geraldinemander

Feb. 14

2012-02-14T04:05:00.000-06:00

Today in 270, St. Valentine was executed so you could buy me a Whitman's Sampler.

The best press photos since 1955

2012-02-10T16:44:00.000-06:00

These photos are very hard to look at. But you probably should anyway.

Feb. 9

2012-02-09T00:08:00.000-06:00

Today in 1942, President Roosevelt initiated "war time."

How to win at the claw machine

2012-02-08T23:10:00.000-06:00

Thanks for looking into this, Slate. It never occurred to me those grabber games should be regulated as games of chance. The Mander may have found a new crusade.

On an only marginally related note, did you know New Jersey has inspectors for those carnival games?

The history of The Caucus

2012-02-07T19:25:00.000-06:00

Via NPR. For example, did you know prior to 1972 that a majority of states used caucuses to pick convention delegate.

Feb. 7

2012-02-07T00:48:00.003-06:00

Happy 2th anniversary of the ratification of the 11th amendment:

The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

Feb. 6

2012-02-06T01:29:00.001-06:00

In honor of what would have been Bob Marley's 67th birthday, here's my favorite tune of his. Disagree? Advise!

Fun query: What is my liability for linking to the above were SOPA to pass?

"Forced worship stinks in God's nostrils"

2012-02-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

A fascinating history lesson featuring the lessons of Rhode Island Founder Roger Williams:

Williams judged it impossible for any human to interpret all Scripture without error. Therefore he considered it "monstrous" for one person to impose any religious belief on another.

South Africa Obsession

2012-02-04T03:06:00.000-06:00

After watching "Have you Heard from Johannesburg?," (PBS, yo) I'm kind of obsessed with South Africa. I will occasionally try to convince you to feel similarly. As such, Time has an interesting piece, "How the ANC lost its way."

A story of redemption

2012-02-04T02:23:00.000-06:00

If you are willing to commit to a nine-page NYT article about the aftermath of crime, you will be rewarded.

Feb. 4

2012-02-04T01:48:00.006-06:00

If I had my druthers, I'd be attending the Krewe du Vieux tonight. Check out the theme.

Doctor Shopping and Privacy

2012-02-04T01:22:00.000-06:00

Did you know?

The Texas Department of Public Safety has been collecting prescription histories of Texans for years, but by this summer the data are expected to be online so doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement officials can more quickly identify the patients abusing pain medications and the medical establishments profiting from the drug trade. The Legislature last year made "doctor shopping" a felony in most cases and has tried to curb so-called pill mills that supply popular painkillers. Next year, the Legislature will consider whether to make it mandatory for doctors and pharmacists to check the state database before writing or filling a prescription.

Creepiest Family Photos

2012-02-03T23:31:00.000-06:00

Then again, I have never been one to understand 18th Century Portrait Trends.

The sad story of lard

2012-02-03T22:53:00.000-06:00

One day we had lard. The next, we did not. Here's why.

'Apparently gender discrimination now starts at the age of 7 in the DFW metroplex'

2012-02-03T22:35:00.001-06:00

How can we help Anna Kimball?

I knew this all along

2012-02-03T12:00:00.003-06:00

If you wear a Yankees hat, you are probably a criminal, so sayeth the Old Gray Lady:

Since 2000, more than 100 people who have been suspects or persons of interest in connection with serious crimes in New York City wore Yankees apparel at the time of the crimes or at the time of their arrest or arraignment. The tally is based on a review of New York Police Department news releases, surveillance video and images of robberies and other crimes, as well as police sketches and newspaper articles that described suspects’ clothing. No other sports team comes close. The Mets, forever in the shadow of their Bronx rivals, are perhaps grateful to be losing this one: only about a dozen people in the same review were found to be wearing Mets gear.

Pug Super Hero

2012-02-02T16:17:00.000-06:00

Once a super hero has been created about your species, you get a much-coveted label.

Feb. 2

2012-02-02T11:24:00.000-06:00

With all this talk about Groundhog's Day, this headline from the Chicago Tribune sums it up: Meteorologist: 'Punxsutawney Phil is a punk'.

The World's Oldest Yo Mama Jokes

2012-02-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

Thanks Ancient Babylonians!

