NCBI ROFL: You might want to put a condom on that symbolic penis. | Discoblog

513px-Rue_Sigmund-Freud,_Paris_19_(1)The absence of the paternal penis.

“Girls’ experiences of object loss, in conjunction with female anatomical structure, may lend themselves to a particular genital anxiety regarding openness and emptiness. The relational void in giving up the mother as love object may lead to an internal self-representation of a “hole” to be filled, much as the mouth sucks the pacifier in the absence of the nipple. This image may then be extended to the genital representation. In turning to the father, a girl may find that she lacks a relationship with him in the relational space opened up by the loss of the mother; the penis is symbolically withheld from her in the father’s relational distance. This lack of sexual and relational gratification, it is proposed, may be schematized by a female as her body being empty of something. The father’s absence–the absence of the paternal penis–may lead to an absence of the mental representation of the vagina and to an inhibition of the role the vagina then plays for a woman in sexual desire. Vaginal repression may serve to disguise object hunger that might otherwise be experienced as vaginal longing. An abbreviated clinical vignette, revolving around a masturbatory fantasy, is offered in partial illustration of the thesis.”

paternal

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Mu

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Lessening the Impact of Climate Change Beyond Earth Day

Environmental groups all have the same idea on climate change, that this is the year we get to work.

I’m not sure what that means.  We spent last year pressuring lawmakers to lead on climate change, and they didn’t.  They did nothing to stop climate change, and even fought the few things the EPA is doing.  What will be different this year? 350.org has the idea to start locally and get local leaders to do things, but that won’t stop climate change.  In fact, it’s too late to stop climate change, since it’s already happening.  We can still pressure lawmakers to act but they won’t stop what’s happening with our climate because they are getting no public pressure to do anything.  The latest I read about it today is that Obama plans on a modified, moderate cap and trade approach, which will do nothing at all for climate change and in fact, might make it worse. I’m not optimistic at all.

In fact, I just began to read Bill McKibben’s new book, Eaarth, and he’s not optimistic either. (See this video from DemocracyNow from the April 15th interview with McKibben). Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, also feels it’s too late to prevent climate change, that it’s just beginning to happen, and that we must try to adapt to climate change. That is doable if there is a 1-2 degree temperature increase. If the temperature rises more than that, no one knows if humans can adapt at all. We may be on our way to extinction, because there is nothing presently stopping the rise in temperature. March 2010 was the hottest March ever recorded. (See post below)

Here’s someone you should read instead of me, someone who is still optimistic, from e360.

Beyond the Limits of Earth Day: Turning Up the Heat on Climate

This month marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, an event that has attracted millions to environmental causes. But winning passage of meaningful legislation on climate change requires more than slogans and green talk — it demands intense, determined political action.

by Denis Hayes

. . . In 21st century American democracy, massive public support is certainly desirable, especially over the long run. But what really counts with Congress is intensity.

A huge majority of Americans favor gun control, for example. According to the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, four out of five believe a police permit should be required for the purchase of a firearm.

But a small, intense set of Second Amendment absolutists will vote against any politician who favors such an approach. In most elections, a dedicated group of 10 percent, or even 5 percent, of voters can tilt the outcome. So politicians cater to the position whose supporters are most intense — who make sure a politician aligns with them on [...]

The new Doctor Who | Bad Astronomy

doctorwhologoI just watched the series opener for the fifth season of Doctor Who, with the new guy, Matt Smith. No spoiler warnings needed here, because I won’t give away anything. I’ll just say…

That.

Freaking.

Rocked.


I wasn’t sure if Smith could fill David Tennant’s shoes, but now I think he can. Whatever it takes to play The Doctor, whatever intangible quality an actor needs, Smith has it. This looks like it’ll be a very, very good series, especially with Steven Moffat at the helm. Oh yes.

And near the end, there is an excellent moment (one I knew was coming but still got to me) that hands the series over to Smith. Mr. Moffat, my hat’s off to you. Well done, sir.

So, when you get a chance, watch it. BBC America premiers it tomorrow, Saturday April 17.

In the meantime, this mathematical analysis of the ages of the actors playing The Doctor may amuse you.

Tip o’ the Sonic Screwdriver to Derek Colanduno for the regression link! And my thanks to Devin Johnson, BBC Senior Publicity Manager, for sending me the DVD screener.


Problem With a 1989 Celebrity

whitish gray smoke started coming out the exhaust when i was driving to school

when i stopped the car would shake more then usual. the exhaust would by smoky when i started to move from a stopped position.

at school when i stopped i looked under the hood and the anti freeze was dra

Stephen Colbert, Astronaut Wannabe

Colbert coming to Houston for astronaut training (with video), Houston Chronicle

"Stephen Colbert's mission to save the space program has earned him an invitation from NASA to undergo astronaut training. And he has accepted. Colbert told his audience: "I never in a million years thought I would see the day when I would want to go to Houston. NASA, I accept!" Colbert says he will be in Houston in May. Get ready to blast off, NASA."

Earth Day Activities

Challenger Center and Green Trail Energy Bring Power to Washington (updated with new photos)

"This week in Washington, DC thousands of people will descend on the National Mall to see a variety of clean energy ideas as part of Earth Day. One of the pieces of technology on display is co-sponsored by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Formally known as the GSW-7000 this device is a self-contained trailer that is capable of generating up to 4.4 kilowatts of power from the sun and 2.4 kilowatts of power from wind energy."

