People like this really should be given a swift cockpunch. Granted, society would be better served by dragging them into the street and shooting them in the head.
*********
John A. Stormer has prepared a report of his findings about It's Perfectly Normal. Graphic presentation of
maturing teen physiology
sensuality
promiscuity
homosexual exploration
sexual intercourse
street language
masturbation techniques
abortion as an escape from unwanted pregnancy
are included in this book. Does that make this book any better than HustlerTM or PlayboyTM or PlaygirlTM?
As your brother in Christ, I beg you to do whatever you morally can to remove this book from the shelves of our schools. We are likely to pay dearly if we don't.
Heavenly Father, help us. Heal our land!
Thomas A. Carder
President
ChildCare Action Project: Christian Analysis of American Culture (CAP)
Please check whether your local library has a book for children titled, It's Perfectly Normal.... It's filled with dozens of detailed drawings of full frontal nudity of maturing boys and girls. The pictures and some of the language will stir normal curiosity but will also break down the natural tendencies toward modesty which God builds into children which parents and society should reinforce. (As soon as they came to a knowledge of good and evil and before they were ever taught anything, Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves.) Graphic drawings of nude people performing the sex act are included in the book.
The book tells boys and girls that homosexual relationships are among things which are "perfectly normal" while growing up. It's Perfectly Normal says that in some cultures two men loving one another is regarded as the very highest form of love. The book describes masturbation (for boys and girls) and says it is a "perfectly normal" way to get good feelings all over. Drawings and pictures are included of boys and girls practicing the "pleasure." The book tells boys and girls that even though some people say it is sinful, it is a "perfectly normal" means of pleasure.
The book presents some rather accurate physical information about growing up but perhaps gives more than is necessary. Whether boys and girls need all the "scientific" or biological information about all that happens as the other sex matures is questionable. It is also presented more graphically than necessary and often with street language. The book teaches that young people should be "responsible" and not have "unprotected" sex until they are ready to assume the responsibilities of being parents. (It doesn't mention marriage as the right prerequisite for sex or "making babies.") The book discusses and pictures various means of being "protected." Abortion is presented as an alternative, saying some favor it and others oppose it when couples learn a baby they are not "ready" for is coming.
The first edition of It's Perfectly Normal, published by Candlewick Press of Cambridge, Massachusetts has a copyright date of 1994. The author is Robie H. Harris. The cover has an endorsement by newspaper advice columnist Ann Landers who says, "At last...a book for young people about sex and reproduction in language they can understand, plus pictures they will enjoy." The cover also says it is for "teens and pre-teens." I was alerted about the book by an outstate Missouri pastor. Another preacher found a copy in the Jefferson City library. The St. Louis County Library where I reviewed the book has nine copies in its system. Check your public library and schools yourself or have a wise person do it to see if either It's Perfectly Normal or Dr. Ruth Talks To Kids..., which has a similar message without pictures are available. The book became an issue in Mexico, Missouri. After the library defended it, their tax increase was defeated on August 5.
If you find copies, ask how they got into the library. (Some homosexual publishers and organizations distribute books to libraries and schools. Last year an organization of "gay" teachers mailed free copies of a book with favorable stories about the experiences of homosexual students to every high school, including Christian ones, in the St. Louis area.) If your library bought the book(s), inquire about their selection criteria. Don't holler---but go through proper channels to get changes made. (Many libraries buy books reviewed by library journals and may not know exactly what they are buying.) If libraries defend the books or resist making changes you may wish to enlist support from other churches.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Setbacks...and the beginning of a new semester.
Well, we've had a bit of a change in the staff here. The Multimedia Supervisor left for another job, and I applied to take her place.
I didn't get it.
On the other hand, even I think the guy who got it is a better fit for the job than I would've been. He really knows his stuff when it comes to the music side of things. I wish him luck with it.
The other set back was the grad course I was planning on taking. The prof decided my writing sample wasn't up to par, in spite of the fact that she couldn't find anything wrong with it. I'm working off the theory that she checked out my story of being the first on the list of alternates, and she had to cover her ass for having let in two other people instead of me.
