oppression around the world? Shouldn't it be a collaborative effort with some teeth to enforce resolutions?

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I don't think it's an exaggeration to see a similarity with another political protest that an authoritarian government tried to suppress.


I'm just saying...

Oh thank you XM...

I'm still not sure which of the following was the best thing about this morning's XM radio offerings:

1. Naughty By Nature's "Hip Hop Horray" on the 90's channel and memories of awesome Kool-Aid commercials (maybe I'm not remembering correctly...)
   
2. Wyclef Jean hosting a show on E Street Radio (yup, you guessed it, an entire XM station dedicated to Springsteen). Nothing like a stoned hip hop/reggae artist talking about how much he loves The Boss and playing his favorite Springsteen tracks. Pretty surreal.
3. Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" on the 80's station... So horribly fantastic.
4. Greg Giraldo's stand-up bit about feeling like a pedophile going into Abercrombie & Fitch after the age of 30.

Either way you look at it, I feel like this morning gave me confirmation that the monthly fee for my XM subscription is definitely worth it in light of the amount of enjoyment it brings.

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Also, I got a surprise treat on Sunday when friend and W&M alumna Thao was co-hosting a show with Jake Fogelnest on SiriusXMU, one of my favorite XM stations. Way to go, Thao!

Something's in the air tonight...

...mark my words, something's about to break.

Yeah, my eardrums.

Last night's concert (Keane and Mat Kearney with The Helio Sequence opening) at DAR Constitution Hall was, in all honesty, painful. At the risk of sounding like a lame old man, it was just too loud. I have been to a lot of concerts over the years, many of which were hard rock and were very loud, but I think last night was the loudest of all. And for what? We are talking about Mat Kearney here, whose set was the loudest of the three, not Black Sabbath or Rage Against the Machine. Do you really need to bludgeon our ears to death with excessive volume for a set by a relatively mellow artist? Keane and Mat Kearney do not warrant that level of volume, not to mention the interior of Constitution Hall has really good acoustics. It's not an open-air arena where you have to worry about sound escaping. In this case, it had nowhere to go other than make the audience wince and look for earplugs.

And it wasn't just loud, it was bad. I'm not talking about the performances, necessarily (although that is another issue), I am talking about the musical experience for the audience. In addition to the master volume being way too high, the balance and mixing of the instruments and vocals were way off. The bass was way too high, drowning out the vocals and all other instruments, risking to bring down the structure of the theatre due to the consistently powerful vibrations. The bass guitar and the bass of the drum were way too high. Painfully so.

It's just too bad that the audio levels and volume were such a distraction from what could have been a great concert. Kearney played some new songs and seemed genuinely excited about releasing his new album. His quick comments about one of his songs being featured on Grey's Anatomy (and therefore popping up on radio stations across the country) was funny and I personally appreciated it. It was something to the effect of "You work so hard on these songs, pour your heart into them, write them about life and love and friends and family, and then some producer comes up to you and says 'We should have doctors make out to that,' and you say, 'uhh... ok?'" The new songs sounded good, albeit moving closer to the pop rock genre in my opinion, and I wanted to go out and buy his new album and have him sign it, but that didn't happen.

Then there was Keane. The cherubic Brits rocking out on pianos and now guitars as well. Tom Chaplin clearly has a great voice that creates the signature sound of the band, I'm not going to contest that. But he sure does love the spotlight and the attention. He started out buy winning over the crowd by talking about how excited they were to be here in DC again and to be playing here. His bubbly demeanor made everyone think he was in a great mood and was loving life and loving sharing this experience with us, the audience. But the extended pauses after the songs so that he could soak up the applause got a little old after, say, the third time he did it. This wasn't after the final song or after the encore. It was after every song. That comes across as a but egotistical to me.

