"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people." -Cheris Kramarae, Paula Treichler
"I have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat." -Rebecca West, 1913
"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians." - Rev. Pat Robertson, 1992 GOP Convention
(These quotes are from the Northern Sun Merchandizing catalog - call 1-800-258-8579 for a catalog)Feminism is in retreat - not because its goals have been met and not because the issues are less important, but because of public relations. Regardless of what issue determines your own alliance or lack thereof to the term, women still have common interests and common battles. Here are some links to places and to women who share many of my own interests and will lead you down some entertaining, interesting, informative and thought provoking paths.
I've been reading science fiction since I was twelve, when only geeks (and only MALE geeks) read sci-fi. It has remained a constant in my life while other interests have come and gone. I don't find as many books that meet my standards now, I'm more demanding than I used to be. I like characters who are not one dimensional who develop over time and women who are not men! Those are the first things and far from the only things that give a book 5 stars in my ratings. If you, too are a sci-fi/fantasy fan and haven't already done so check out:
The Web is a terrific resource for anyone interested in any type of music. Ever heard of filk music? Filk, Alternative, Jazz, Medieval Drinking Songs - you can download lyrics, clips (both video and audio) of almost any type of music from the Net! It is incredible, and the variety and sophistication seems to increase every time I get online....
If your type of music isn't here it's probably because we don't like it!! (You can find Frank Sinatra at Sony Records) Keep in mind this list is maintained by both the Contemplator and the Inspirations. While our interests often overlap (don't tell anyone) you'll find a strange, eclectic collection, and this isn't even all of it!
I continually tinker with my "fun" bookmarks (doesn't everyone?). There's new stuff every minute. Some sites are interesting in themselves (Castles, Mystica), some lead you to other interesting places (Awsome, Cool Site, Webaholics), some are more "serious" sorts of fun (LL Bean's Parks, Rank), some are funny (Letterman) and some are hysterical (Terrapin's Top Tips).
Yes, there are words of wit and wisdom on the Web. (Sorry if I left your page out.) These are a couple of places to get the word from real professionals about real professional things and not about mundane things from people like me!
The mainstream news sucks. I prefer alternative news.