"I had Aspberger's"

2012-02-01T10:33:00.000-06:00

An interesting little story about a kid diagnosed with the disorder, who actually didn't have it.

Feb. 1

2012-02-01T01:59:00.002-06:00

Clark Gable was born today in 1901, and -- I think you know where this is going -- frankly my dear, I give a damn:

And then a year later, in 1902, Langston Hughes joined the planet:

I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Several readers have asked

2012-01-31T21:40:00.003-06:00

for tips about how to photograph monkeys. You ask. We deliver. Here.

Jan. 29

2012-01-29T06:49:00.007-06:00

Happy 10th Birthday to the Axis of Evil! Check out these lullabies from the Axis.

Jan. 20, 1992 was a good day

2012-01-28T19:36:00.000-06:00

Murk Avenue did the proverbial math here.

The Best Endorsement of Hillary Clinton Ever

2012-01-28T19:29:00.000-06:00

"She did the Secretary of State job, she was a G, she held it down, she didn't cry." Ice T for Chief of Staff? Though, she may have other plans.

What I'm buying at Costco

2012-01-28T19:11:00.002-06:00

Here.

Fetuses in your food?

2012-01-26T09:41:00.001-06:00

Not in Oklahoma, if state Sen. Ralph Shortey has his way.

Jan. 26

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today, the 2012 Project hosts a free webinar for ladies considering a run for office. 1-2 EST. Because this isn't really working for me.

Women make up more than half the population yet hold only 17% of the U.S. Congressional seats, less than a quarter of state legislative seats and only six governorships. Of those, women of color constitute only 4.5% of the total members of Congress and 4.7% of state legislators.

State of the Union Drinking Game

2012-01-24T20:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry this is late. But you have work tomorrow anyway.

Tax rates of presidential candidates

2012-01-24T20:50:00.001-06:00

Looks like President Obama might want to talk to John Kerry's accountant.

Why teachers matter

2012-01-23T10:14:00.000-06:00

A lovely Nicholas Kristof column reminding how one teacher can change the course of history.

Jan. 23

2012-01-23T00:29:00.003-06:00

Happy Year of the Dragon!

Jan. 22

2012-01-21T23:47:00.000-06:00

Today in 1506, the first contingent of Swiss Guards arrived at the Vatican. And if you don't think that impacts you, then spend some time studying the photo above.

'Tender Photos Unearthed from a Turbulent Time'

2012-01-21T23:29:00.000-06:00

I can't stop thinking about this photo of Mildred and Richard Loving of Loving v. Virginia fame.

Jan. 20

2012-01-20T15:37:00.001-06:00

We'll miss you, Etta. Shout out to everyone's First Dance that was At Last.

Jan. 19

2012-01-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

Now that this has happened, we might as well focus on the fact that Janis Joplin would have been 69 today.

Jan. 18

2012-01-18T10:43:00.001-06:00

Today, we're going to use as many synonyms as possible to celebrate the birth of Peter Roget, born on this day in 1779.

Also, here's a list of some of the things the Internet won't let you do today because of SOPA.

Jan. 16

2012-01-16T01:12:00.001-06:00

Check out Dr. King's papers online for the first time ever.

"The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state."

Strength To Love, 1963

Mormons and Evangelicals

2012-01-15T23:44:00.000-06:00

A handy theological review.

'Bargaining for a child's love'

2012-01-15T13:11:00.000-06:00

A thought-provoking NYT piece. Includes a shout-out to social security.

If you want to be in the Top 1%

2012-01-15T12:41:00.000-06:00

(and we both know you do), check out which career will get you there the fastest.

Jan. 15

2012-01-15T00:43:00.000-06:00

It's Drew Brees's birthday. Saints fans will be spending the day fast forwarding through the rest of this nightmare, and dreaming about the 2013 Super Bowl.

My fancy sheep cheese is really from a cow

2012-01-14T07:18:00.001-06:00

Is this a consumer protection issue or a first-worst problem?

Nifty map of the location of trees in the U.S.

2012-01-14T07:12:00.002-06:00

Yep, that sums it up.

Jan. 14

2012-01-14T06:46:00.001-06:00

This ideal January 14 is spent celebrating the end of the revolutionary war by reading the Treaty of Paris. With a mid-afternoon break to watch the Saints do their thing.