Regardless, they put on a good show, played everyone's favorites, had people singing along, although I am sure it was difficult because of the beating our ears had taken during Kearney's performance. The only other comment I will make is that even though it is understandable, it still annoys me when a band takes time out of their concert to wax political. If you have a strong opinion about political issues or countries or foreign policy, fine, you're welcome to have an opinion and use your status as a rock star to talk about it (as I am sure I would do if I were in their position), I just wish you wouldn't do it during the concert. Tell Rolling Stone what you think about Obama and the political climate in America. I paid money to hear you play your music live, not get a political lecture from a musician from Britain. That's all I am saying.

In all, good night in general. Note for future DAR shows: don't plan on eating the food provided downstairs. Options are lukewarm italian sausage in a soggy bun with some onions and peppers sprinkled on top or awful tasting, bone-dry chicken tenders with no dipping sauce. Both come with fries and cost $13 each. There is no way that was worth 13 bucks, even for the convenience of eating at the show.

Guilty

One of my favorite blogs, Stuff White People Like, hit the nail on the head yet again with this analysis of a staple status symbol for white people: the Moleskin notebook.

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When I was working at Barnes and Noble, we had a large feature display of these small, overpriced notebooks of varying sizes, binding and ruling. I thought they were ridiculous. But for one reason or another, when it came time to get a new notebook/journal for Bible study purposes (and possibly also for jotting down the endless stream of brilliant ideas I was planning on generating), what did I go with? That's right. The Moleskin. I'm not going to say I have regrets, but as Mr. Lander points out, there is a pretty distinct assumption made about individuals seen flaunting these notebooks at the local all-organic-free-trade coffee boutique. Favorite quote:

"One of the strangest side effects has been the puzzling situation whereby a white person will sit in an independent coffee shop with a Moleskine notebook resting on top of a Apple laptop..."

And there you have it. Called out. This guy right here. That's what I love about Lander's blog though. As a white man, reading the blog and thinking "man, that is so true," and realizing that he is saying I am pretty much the epitome of excessive creative/uber-educated postulating, I don't get mad, I think it is funny and healthy to accept objective criticism.

That particluar comment, however, immediately reminded me of one the funniest lines from Best in Show:

"'And I walked across the street and there you were...' 'Working on my Mac...' 'And I had my Mac..."

Hilarious. And this is why there are blogs like Stuff White People Like.

So if you see me or any other white person at your local Slutbucks or other indie/anti-mainstream beverage establishment with my Mac laptop open, furiously and insightfully scribbling in our Moleskine, if you choose to interrupt us midstream-of-consciousness, do so at your own risk. The results may be unpredictable and could be catastrophic.

Above the Law

Apparently the DC cops are whining about these things called laws being enforced... oh, the difference is that this time, they are the ones breaking the rules, not a member of the general public.  So, of course, they expect special treatment.  They think that since they have a badge, they can park illegally in Judiciary Square and not get a ticket.

“I just couldn’t believe a fellow police officer would tell me he was giving me a ticket without even let me explain some of the circumstances,”

Yeah, about that.  The way it works for the "rest of us" is that if there isn't a legal parking space open in front of the place we need to go, whether that is the courthouse or Dr. Spanky's Waffl-o-rama, you go find a space that may in fact be farther away!!  Get used to it coppers.  Get your panties out of a wad and go park around the corner.  Or better yet, lobby for specially marked "cops-only" spaces right in front of the courthouse.  That's ultimately what you want anyways, right?  To make sure everyone knows you're special?  The gun and badge aren't enough validation for you?

"Placing a fake news article on A-1 makes a mockery of our integrity and our journalistic standards"

Aw that's cute. The LA Times staff still thinks there is journalistic integrity and standards that need to be upheld.

Sigh.... oh to be young and naive.

silence

for whatever reason, tonight Silence by Jars of Clay became my song of the moment.


I'm not going to overanalyze the reasons or meanings behind that, but tonight, chilling on the back porch, intentionally being still and soaking in the experience of nature accessible to me, Silence stuck out amid all the other great tunes that Shuffle brought my way.

It is what it is.  I will leave it at that.

man can now fly

BASE jumping with wingsuits

If it's this exhilarating to watch the video, I can only imagine what it actually feels like. Reminder, these are actual people doing this.... not Superman or Iron Man with special effects.... Insane

Sorry, Clint...