So, since I still wanted to take a writing course, I'm in the "Intro to Fiction Writing' course. It's taught by my old undergrad advisor, who was very surprised to hear that I wasn't allowed into the 900-level course. She also made a point to point me out the rest of the class and warn them that I've been doing this for a while, and not to let that intimidate them. So far, after only two classes, I'm thinking I may be a semi-TA for the course, as I've already exposed one girl to the theory of close reading and critiqueing. She had no idea how to do it, or what to look for.
It's like being back in 5th grade. Oh well.
As for the rest of the semester beginning. We just had to hire 20 new students for the library. 20 out of the 350 applications we'd gotten before we stopped taking them, and the 15-20 students who've asked at the loan desk about applying.
I didn't get it.
On the other hand, even I think the guy who got it is a better fit for the job than I would've been. He really knows his stuff when it comes to the music side of things. I wish him luck with it.
The other set back was the grad course I was planning on taking. The prof decided my writing sample wasn't up to par, in spite of the fact that she couldn't find anything wrong with it. I'm working off the theory that she checked out my story of being the first on the list of alternates, and she had to cover her ass for having let in two other people instead of me.
So, since I still wanted to take a writing course, I'm in the "Intro to Fiction Writing' course. It's taught by my old undergrad advisor, who was very surprised to hear that I wasn't allowed into the 900-level course. She also made a point to point me out the rest of the class and warn them that I've been doing this for a while, and not to let that intimidate them. So far, after only two classes, I'm thinking I may be a semi-TA for the course, as I've already exposed one girl to the theory of close reading and critiqueing. She had no idea how to do it, or what to look for.
It's like being back in 5th grade. Oh well.
As for the rest of the semester beginning. We just had to hire 20 new students for the library. 20 out of the 350 applications we'd gotten before we stopped taking them, and the 15-20 students who've asked at the loan desk about applying.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Getting into classes
Ok, so I've worked here at the University of College for almost a year now. I can start taking my free classes.
I got permission from my supervisors to take a fiction writing course this fall. It's a 900 level (graduate) course, so I have to get permission from the English Dept. They won't put me in the class since I'm not in the Writing MFA program. They'll list me as an alternate, and I can join if there's space...which there seemed to be.
Well, getting into that program was the other reason I went to go see them. Even though I work for the school, I have to jump through all the hoops of applying, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and application fees. At least I don't have to take the GREs. And, of course, the deadline was 3 days after I went to see them. In spite of having gone to this school as and undergrad, I can't even get my transcripts in 3 days. So, I can't join the program until next freakin' fall, as they're one of the only programs on campus that don't admit new students during the spring semester.
At least I've got one of my letters lined up. It's coming from the wonderful woman who started the summer writing workshops I attend whenever possible. She used to work for NASA, was in publishing, is now a writer and writing professor at another university, and was on the History Channel on their show about Star Wars tech (she wrote The Science of Star Wars). After surviving her workshop for another year, I'm pretty sure I'm more than qualified to take this class. I probably won't get all that much out of the whole MFA thing either, except for another diploma...
Oh well, we'll see.
I got permission from my supervisors to take a fiction writing course this fall. It's a 900 level (graduate) course, so I have to get permission from the English Dept. They won't put me in the class since I'm not in the Writing MFA program. They'll list me as an alternate, and I can join if there's space...which there seemed to be.
Well, getting into that program was the other reason I went to go see them. Even though I work for the school, I have to jump through all the hoops of applying, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and application fees. At least I don't have to take the GREs. And, of course, the deadline was 3 days after I went to see them. In spite of having gone to this school as and undergrad, I can't even get my transcripts in 3 days. So, I can't join the program until next freakin' fall, as they're one of the only programs on campus that don't admit new students during the spring semester.