Dublin Dr Pepper says goodbye

2012-01-13T13:47:00.000-06:00

This really bums me out.

Jan. 13

2012-01-13T13:14:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to Nate Silver, who has the best blog ever. Seriously.

Jan. 10

2012-01-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

If you're not in the mood to watch the New Hampshire Primary, then celebrate Rasputin's birth in 1869. Also, you should check out Buzzfeed's compilation of taco-related crimes.

Jan. 9

2012-01-09T11:01:00.002-06:00

Today your Supreme Court will be listening to arguments about the Texas redistricting maps to decide if the Mander and her next door neighbor are a community of interest. Also, The Washington Post focuses on this as part of it's "five things you need to know" series. But if you want to talk about how this impacts the VRA with an expert, may we suggest this by Con Law Mega Mind Erwin Chemerisnky?

After someone dies in a Texas prison

2012-01-07T03:28:00.000-06:00

This is about as tender of a story as you will ever get about the Texas penal system.

TJ MAXX unplugged

2012-01-07T03:05:00.000-06:00

Or really just an informational USA Today (!) piece about how those discount retailers get their merchandise. (From the designers.)

Jan. 7

2012-01-07T01:46:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all my homies using the Julian Calendar.

Thursdays wth your state government (Saturday edition)

2012-01-07T01:11:00.002-06:00

Score one for the laboratories of democracy. Montana's State Supreme Court decided to pass on following Citizens United. Read Dahlia Lithwick's delightful explanation here. Or read the opinion here.

The Science of Barry White

2012-01-06T07:10:00.000-06:00

A quick read on why we like deep voices.

Frozen is better than fresh

2012-01-06T07:02:00.002-06:00

when we're talking embryos.

Jan. 6

2012-01-06T06:51:00.001-06:00

Since it is the official start to King Cake season, may we suggest you make us one?

The Iowa Caucuses aren't yet decided.

And once again, I have been looked over to become a Cardinal. Doesn't this seem a little like court packing?

(Cheers to HFK for a most excellent first year on this planet.)

Jan. 5

2012-01-05T14:06:00.000-06:00

Happy National Bird Day. I guest my rivals have bested me.

Jan. 4

2012-01-04T09:18:00.000-06:00

If you only read one thing about the Iowa Caucus this morning, we really don't understand you. But the Mander's favorite so far is this, which shows in 52 pictures with captions showing from start to finish how the Caucus worked in one locale. It's more interesting than it sounds.

And on this day in 1965, LBJ outlined his Great Society vision.

Considering becoming French?

2012-01-03T13:38:00.000-06:00

Well, it just got harder. After all, "Becoming French is not a mere administrative step. It's a decision that requires a lot of thought."

Outlook for Journalists: 1940

2012-01-03T12:45:00.002-06:00

Words, apparently, are critical. Girls who want to be successful better have some good meal planning suggestions.

Jan. 3

2012-01-03T00:05:00.014-06:00

If you're anything like the Mander, you are so excited about today's Iowa Caucuses that you can barely pay attention to your other obligations. After all, we can all get behind democracy at its wackiest. But let's separate fact from fiction with The Washington Post's "Five Myths about the Iowa Caucuses." (It's a little confusing because the subheads are the myths being debunked. But then again, the Mander doesn't think people who live on the same street should share a representative so take this parenthetical with a grain of salt.)

Jan. 2

2012-01-02T09:08:00.001-06:00

A belated happy new year, dear reader. Today in 1974, President Nixon signed a bill into law that enshrined 55 as our national speed limit. (Something about some energy crisis?) Fun fact: It was repealed in 1995.

Also, have you read this gawker.com story about grown men who non-ironically have a My Little Pony fan community? (And how Hasbro has crushed their dreams?)

Are you an Aries?

2011-12-30T20:23:00.004-06:00

Then chances are you will commit crimes. See here.

CORRECTED: Pug-atarian of the Year

2011-12-30T11:03:00.001-06:00

If you haven't read this article about a seeing-eye pug who guides another pug, then the Mander provides this pro-pet moment of the day. This one's for you, Wony and Pugly. (Also they need adoption -- in Wales.)