So, I know I haven't seen all of this year's Oscar nominated movies, but after watching Gran Torino this past weekend, I am appalled that it isn't even nominated.  Not for Eastwood's compelling performance, nor for his directing, and not Best Picture for the film as a whole.  Honestly, I am very disappointed in the Academy.  

Gran Torino is a truly great movie.  It is Clint Eastwood at his best.  Even as the sun sets on his acting career, he still has that same badass, gritty nature that lets you know not to mess with him.  It says something when an almost-80-year-old can still kick your ass.  But it wasn't just the hardness and grit of his performance, it was also the raw emotion, the comical political incorrectness and racism used to represent his character's culture and war-hardened disregard for social norms.  Yet he hasn't completely given up hope on future generations and still wants to do what he can to make a difference and instill his traditional values and integrity on the boys and girls in his neighborhood.

Eastwood's performance is gripping, the directing is very well done, and the story incorporates both action and suspense with humor and heart-rending emotion.  

So, my question to the Academy is why not?  Why does this film not even get a nomination? Are the other movies you have nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor really more deserving than this farewell performance from Eastwood?  I haven't seen Milk, Frost/Nixon, The Reader, The Visitor, or Benjamin Button.  Frost/Nixon was really the only one of those I had significant interest in seeing.  I did see Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler, both with Oscar nods.  I think Rourke does deserve a nomination for his performance, but if it were between him and Eastwood in Gran Torino... Clint might win in a very close vote in my book.  Slumdog was fun and moving and a good story that was well-done.  But I would take Gran Torino for Best Picture over it any day. 

As far as the rest of the nominees, I can't comment cause I haven't seen them, but the curious case of Eric Roth, writer for both Benjamin Button and Forrest Gump, leads me to believe I have seen this one before.  See below for a quick synopsis. 

The Curious Case of Forrest Gump - watch more funny videos

Whether or not you like Forrest Gump 2 or Slumdog or Milk or whatever, I think Gran Torino and Clint Eastwood deserve to be in the discussion and I am disappointed that they are left on the outside looking in.

a couple things...

Obama, meet the Press... Press, Obama...

"You have some people, very sincere, who philosophically just think the government has no business interfering in the marketplace..."

Yeah, people who believe that smaller government is better government, less taxes encourage more spending and growth.  But that doesn't really fall in line with your socialist agenda does it?  How is this governmental intervention not legalized federal theft?  It is redistribution of wealth taken from all and given to some, the recipients of which the Government decides.  As Frederick Bastiat said,

"...the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime..."

Another person who thought the government shouldn't be involved in the marketplace was John Locke, whose opinions and theories heavily influenced our Founding Fathers in the writing of the Constitution.  Their assertion was that the role of government is to protect (not interfere with or intervene in) the God-given right to life, liberty, and property.

The American people are right to worry about this package.  In light of where the government is taking this money from, we deserve to know precisely what they plan on doing with it and why.  Make an argument to us that your billions of dollars are not pork.  We should be worried that politicians are taking advantage of the economic climate and the fear of Americans to push their own agendas and skim off the top... Even Rahm himself said it:

"...it's an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before..."

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This seems like a good reason to watch CSPAN more often...

Has Schumer never heard of Thomas Jefferson? If good ole TJ were here today, he might say something like:

"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

 So whether or not you believe the American people (the "governed") have any interest in what is going on in the government and where all this money is going, your responsibility as the Government is to ensure that they have easy access and ability to find out what the Government is doing with their hard-earned money.  The sheer brashness of this comment makes me sick.  The American people are not an endless resource of money that you can utilize for your pet projects, arrogantly assuming that you don't need to be accountable to the electorate.

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Seems Obama is talking out of both sides of his mouth....  I already found it hard to trust him, but in my opinion, he isn't getting off to a great start.  New Sheriff in town is takin' everyone's money and deciding how to distribute it...  Where is Robin Hood?

