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Meetups mobilize against PIPA and SOPA
by Kathryn You may or may not have heard about two pieces of Congressional legislation in the works -- the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) -- but the fact that you're online right now, reading this blog post means that they could potentially profoundly affect you.
In short, these acts would empower the government to block or restrict websites based on the desires of corporations. It would infringe upon the innovation and growth within the web industry. It would violate many Americans' conception of the Internet as a bastion of free speech, creativity and productivity. And it will very likely pass without citizens taking action against it.
And where action is needed, it's no surprise to find Meetups involved.
Tech Meetups are a rapidly growing topic on Meetup, and even though these acts could impact everyone who uses the Internet, tech groups are currently spearheading the on-the-ground movement against PIPA and SOPA. The New York Tech Meetup, NYC's largest group with nearly 20,000 members, has declared an emergency Meetup, calling on every concerned resident to take to the streets. In solidarity, the Hackers and Founders Meetup of the Bay area scheduled their own Meetup to rally folks in and around San Francisco.
On Wednesday, January 18, members of the tech community in both cities will meetup to give a physical voice and presence to their demand that our Congress men and women halt their support of PIPA and SOPA. There are related Meetups in the works in other cities around the U.S.
If you're in New York, go here to participate: NY Tech Meetup
If you're in the Bay area, go here: Hackers and Founders Meetup
This won't be the last action needed against this legislation. There's nothing more powerful than self-organized people -- particularly constituents -- so get involved with your local Meetup Organizers and members to figure out what you can do together.
For more information on SOPA and PIPA, and to take online action, check out http://americancensorship.org/
Kathryn is on Meetup's Strategy and Community teams.You can reach her on Twitter @kathrynfink
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Be sure to sign this bill to stand up for your rights and say NO TO CENSORSHIP!!! NO TIME TO WASTE!
Helping families and students find the best schools and what they have to offer!
Check out this site as it has the best help around when searching for a school that's right for your family and any member that's either in school or thinking about going to a school plus it's an informal friendly place to hang out!!!:O)
Check out this cute video of Katherine Heigl...
Katherine Hiegl has a really cute new hairdo and is beaming here like any mom of an adorable baby girl like hers here would! It's just a cute clip...
<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMjY5MDUzMDUwNjImcHQ9MTMyNjkwNTMxOTAxNSZwPSZkPSZnPTImbz*wYmNjODBhYzFhMWQ*ODI5ODI5MTEyNDgw/NzYxMWU4OSZvZj*w.gif" />
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Oooh La La! Here are some great love tips for all you couples but especially women out there...
We have always known that in matters of food, love, and looks, French women have American women beaten by a landslide. We may make fun of them for their war efforts, but their efforts in living the good life make ours look positively paltry. A 2001 study even showed that French women in their 50s have more sex than their American counterparts. Is there anything they can't do better than us?
The fact is, French women have it made. They're less uptight, they always look gorgeous, their food and culture are so sexy, and they can wear a scarf in 15 different ways and have it look totally natural.
We American women don't have to take it lying down (or standing up or from behind or ...), though! We can fight back. Here are a few sex tips we can (& should) steal from our French friends:
- Kick the idea of marriage to the curb: American women over 50 who are having sex are usually married. Those who are not married are not having sex, according to the Journal of Sex Research study. In France, there are much more liberal definitions of relationships and couplings, so it opens women up to have more opportunity to have sex.
- Buy more lingerie: French women are known for not only embracing what is on the outside, but for paying close attention to what is on the inside as well. This is why lingerie is a crucial part of the French female package. Wearing nice underwear is an instant shot of confidence and American women could take a page from that philosophy.
- Respect aging as sexy, not scary: Michele Fitoussi, former editor of French Elle, said: "French women have a keen sense of the brevity of time and immediacy of pleasure." Exactly. Life is short. Make the sex last.
- Stay sexual longer: American women seem to shut down on the idea of sex as soon as they reach a "certain age." French women keep on going. We American women should take a cue from them. It only stands to reason that sex would get better as you age and get better at it, no?
- Enjoy food: This one is an oldie but goodie when it comes to comparing culture. We American women are so obsessed with being thin that we will eat any "fat free" or "low calorie" fad that comes along. And guess what? We are still fat! It's true. American women are heavier and, because of that, we feel less body confidence and a lack of body confidence means standard sex with the lights out and tons of shame, which is anything but sexy. So take a tip from French women and really enjoy your food.
- Drink more wine: What loosens a lady up for sex more than yummy wine? Feel languid and sensual in your skin by having at least one glass of wine with your honey each night. It's a little indulgence that goes a long way.
What French sex tips do you take?
Image via effwun/Flickr