NASA Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Earth Day Nationwide

"NASA centers across the nation invite journalists and the public to see and hear about the agency's contributions to exploring and protecting our home planet during this year's Earth Day celebrations. A highlight of this year's activities is a weeklong series of exhibits and talks on the National Mall in Washington."

Congressional Reaction

Sen. Nelson - Obama's KSC trip, speech show President listening and backs robust space program

"Based on information released this week by the White House, Nelson said the president is moving in the right direction. But, "as with most presidential proposals, Congress will not just rubber stamp it," he said. "So we'll take what he's saying to our committee, and then we'll change some things."

Chairman Rockefeller's Statement on President Obama's Space Policy Address

"For me, one thing is clear: science-based innovation drives economic growth and helps America compete in the global economy. Past exploration has greatly contributed to America's economic strength and competitiveness. I am pleased the president's plan retains its focus on innovation, research and technology development - the drivers of our economy."

Rep. Hall Remains Skeptical of Obama Space Flight plan

"I agree with Neil Armstrong, Apollo astronauts and many other supporters of our space program who believe that the President's proposal would be devastating for the future of NASA. Our space program is a national priority and source of pride. More than 30,000 jobs are at stake all across the nation, and we are on the brink of losing a highly skilled workforce."

Olson Statement on President Obama NASA Speech

"Our nation does not lack the resources, the capabilities, the infrastructure, or the workforce to maintain a robust space program to reach destinations in space. What we lack is a commitment to get there. "Today's announced proposals continue that trend. The Administration has downgraded the Orion capsule, failing to realize its true potential if fully utilized as designed."

Rep. Rohrabacher Supports Obama's New Space Plan, Agrees with Ending Constellation Program

"President Obama reiterated the nation's long-term space goal - America, and American astronauts, exploring the solar system. This remains the right goal," said Rohrabacher. "We as a nation must remain committed to the goal - not just on particular methods to get there."

Rep. Posey's Statement on the President's Space Speech at KSC

"I am very concerned about the impact this plan will have not just on the workforce at KSC, but also the adverse impact on our nation's military industrial base and America's economic competitiveness. Let's remember the benefits of space extend far beyond the direct actions related to launching rockets."

Kosmas' Statement on President Obama's NASA Address

"However, as I have said all along, without working towards a specific vehicle and without having American access to the International Space Station, we risk losing our supremacy in space. I have introduced legislation that would maintain a robust NASA-led human spaceflight program by allowing for Shuttle extension and by establishing a next-generation NASA-led vehicle, and I will continue fighting to make sure these ideas are fully explored."

Utah lawmakers oppose NASA plan, Salt Lake Tribune

"I would say the administration's plan is laughable, but I can't find much humor in it when the consequences to space exploration and American workers during tough economic times are so dire," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

Colo. officials happy that space capsule is spared, Business Week

Colorado senators and congressmen welcomed President Barack Obama's decision to save a version of the Orion space capsule being developed in Colorado.

"The president's announcement is terrific news for Colorado, for all the workers on Orion," said Democratic Sen. Mark Udall."

Missouri Congressman Mistakenly Refers To 'Soviet Union' In Anti-Obama Space Policy Press Release, Huffngton Post

"In a statement the Missouri Republican said the move would leave the United States "reliant upon the Soviet Union" for future low-earth orbit access."

Apple App Store Backs Off Rejection of Pulitzer-Winning Political Cartoonist | Discoblog

mn-pulitzer13_ca_0501478062

Apple has asked the political cartoonist Mark Fiore to resubmit an application for his iPhone app “NewsToons” after a controversy erupted over the company’s earlier decision to reject the app. The initial rejection suggested that Apple put political satire in the same unacceptable category as pornography.

Earlier this month, Fiore created history by becoming the first online-only cartoonist to win a Pulitzer for his editorial cartooning on SFGate–the San Francisco Chronicle’s news Web site. While the cartoonist impressed the Pulitzer jury sufficiently to grab journalism’s highest award, his work apparently didn’t charm the gatekeepers at Apple’s app store.

In December, they rejected Fiore’s bid to offer iPhone users the NewsToons app, an app based on his editorial works. In its rejection letter, Apple said Fiore’s satirical work “ridicules public figures” and was in violation of the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement, which bars any apps whose content that in “Apple’s reasonable judgment may be found objectionable, for example, materials that may be considered obscene, pornographic, or defamatory,” reports the Neiman Journalism Lab.

The Lab added:

Apple attached screenshots of the offending material, including an image depicting the White House gate crashers interrupting an Obama speech. Two other grabs include images referencing torture, Balloon Boy, and various political issues.

However, Fiore is not the first cartoonist to be initially shunned by the app store, which seems to take a dim view of political cartoons. It initially turned down cartoonist Daryl Cagle’s application, as well as an app called Bobble Rep that used political caricatures by Tom Richmond. Both these apps were later accepted.

Now, thanks to the online furor over Fiore’s rejection, Apple seems to have had a change of heart.

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Image: Mark Fiore/SFGate