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Another thing hidden in the bill is new health provisions written up by Tom Daschle.  Restrictions and controls and penalties for doctors, a new powerful appointed body....?  Does this bother anyone else?

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And even though Senator Leahy's "truth commission" sounds dangerously Orwellian, maybe there should be an outside governing body keeping the government in check and disseminating true information to the "governed."  Problem of course is that everyone has their price... 

Get the most out of your HDTV

Be still, and know that I am God

Peace
Beauty
Serenity

This is what I continue to experience in the mornings from my TV of all places. My living room, the grey local light creeping in, is bathed in the sun's warmth from halfway around the globe. Discovery HD's Sunrise Earth is, in my opinion, one of the greatest, most beautiful shows on TV right now.  The cinematography is amazing.  The tangible sense that you are out in nature on some remote corner of the world, or possibly watching the sun rise over the Vatican or a silent Siberian village.  It is calming, serene, and awe-inspiring.  Although not always silent, the stillness can be deafening.

So, my recommendation is, turn off the morning edition of Sportscenter, turn off Mike and Mike or Today or Weather channel.  Take a moment while you're scarfing your granola and yogurt or eggs and bacon, switch over to Sunrise Earth, and soak up the beauty of God's creation.

lyrics of the moment

You keep pretending I'll keep you around

Remember when you said you'd try that

Remember when I'd call and I'd say

The best girls that I love won't be ashamed

Believe me when I call and I say

The next girl that I love won't be a saint

Now go away...

Burt Rutan

Inspiration at the gym tonight...

Dark Was the Night

pretty excited for this charity compilation... the list of artists contributing is absolutely sick! I pre-ordered mine this morning... Not only is it great music by great artists working together, it is also for a good cause.

Idioteque

Almost a week after the frightening, but impressive, series of events surrounding the emergency ditch landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, the shock and relief have worn off (some have even made light of the pilot's impending legal issues...). But I find it interesting, surprising, and somewhat offensive that a minor aspect of this story is being questioned, to the extent of outrage, instead of applauded. See below.

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From Daily News article "Miracle on the Hudson" about Flight 1549 (emphasis added)
"Passengers described the scene moments after the plane hit the water as "organized chaos." Yet, there was little panic as they helped each other reach the exit - allowing women and children to go first."


From a New York Fox station's website Q&A about the crash
"Q: When a plane goes down, are flight attendants trained to evacuate women and children first? Or do they evacuate based on who's nearest the exits?
A: Flight attendants are trained to react and make decisions based on the severity of the situation. In case of a fire, those nearest the exits will get out first.
But in a case like the US Airways flight, where there appears to be more time, then children, women or people who need assistance may be evacuated first.
Lonny Glover, national safety coordinator for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, said crews at American Airlines, where he works, are trained to let children, the elderly and injured people board inflated slides and rafts first.
If rafts fill up, physically able passengers should be told to hold onto the life lines on the sides, he said."

Then a low murmur starts to build in the blogosphere (I really hate that word...). Instead of "glad everyone's safe" or "thank you for your chivalrous and selfless act" it is "WTF is up with this 'women and children first' shit?? I thought we were past that??" There was even an email circulating earlier this week reporting that The National Organization for Women (NOW) was enraged by a man yelling "women and children first" and "will consider a lawsuit against him for defaming an entire gender." (Turns out it was one in a clever series of satirical faux newswires on politicalmavens.com)

Oh boy.

Granted, not all bloggers I read who brought up the topic were negative. Some actually appreciated the gesture. Some even connected it to Confucian ideals. Some even argued from the other side. This is getting messy.

Of course the comments on blogs like Gothamist and elsewhere were all over the place. As are most comment sections.

So, what do you think? What is your reaction? Does the edict of "women and children first" demean women (and children?) and undo all the hard work of the feminist and women's lib movements? Or do you not see a problem with it?

Cause I wasn't really outraged or upset either way when I read this swelling outcry, I just furrowed my brow and said... "Wait... seriously??"