Research research research
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Recent gay positive court decisions - GO!
Just as the Boy Scouts believed that "homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the Scout Oath," id. At 652, the law schools believe that employment discrimination is inconsistent with their commitment to justice and fairness. Just as the Boy Scouts maintained that "homosexuals do not provide a role model consistent with the expectations of Scouting families," id., the law schools maintain that military recruiters engaging in exclusionary hiring "do not provide a role model consistent with the expectations of," id., their students and the legal community. Just as the Boy Scouts endeavored to "inculcate [youth] with the Boy Scouts' values--both expressively and by example," id. at 649-50, the law schools endeavor to "inculcate" their students [*26] with their chosen values by expression and example in the promulgation and enforcement of their nondiscrimination policies. FAIR Br. at 22-25. And just as "Dale's presence in the Boy Scouts would, at the very least, force the organization to send a message, both to youth members and the world, that the Boy Scouts accepts homosexual conduct as a legitimate form of behavior," Dale, 530 U.S. at 653, the presence of military recruiters "would, at the very least, force the law schools to send a message," both to students and the legal community, that the law schools "accept" employment discrimination "as a legitimate form of behavior." Id.
Forum for Academic & Institutional Rights v. Rumsfeld, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 24598, 25-26 (3d Cir., 2004)
The moral of the story - Law schools with anti discrimination policies which require recruiters to sign a form stating they will not discriminate based on sexual orientation may no longer be required to make "exceptions" for the military and their "don't ask don't tell" policy.
HaHa Eat that far right - you CANNOT have your cake and eat it too! Our "activist" judges are coming for YOU! YOU cannot hide.
(Backstory, I knew the courts had stuck it to anti-gay people this week. I listened to Pat Robertson blab on about my love not being real. I decided to get my revenge and publish it.)
posted by ZEUS @ 10:31 PM, No comment,
I researched, but now I just have more questions
Monday, November 29, 2004
So, I think I may have read every "how to make swords" guide there is to read. I can practically rattle off specs for 5 different LARP leagues, the old and new ARMA designs, as well as some wired Squirrel league (don't ask me, it was traumatic). The problem with having done this research, REV, is that now I simply have more questions.
What types of foam will we be allowed to use? After two days of searching I fold a great, cheap, outlet for EVA (aka Evalite & Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) I found one that people seem to be pretty comfortable with. And, while I think lots of the LARPers seem to really really like it, ARMA doesn't say a damn word about using EVA. ARMA just says that not using Landau or the L2000 foam will cause weight problems. However, nobody else makes perfectly weighted weapons and I haven't found an outlet for either the Landau or the L2000. The EVA is also a closed cell foam available in several thicknesses. I am, however, all in favor of ruling out the camping pad as legal foam.
What material will we use for the core? Lots of people seem to like PVC with a dowel fixed in the center for added support. What about the new ARMA design? I have one piece of Oak 3/8" thick by just under 1.25" wide and well long enough to make a double handed long sword.
How long should we make our first swords? I really kinda want to make one that has a 33" blade and an 8" handle just because I played with some yardsticks the other day at the flea market and thought the size was impressive and looked well balanced. (Yes I know I am a size whore) Apparantly swords can have anything from a 16"-36" blade and the handle simply needs be no longer than half the blade length.
What about covering? I am partial to Gaff tape, because I am a nerd like that, but will it be allowed? Almost EVERY pattern I have found uses Duct tape.
What about the cloth covering? I have seen materials from socks (bad) to jean (apparently heavy) being suggested to cover a boffer blade.
Do we need to make soft pommels? Will we be hitting people with them? Are we worried about them causing damage? I found some patterns for some cool ones, but won't work if we have to make them out of foam. Won't making them out of foam defeat the purpose of having pommels? The easiest by far, so far, seems to be stiff hose or foam wrapped wood.
Of coarse there is always the PVC wrapped with a pool noodle. For people who are above larpers and just wanna have fun, it seems to be the most common form of boffer made today. They are cheap, padded, and can be weighted to balance correctly. However they will never come close to the feel of a real sword (so I am told) and they don't look too cool. It seems a bit sissy to swing a foam rubber bat and pretend it is a weapon. I am open to what the flock does, however.
