On high school, friendships, community, and technology

This has ended up becoming quite a ramble, and I've no idea whether it's going to make sense to anyone except me.

( personal history, and chosen family, and a lot of rambling )

OK, enough rambling for now. I'm especially interested in other people's take on these kinds of issues; I've only got the one perspective.

Linkety-Linkety (a short one for once)

Ashley Graham: The Lane Bryant Commercial's Controversally Curvy Model Speaks Out -- Holy crap, is Lane Bryant getting their advertising money's worth out of this. And I, for one, will happily continue to click and link as long as I get to see more of her, so everybody wins!

BAROO [BAH-ROO] (noun) (sound effect) A common animal look expressing: “Whut the…?” Frequently accompanied by a head tilt and/or wrinkled brow. -- I'm adopting this word posthaste. (also, cute owl pic at the link)

A rare Borneo rhino, thought to be pregnant, has been caught on camera in Malaysia, and wildlife experts said Wednesday a new calf would be a lifeline for the near-extinct species.

An eccentric bunch of species have recently come out of hiding in the rainforests of Borneo, including the world's longest known stick insect - think two skinny pencils end-to-end, a slug that shoots "love darts," and a color-changing frog, scientists announce today.

Mostly-male book images may reduce girls’ science scores

Pressure to publish may bias scientists -- certainly not a new concern, but info about a new study.

Tenth Doctor: The Musical and His name is 'The Doctor' -- recommended fan vids I want to remember to watch when I get home.

As a Christian minister, I can't understand why some clergy ever thought the National Day of Prayer was a good idea. It's my job to advise people on spiritual matters; the state has no business usurping that role. My fellow members of the clergy and I don't pass legislation or fill potholes, so maybe the government should just get off our turf.