Why, God? Why?

Oh my god.  I really didn't want to ever have a ranting post but I have to... okay..

what the hell.. is up with TWILIGHT?!  I don't even know where to begin!  In normal circumstances, I read a book I don't like and move on.  But this shit keeps slapping me in the face everywhere I look!  Only cool people have Twilight STATIONARY?!  Obviously my curiosity got the better of me and I actually read Twilight.  All. Four. Books.

To briefly explain, Twilight is censored vampire erotica for pre-teens as told by a Mormon.  Not kidding.  She writes about as good as a preteen too.  And let me tell you, I have never read anything more blatantly sexist.. it even trumps books that are supposed to take place when women weren't allowed to vote.  It's about two lovebirds: Edward the 100 year old vampire virgin and Bella the 17 year old bane of my existence.  They have no interests, no hobbies, no friends.. they just love each other because he likes the smell of her blood and she is the most insecure woman to ever exist.  She validates her life by his presence.  She has no goals for herself other than to become a vampire so they can love each other for their entire immortal existence (!!!!!)

What pisses me off the most is that this is what most girls reading it (ages 13-18) think love is.  They traded in mutual respect, commitment, friendship and attraction for the less used model of OBSESSIVE CRAZY. 

The only thing Edward says (paraphrased, though sadly not by much) : "I love you.. I love you.. I'm so angry at myself for putting you in danger.. I must flee forever into the abyss to hide my shame.  You're better off without my chiseled features and controlling existence.  Allow me to protect you from afar, feeble minded female mortal."

The only thing Bella says:  "I love you so much it hurts my weak mind.  I feel dizzy and my woman legs can't carry me.  Lift me, oh strong protector of the night."
AND A DIRECT QUOTE: "Maybe my brain will never work right, at least I'm pretty now" -Bella, on becoming a vampire. I just don't understand this bizarro feminism with mormon undertones. She lets this vampire walk all over her and control her life, but then when he knocks her up and the baby will 99% KILL HER.. he respects her choice to have a risky pregnancy? WHAT?!

And the movie was just close-ups of their faces for two hours in various intense expressions.

EFF MINUS! (F-)

Furiously yours,
Stef

Book review: “Vaginas: An Owner’s Manual”

I found this book really interesting. It’s written by a gynaecologist and her daughter who discuss everything from puberty to menopause. Specifically, they tackle anatomy, menstruation, gynaecology, maintenance, sex, contraception, STD’s, abortion, reproduction, and menopause.

Highlights:
- Really great chapter on “the standard equipment”, outlining all the internal and external parts of the vulva that are often ignored.
- The section on the birth control pill was really informative. I have not yet met a doctor/nurse who has explained the different types of pills (Monophasic vs. Triphaisal and estrogen-progesterone vs. progesterone alone) in this way, instead of just giving a list of the brands that they know or prescribe the most.
- The section on abortion explicitly outlines the different procedures and how they are carried out, the risks involved, and complications that may occur afterwards.

Criticisms:
- It’s written from the perspective of a doctor who practises traditional North American medicine. Much of the info. reflects this; although everything is explained very thoroughly.
- There are many times throughout the chapter on contraception where they make reference to long-term monogamous relationships and how they are the safest sex practise. I don’t think that monogamy = safe sex, although in someone's ideal world this might be true. It may sound cynical but things happen and that’s where you can run into trouble (ie: There are people who are married/etc. for years but suddenly contract HIV).
- I feel that the target audience is for the most part white middle-class heterosexual women. (ie: sex = heterosexual intercourse is a common theme)

Although some parts should be read critically, I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great introduction to the wonderful world vaginas! (Although the correct term is actually the vulva.)

- Alice