Where is the center of gravity on a real sword? I found some knockoffs at pawn shops and they all seem to have their center of gravity about 3 inches toward the tip from the pommel. The scary part being that length didn't seem to matter.
As far as the 14th or 15th century sparing rules, I don't really have a big opinion either way. 14th century seems to be less rigid, and this may be good for us starting out, also there is a lot more hit as hit can, or so it seems. The 15th century rules seemed to me to be more about the sport and less about practicing to kill one another at a less opportune time. 15th century chivalry seems more civilized, and romanticized than 14th does.
I think, bottom line, on all this one we need to go with whatever makes the Rev. more comfortable.
posted by ZEUS @ 10:04 PM, No comment,
THANKSGIVING
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Growing up I always spent Thanksgiving with my families. My Dad's side and my Mom's side. It occurred to me recently, I haven't been spreading this holiday cheer with my gay family. This is something I mean to change. I am working on arranging a massive holiday feast for those of you who have truly become my "family" here. Y'all interested? I am thinking Saturday or Sunday after the holiday. Leaning towards Sunday right now.
Here's what I know we would need -
1) Somewhere bigger than my place. There had better be more than 5 of us!
2) Food things. I will take care of the turkey, stuffing, and some pumpkin pies. Based on your traditions, what am I missing? Check the comments, and offer to bring something.
3) Drinks - this is up to y'all. BYOBeverage. Just don't forget to bring enough to share.
4.) Holiday cheer - games, movies, what do you think we should do after dinner. Let's discuss.
If we get something figured out in a couple days, I'll email everyone with invitations.
posted by ZEUS @ 3:06 PM, No comment,
Scruples
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Just a note: this blog is not intended to be any advice in the law.. I am making fun of the law, and things that are said in a law school setting. In reality, I know nothing, and just find this shit funny and enjoyable. I assume my general readership will as well.
Prof: Does anyone want to tell me why we don't care so much about scruples in relation to conspiracy to commit a crime.
The answer I wanted to give. - because I am allergic to penicillin and therefore have to sleep off every case I have.
The correct answer - because you can't control your the people you conspire with.
Oh well, I tried.
posted by ZEUS @ 11:22 AM, No comment,
Making it up as we go
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Anyone who has any doubt about the clarity of the law should stop reading my blog. What I am about to say will not make you happy. Not only is it technically impossible to define "chicken" (the other post from today, yes you still HAVE TO read it) evadently you get to make it all up as you go.
Quoting my property law casebook:
"Perry v. Davis
Supreme Court of Erehwon, 2001
[This is an imaginary case. The editors of this book found no reported appellate case that quite suited our needs, so we invented this one. It is a 'main streem' case, and all of its elements are found in numerous other cases.]"
Nelson, G.S., Stoebuck, W.B., Whitman, D.A. Contemporary Property, 2d. p. 660
posted by ZEUS @ 9:01 PM, No comment,
Skanky Chickens
What is "chicken"? For the Buddhist in your life supply ample debate over metaphysical topic.. For the lawyer, ruin his reality by not defining contract terms. Either way this case is fun.
(the following language is taken directly out of my class notes, I did my best to use the language of the professor)
THE CHICKEN CASE
Plaintiff - Buyer of Chickens - Chickens are young chickens suitable for boiling and frying.
Defendant - Seller - Chicken means any chicken meeting contract specs, including stewing and fowl. - Includes - nice young chickens and skanky chickens
Think of the little bubbles over their head.. They are both thinking chicken but one has nice young chickens the other has skanky chickens.
Both are acting like there is a contract, but court has to decide which meaning controls.
Factors and Evidence Relating to Interpretation:
Contract Language
.......
The court decides that the word "chicken" is ambiguous.
1.5 -2 Lb chickens indicates young broiler chickens. And fowl and Stew chickens are bigger.
The court does not find this persuasive.