Dec. 30

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

In addition to it being the birthday of The One True Pawds, making it especially sad that no one in Samoa will be able to celebrate it today. Seems like poor planning if you ask the Mander.

Illegally detained? One call -- that's all!

2011-12-29T23:04:00.001-06:00

Just call (855) 448-6903. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement now has a hotline created for detainees who "believe they may be U.S. citizens or victims of a crime." As you may remember, we need this because we have a problem with immigration officials locking up American citizens.
Side note: Area code 855 is toll free. As a precaution (prior to checking), the Mander was fully prepared to be enraged if the already illegally detained were to somehow be responsible for long distance charges.

Best Correction of the Year

2011-12-29T22:50:00.002-06:00

DETROIT -- In a Dec. 26 story about an annual Christmas party held by singer Aretha Franklin, The Associated Press erroneously reported that she exchanged gifts with family and friends. Franklin exchanged greetings.

If you're not making your own hummus,

2011-12-29T22:42:00.001-06:00

you are a real jerk, at best. You can even use peanut butter. What say ye, Costco?

Tucson's ethnic-studies program violates Arizona law, judge rules

2011-12-29T21:33:00.000-06:00

Apparently, this is real life. An Arizona law 'bans classes primarily designed for a particular ethnic group or that "promote resentment toward a race or class of people."' Needless to say, the Mander can think of MANY courses that fit this bill. MANY.

Dec. 29

2011-12-29T04:39:00.028-06:00

Today's the fifth day of Christmas. Did your true love came through with the FIVE GOLDEN RINGS? If not, watch Johnny Cash's version, and you'll be ready to power through to the upcoming six geese a-laying.

On a related note, while many news outlets covered the obligatory PNC estimate of the cost of the gifts noted in the 12 Days of Christmas, we decided to include Derek Thompson's because it has a graph. And lines such as this:

Behind the Christmas inflation were three big factors. First, Americans haven't received any swan relief recently, and the price of the birds has doubled again...

Dec. 28

2011-12-28T21:36:00.000-06:00

Happy Kwanzaa. And now, I would like someone to find the right words for this.

A Hall and Oats Hotline

2011-12-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

You tell me this isn't the best use of phone technology ever. (Although, we can all agree there should be an option for "I can't go for that.")

Dec. 21

2011-12-21T05:23:00.004-06:00

Today, we note the 11th anniversary of Rick Perry becoming governor of Texas.

Dec. 20

2011-12-20T09:12:00.000-06:00

Today, the Mander celebrates the continuing life of Jon Bon Jovi. Also, you should enjoy the Mander's favorite all-time Christmas song.

Dec. 19

2011-12-19T13:46:00.001-06:00

Today in 1843, A Christmas Carol went on sale. Thanks to the inter webs, you can enjoy the original 1843 manuscript here.

If OCD doesn't scare you, how about brain-eating ameobas?

2011-12-19T13:43:00.002-06:00

And you thought you were being all smart using that Neti Pot!

Great, Strep Causes OCD

2011-12-17T14:39:00.000-06:00

As if there weren't enough reasons to hate your tonsils, now we learn Strep is ruining everything for everyone.

Dec. 17

2011-12-17T05:57:00.009-06:00

Insist on columns taking on only the truly powerful, and then only kicking 'em when they're up.

Today in 1929, a man who embodies the English language so much he became a speechwriter for Richard Nixon was born. So let's all read a William Safire column today. The Mander suggests, "How to read a column."

American citizens detained as "illegal immigrants"

2011-12-17T00:28:00.001-06:00

Seriously. Anyone want to defend Secure Communities? Anyone?

Also, check out this story about Dream Act students turning themselves into federal officials.

December 15

2011-12-15T05:53:00.001-06:00

Tonight marks the last Republican debate before the Iowa Caucuses. What a candidate says might matter. What's more important is where he/she stands. Literally. Clearly, winners are in the middle.

The clearest explanation of what's happening in Texas Redistriciting

2011-12-14T10:25:00.000-06:00

Why are so many courts involved? What happens next? The Washington Post has got you covered.

Dec. 14

2011-12-14T09:40:00.001-06:00

Today we celebrate Patty Duke's 65th birthday by remembering all the wackiness that can ensue when cousins are two of a kind. (Especially when a hot dog makes a person lose control.)