At least I've got one of my letters lined up. It's coming from the wonderful woman who started the summer writing workshops I attend whenever possible. She used to work for NASA, was in publishing, is now a writer and writing professor at another university, and was on the History Channel on their show about Star Wars tech (she wrote The Science of Star Wars). After surviving her workshop for another year, I'm pretty sure I'm more than qualified to take this class. I probably won't get all that much out of the whole MFA thing either, except for another diploma...
Oh well, we'll see.
Holy crap, it's been way too long...
Alright, it's been a while since I last posted.
The University of College is undergoing some massive construction projects, that largely seem designed to make me walk and extra mile between the closest parking lot and my desk. They tore down one of the older buildings, and are getting ready to begin building its replacement. At least this time it should be a while before they have to fill a room with cement to contain a radiation leak.
There are a few changes here in the library. We're currently having some work done to move the campus computer gurus in at one of the rear service desks, so they're doing a lot of rewiring for that. And, they're trying to figure out where to put the new cafe. I don't understand just WHY we need a cafe stuffed into there. It's just going to make a mess.
Also, wish me luck. One of our staff members is leaving in about 2 weeks, and I've applied for her job. It's a lateral shift, but could be interesting. I've already been interviewed, but they got one more person to talk to...
That's pretty much it. We're in the process of hiring students again, so that's a constant battle.
The University of College is undergoing some massive construction projects, that largely seem designed to make me walk and extra mile between the closest parking lot and my desk. They tore down one of the older buildings, and are getting ready to begin building its replacement. At least this time it should be a while before they have to fill a room with cement to contain a radiation leak.
There are a few changes here in the library. We're currently having some work done to move the campus computer gurus in at one of the rear service desks, so they're doing a lot of rewiring for that. And, they're trying to figure out where to put the new cafe. I don't understand just WHY we need a cafe stuffed into there. It's just going to make a mess.
Also, wish me luck. One of our staff members is leaving in about 2 weeks, and I've applied for her job. It's a lateral shift, but could be interesting. I've already been interviewed, but they got one more person to talk to...
That's pretty much it. We're in the process of hiring students again, so that's a constant battle.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Shall we play a game?
How about a game of “Good Idea, Bad Idea”?
Good Idea:
Checking back with us to see if your application has been received or reviewed. It’s always a good idea to check. You aren’t bugging us, and you show to us that you are truly interested in the job.
Bad Idea:
Checking back with us almost a month later, then getting pissed because I have no idea who you are. Yes, I know you’re a special little snowflake, dude. We all are. Now, if there had been something special on your application, we would’ve called you, if not hired you. What makes this even worse is that not an hour later, another department asked us if we had any applications left in the “YES” pile, and could they have three or four. I found the one in question in that pile. Decent application, ok experience, his schedule just didn’t work out.
I chose four others from the pile.
I’m saying it again: Don’t be a dumbass.
Update:
The girl from my last post who checked back with us a few times was hired. The fact that she was a “MAYBE” shows, but so does her dedication and desire to be a good worker. If things continue as they have been, I hope she will be with us for a good, long time.
Good Idea:
Checking back with us to see if your application has been received or reviewed. It’s always a good idea to check. You aren’t bugging us, and you show to us that you are truly interested in the job.
Bad Idea:
Checking back with us almost a month later, then getting pissed because I have no idea who you are. Yes, I know you’re a special little snowflake, dude. We all are. Now, if there had been something special on your application, we would’ve called you, if not hired you. What makes this even worse is that not an hour later, another department asked us if we had any applications left in the “YES” pile, and could they have three or four. I found the one in question in that pile. Decent application, ok experience, his schedule just didn’t work out.
I chose four others from the pile.
I’m saying it again: Don’t be a dumbass.
Update:
The girl from my last post who checked back with us a few times was hired. The fact that she was a “MAYBE” shows, but so does her dedication and desire to be a good worker. If things continue as they have been, I hope she will be with us for a good, long time.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
A Tale of Two Applicants
Last time, I gave some suggestions for getting a job. After the past few days, I must stress the idea of following up. We had one girl call on the last day we were accepting applications to make sure we got hers. Supposedly, she’d sent it in a few days before. None of us handling the applications had any record of her. So, we were nice and gave her a back door to the application website. A few minutes later, we had it.