"A contract for apples could be filled with two different kinds of apples even though only one comes in that size"
posted by ZEUS @ 9:59 AM, No comment,
At the Post Office
Friday, November 12, 2004
Actual IM conversation with Mackenzie today during Criminal Law.
Question: Do you think people often say soemthing about killing somone at the post office and then don't follow through with it?
Reply: Post office is a bad example, I take threats of killing there very seriously.
posted by ZEUS @ 11:54 AM, No comment,
SICK SICK BOY
Monday, November 08, 2004
I have come down with a fever an all consuming need to spend time on my couch in front of the T.V. and an general inability to think about any other thing. My hands keep trembling, and my left pointer finger randomly twitches when I get in tense situations. I am dilusional, and see alien life forms closing in around me. If only I had dual machine guns, a plasma grenade, and a state of the art battle suit to save me. The symptoms just keep getting worse. Now I am thinking of rings and hearing what seems to be monks chanting.
I have HALO fever. There is no known cure, but it is rumored that Walmart and Hastings will be carrying a NEW treatment beginning at 12:00am Tuesday November 9th 2004.
According to the official countdown there is no 10hours and 51minutes left. I am beginning to break into a hot sweat. I may take work off as a preemptive measure to make sure the treatment takes hold this evening.
MUST... DESTROY... COVENANT... SAVE... HUMANITY!
posted by ZEUS @ 1:02 PM, No comment,
What do we do NOW
Friday, November 05, 2004
The thing that has me paranoid the most about GWBush's winning the election is that I don't know what to do right now. I am almost certain, GWB is going to do something I don't like. I use my brain. There is, of course, my eternal hope that something will change. That it will change for the better. I'd love to be more specific, but I am trying to be optimistic.
Maybe the fact that we almost did get the White House will make his next four years a Kid Gloves session. Maybe he will include someone who thinks less like he does in his cabinet, or general advisorial pool. They don't have to agree. It would be a step forward if I even believed he considered the half of American who didn't vote for him. White Protestant Men only supported him by 57%. His own people only supported him by 57%. Morals war, what ever, he has got to know the deck is stacked against him.
The chances of that situation are unlikely. Although I do actually believe that he is more in control and less of a mouthpiece than he has been for the last 4 years. And that is always a plus. I am still left wondering what I do until he disappoints me again.
Do I move to another country? Do I keep doing what I have been doing? How can I step up my efforts? Would it be more appropriate to do less? Maybe I should just curl up in a ball and do nothing? None of this seems likely. Some of it is cowardice, some not enough action, some may be too much. I guess, I lived through the last 4 years; I'll make it through the next four.
~Vote Democrat in '06~
posted by ZEUS @ 1:44 PM, No comment,
We are not alone.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Things I know Bush will never take away from me, no matter how hard he tries.
1.) My self worth - flaws and all, I like ME.
2.) My drive - the voice inside that keeps saying, "Never start a fight, but if someone picks a fight with you, make damn sure you finish it."
3.) My friends - the ones who stand by me every day no matter what shit is going down. The ones who are there when I stand up for what's right. The ones who I will be there for when they do the same.
4.) My country - the one in my heart, the one my ancestors gave me, the one where I am always free.
5.) My sexuality - that innate piece of me that wants to settle down with one person for the rest of my life. The piece that makes me want to have kids with him.
6.) My heart - a heart that loves whom ever it sees fit regardless of what my brain tells it or how bad it hurts. A place inside me that finds compassion, even for those who seek to hurt me.
7.) My experiences - those things which have brought me here, and which will take me on into...
8.) My future - The person I will become, as a second, first, or 21st class citizen. The person George W. Bush doesn't want me to be.
9.) My hope - that one day the only thing that will matter is the character of the person inside, and the outward expressions of that person (not superficial things like waist size, skin color, gender, sex, sexuality, and religion).
10.) My family - I am stuck with them and they are stuck with me. My family is the people I am born to by blood and those I keep close to me through community (more than just friends).
MY PRIDE - The sense I have come to in knowing who I am and what I stand for. There is no number for this one because it is all these things, and it is none of them.