In the mood for a Europe-related anxiety attack?

2011-12-12T09:38:00.000-06:00

Then perhaps you should enjoy Paul Krugman's column today. If racist governing parties don't scare you, then you don't even deserve a weirdly drawn district.

Dec. 12

2011-12-12T09:36:00.000-06:00

Today, Bush v.Gore turns 11. Yep.

Dec. 9

2011-12-09T09:36:00.000-06:00

Today, we consider Nate Silver's piece contemplating the theory that the GOP nominee might be someone not even running. Also, happy Anti-Corruption Day.

Dec, 7

2011-12-07T02:21:00.001-06:00

On this 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Washington Post debunks some myths.

Dec. 6

2011-12-06T11:36:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Nicholas Day! I hope St. Nick follows one of these world customs and fills your shoes with delights. In the alternative (or to supplement), please consider shaking that thing to the sounds of Big Freedia.

Dec. 5

2011-12-05T09:19:00.001-06:00

Happy Day of the Ninja. This is a big relief, as it has always a bummer to tell your ninja friends there is no holiday for ninjas since every day is Ninja Day.

Texans, feel free to stop by your state Capitol today at 12: 50 to watch the canvassing of the November 5 state Constitutional election.

Cup O Soup is very dangerous

2011-12-05T09:15:00.000-06:00

A public service announcement from The Mander and NPR. Please be sure to check out the chart to see exactly how dangerous your noodles are.

Dec. 4

2011-12-04T01:10:00.026-06:00

As you do every year on this day, don't forget to perform your own version of Jay Z's December 4.

As for Austin residents, it has become clear that you were too tired from a day of comparing fajallsyra to go caroling. Does that mean you should spend today regretting your decision? Probably. But another idea might be to go to the lighting of the Zilker Holiday Tree this evening.

there is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women

2011-12-03T22:13:00.000-06:00

A nice Washington Post piece on how critical mentors are for women in public service.

New guidelines for university race in admissions

2011-12-03T21:54:00.000-06:00

Obama reverses Bush policy with a new report stating, "Post-secondary institutions can voluntarily consider race to further the compelling interest of achieving diversity."

"The solution to pollution is dilution"

2011-12-03T21:47:00.000-06:00

You thought you were just reading this to be polite to a friend. No. The Mander is solving problems. Actually, Andrew Sansom, executive director of the River Systems Institute at Texas State University, is explaining how to deal with Central Texas's increasing concentration of bacteria in rivers and lakes.

Dec. 3

2011-12-03T01:21:00.013-06:00

Will it be too cold to go caroling at the Capitol this evening? Perhaps not. On a related note, Slate has taken a historical look at caroling here. St. Francis of Assisi sounds like a cool guy.

Where's my new district: Texas Edition

2011-12-02T23:47:00.001-06:00

A great resource from The Texas Tribune to help you navigate the magic that is your new representation in government.

Free air guitars

2011-12-02T23:05:00.002-06:00

Here. And I am playing this.

December 1

2011-12-01T13:08:00.002-06:00

On this day in 1988 Benazir Bhutto became the first female prime minister of a Muslim country.

Nov. 30

2011-11-30T10:15:00.000-06:00

On this day in 1982, Thriller was released. Let's celebrate with the Mander's favorite tune from the album!

Things you should know about Mitt Romney's hair

2011-11-29T20:52:00.000-06:00

1. "Nobody has a more complicated and intimate relationship with Mr. Romney’s hair than the man who has styled it for more than two decades, a barrel-chested, bald Italian immigrant named Leon de Magistris."
2. First rule of cutting Mitt's hair -- don't talk about the hair.
3. There is no gel. No mousse. No product.
4. The candidate has to trim his own locks from time to time. This does not please his stylist.
5. "Andrea Saul, a spokeswoman for the Romney campaign, declined to comment on the candidate’s hairstyle, or to make Mr. Romney available to discuss it."
As brought to you by The New York Times.

You might have heard Bobby Valentine

2011-11-29T20:39:00.000-06:00

will be the General Manager of the Boston Red Sox. But did you know he has been serving as director of health and safety for Stamford, Connecticut since January? And not without some controversy.