Well, we had an application with her name and contact info on it, but nothing else. We emailed her again to let her know. By the end of the day, we had a completed application.
Now, had that application come through the first time, she would’ve been classed solidly in the “Maybe” pile. Her aggression in pursuing the position has gotten her a foot in the door. We were slammed with applications. A good 80-85% were culled, and only about half of the remainder have been or will be hired. I’ll know when I get back to work next whether or not this girl will be joining us.
On the other hand, don’t be like the girl who dropped in on us Friday. She hadn’t applied through the website, she wouldn’t talk to any of us except my boss, and seemed to think we would be inclined to give her a position. I don’t think so.
I’m making her sound like she was pushy and rude, which wasn’t the case. I think she was just misinformed (non-native English-speaker would be my guess), and she either had no idea that we were involved or was just too timid to say anything to us other than who she wanted to talk to. Probably a combination of the two, if what I know of her ethnicity’s culture is anywhere near accurate. Like a boxer, she had a plan, and it fell apart when the first punch was thrown. She just couldn’t think on her feet fast enough to recover.
Well, we had an application with her name and contact info on it, but nothing else. We emailed her again to let her know. By the end of the day, we had a completed application.
Now, had that application come through the first time, she would’ve been classed solidly in the “Maybe” pile. Her aggression in pursuing the position has gotten her a foot in the door. We were slammed with applications. A good 80-85% were culled, and only about half of the remainder have been or will be hired. I’ll know when I get back to work next whether or not this girl will be joining us.
On the other hand, don’t be like the girl who dropped in on us Friday. She hadn’t applied through the website, she wouldn’t talk to any of us except my boss, and seemed to think we would be inclined to give her a position. I don’t think so.
I’m making her sound like she was pushy and rude, which wasn’t the case. I think she was just misinformed (non-native English-speaker would be my guess), and she either had no idea that we were involved or was just too timid to say anything to us other than who she wanted to talk to. Probably a combination of the two, if what I know of her ethnicity’s culture is anywhere near accurate. Like a boxer, she had a plan, and it fell apart when the first punch was thrown. She just couldn’t think on her feet fast enough to recover.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Help Wanted
“Don’t need school? If nigga no to school, nigga no get a job. If nigga no get a job, nigga no get no money. If nigga don’t get no money, nigga no gonna be able to afford BMW 7-series, nigga!”
-“Tokyo Breakfast” (Google it! I dare you. It's damned funny.)
Ok, I’m sure all of you have applied, or will apply for a job.
We started looking through applications yesterday for new student hires. (I meant to write this last night, but real life intruded and I had no computer access for most of the night.) In my stack of ten to review, I found one that went directly into my “YES” pile, four that went right into “NO” and the other five were in the “MAYBE.” Granted, there were a couple high maybes and a few low maybes, and only one that I couldn’t think of anything to comment on. Since I’m new to this, my boss double checked my work. She moved my high maybes into the “YES” pile and my lows into the “NO.”
So, the question is, what makes for a “YES” as opposed to a “NO?” Well, a lot depends on the skills and experience you have to offer. Jobs with increasing responsibility certainly help, as do hobbies and activities that show maturity, an ability to commit, and leadership potential. Being an Eagle Scout will help you, being a conissieur of Mexican fast food won’t.
On the other hand, even if you have good experience, a bad application will not help. Nattering on for half a page about what music you like to play or going hiking in the mountains will get you shunted off into the circular file. Likewise, writing things in a very casual or chatty “tone” will do the same. Following the directions will help as well. Our application has a short test for alphabetizing a list of titles and one for arranging decimals in order. Not knowing what you are doing, or making a mistake won’t get you disregarded. We can teach you how to do it. Ignoring the directions entirely will get you rejected, especially if the rest of your application only elicits a “meh” from the guy reading it over.