Feel free to add to this list as you see fit.
posted by ZEUS @ 9:35 PM, No comment,
Is it safe to COME OUT
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Maybe it’s just me, but I doubt it. I am honestly worried about the future of my country, a country I have been fighting most of my life for full citizenship in. A country where today, I know that may be less possible than any other time in my life. George W. Bush is, as I post, accepting the nomination for President of the United States for a second term.
I am worried because at final analysis ‘moral issues,’ among them same-sex v ‘traditional’ marriage, were a major deciding factor. I am worried because Evangelical Christians, people I have learned through oppression to dislike the most, are responsible for this outcome. I am worried because in all 11 of the states in our country voting to ban same-sex marriage, the measure passed, as a constitutional amendment.
Was I surprised that any of these measures passed? On final analysis, no. I honestly expected most of them to be successful from the start. And it seems that after the issue was so soundly defeated for the Federal Constitution, that there should be cause for celebration that only 11 of 50 states have voted to outright ban same-sex marriage. It is further less surprise which states they are: Mississippi, Alabama, etc.
My disappointment comes from the fact that I was expecting, as a young gay activist, to finally have help in the fight for equal rights. I was hoping against all hope that America would see the hatemonger of a man that the President is, and send him home. I, like many Kerry supporters, watched what I wanted of the news and watched the polls I liked best. Why shouldn’t I have? Since Bush’s first election I have had to fight for my civil rights. I have had to worry about loosing my job, working in a federally funded HIV service organization.
This morning, when I heard that Kerry had conceded the election to Bush, I spent a long time thinking about what I am going to do for the next four years. Where am I going to live? Can I live in a country that doesn’t recognize me? Maybe I should just give up. Isn’t it clear that we have gained no room in the last 4 years? Bush didn’t get the majority vote last time, and had to steal the electorate. This time he did neither. What can I do?
My answers came back to me when I listened to Edward’s and Kerry’s concession speeches. It was an answer I was arriving at myself, but I realized I would not be alone. I am going to live in America. I am going to live in Laramie, Wyoming, and I am going to keep fighting on what many consider to be the front lines for GLBT rights. I will keep educating my fellow students, hoping one day that they will become public officials (as I hope to do myself) and we can do what’s right. I will let no social injustice continue where I can work to right the wrong. I will stand up for what I believe in.
The country, last night, demonstrated a divided nature that has not been witnessed since 1968. 48% of voting Americans voted for John Kerry. This is a man who has a 100% voting record, he does what’s right, on issues that matter to GLBT Americans (according to the HRC). As our candidate, this man is a far cry from his predecessors Gore and Clinton who both supported the Denial (actually named Defense) of Marriage Act. Our fight, my fight, HAS meant something. And I will not give up. Many are calling today for reconciliation. A healing of our country. Let me make one thing absolutely clear: If anyone thinks for one second I am going to bow down to anyone who would like to take away my freedom to love whomever I love, they are messing with the wrong kid! If you can accept my sexuality, I will accept your religion. We are free to disagree about whether or not either are “right” or “correct,” we are NOT free to disagree about what is right or correct about my civil rights.
Maybe this is the type of impetus we as GLBT Americans need. After Stonewall we “came out.” After the discovery of the ‘gay plague’ we “acted up.” After the murder of Matthew Shepard we came together. Today, it is time we start acting together. Lawrence v. Texas, decided under Genghis Rehnquist’s Supreme Court, furthered the judicial opinion that my sexuality is protected by my constitutional right to privacy. So go ahead. Outlaw my love. I have yet begun to fight!
posted by ZEUS @ 1:59 PM, No comment,
Election
This is me, hurt, disenfranchised, confused, and sad. Apparently Kerry conceded, although the report is from the white house right now, so who knows for sure. I will never trust this white house.
posted by ZEUS @ 9:45 AM, No comment,
VOTE!
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
I VOTED! did you??
GO VOTE GO!
SEE SPOT VOTE!
WE LOVE SPOT!
posted by ZEUS @ 4:48 PM, No comment,
