Week of October 19th

So if you don't usually watch The Daily Show, I highly recommend watching this epsiode-- Jon and Bill O'Reilly debating the existence of white priviledge (at 21:27).  I liked it so much that for my first time ever I even watched the extended interview online.  In my opinion, Stewart schools him.  Show it to that ultra-conservative guy on your facebook feed and see what he says.

In the same vein- my cousin's husband (cousin-in-law?) spent time at "Ferguson October" as a community organizer-- the youth "justice for all" movement is continuing on the momentum started by the Mike Brown protests.  (And an interesting comparison between the mostly white student riots in New Hampshire and the riots in Ferguson). 

In Texas, there is a new voter ID law that allows a requirement of picture ID in order to vote- and Ginsberg has written a scathing dissent.

This NCAA fan map helps me understand my roots in college football- growing up in mid-Michigan, a "state divided".  And even in football, there is diversity in NYC.  

Have you been following the opinion of the Vatican on accepting gay members?  The report was heavily criticized and there are some absurdities (changing "partners" to "these people"....)-- but still, doesn't Pope Francis make you feel glass half full about societies progress?  Or at least like there is some forward movement?  Unfortunately, many bishops are not ready to be on board.

This article talks about the equivalent exercise that would be needed to burn off juice or soda, and the impact of seeing this exchange on buying habits.  I'd LOVE to see this become the new labeling system for food-- but, as a non-soda drinker, I am a little concerned...do I have to give up juice?

So.... much like Romeo and Juliet, my husband and I are clearly star-crossed lovers-- seeing as how HIS alma mater is on the least datable alumni list and mine is on the most!  Go Wildcats!

  

(datable, right?) 

Obama has appointed an "Ebola Response Coordinator," or, and Ebola Czar.  I don't want to trivialize the concerns around ebola, but really, don't you wish more titles included "Czar"?  I'd like to be the Academic Czar someday.

And, while still not downplaying the fact that the ebola epidemic is serious- the graph below (from this article earlier this month about myths regarding the outbreak) gives a little perspective to the attention, or lack of attention, paid.