So, tips for those of you seeking employment:
Be brief. It makes it easier for us to read. It also gives you less chance of saying something that might turn a good application into a maybe, or worse. Besides, verbal diarrhea does not make you look “smart.”
Be professional. It’s better to be too formal, than to have your application sound like you’re chatting with your friends on your cellphone. Especially when it’s read aloud. Avoid smartass remarks or attempts at humor. You’ll probably end up being unintentionally humorous and canned.
PROOFREAD! If it looks like net-speak, we don’t care if you have an IQ of 245 and dedication of a platoon of Japanese salarymen. You obviously aren’t using it, and we won’t call you.
Follow up! The fact that you called us a few days after submitting your application to inquire goes a LONG way towards getting your application into the “YES” pile. Don’t be afraid of “bothering” us. We want to hire people that want the job. I spent 6 YEARS trying to get a job in this library. I applied for every opening. I interviewed for several position and, in spite of constantly being passed over for internal candidates, I got in. I’m pretty sure that my stubborn determination counted highly.
Basically, don’t be a dumbass. We’re not your friend yet, and we don’t care.
Of course, I’ve been guilty of all these mistakes myself. Luckily, I learned from them. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes as well.
-“Tokyo Breakfast” (Google it! I dare you. It's damned funny.)
Ok, I’m sure all of you have applied, or will apply for a job.
We started looking through applications yesterday for new student hires. (I meant to write this last night, but real life intruded and I had no computer access for most of the night.) In my stack of ten to review, I found one that went directly into my “YES” pile, four that went right into “NO” and the other five were in the “MAYBE.” Granted, there were a couple high maybes and a few low maybes, and only one that I couldn’t think of anything to comment on. Since I’m new to this, my boss double checked my work. She moved my high maybes into the “YES” pile and my lows into the “NO.”
So, the question is, what makes for a “YES” as opposed to a “NO?” Well, a lot depends on the skills and experience you have to offer. Jobs with increasing responsibility certainly help, as do hobbies and activities that show maturity, an ability to commit, and leadership potential. Being an Eagle Scout will help you, being a conissieur of Mexican fast food won’t.
On the other hand, even if you have good experience, a bad application will not help. Nattering on for half a page about what music you like to play or going hiking in the mountains will get you shunted off into the circular file. Likewise, writing things in a very casual or chatty “tone” will do the same. Following the directions will help as well. Our application has a short test for alphabetizing a list of titles and one for arranging decimals in order. Not knowing what you are doing, or making a mistake won’t get you disregarded. We can teach you how to do it. Ignoring the directions entirely will get you rejected, especially if the rest of your application only elicits a “meh” from the guy reading it over.
So, tips for those of you seeking employment:
Be brief. It makes it easier for us to read. It also gives you less chance of saying something that might turn a good application into a maybe, or worse. Besides, verbal diarrhea does not make you look “smart.”
Be professional. It’s better to be too formal, than to have your application sound like you’re chatting with your friends on your cellphone. Especially when it’s read aloud. Avoid smartass remarks or attempts at humor. You’ll probably end up being unintentionally humorous and canned.
PROOFREAD! If it looks like net-speak, we don’t care if you have an IQ of 245 and dedication of a platoon of Japanese salarymen. You obviously aren’t using it, and we won’t call you.
Follow up! The fact that you called us a few days after submitting your application to inquire goes a LONG way towards getting your application into the “YES” pile. Don’t be afraid of “bothering” us. We want to hire people that want the job. I spent 6 YEARS trying to get a job in this library. I applied for every opening. I interviewed for several position and, in spite of constantly being passed over for internal candidates, I got in. I’m pretty sure that my stubborn determination counted highly.
Basically, don’t be a dumbass. We’re not your friend yet, and we don’t care.
Of course, I’ve been guilty of all these mistakes myself. Luckily, I learned from them. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes as well.
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