During SXSW 2003, I saw a movie called The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The movie is about President Chavez in Venezuela and the failed coup attempt on his presidency. In the background coverage of his presidency, the filmmakers recounted how as President, he encouraged his citizens to read their brand new constitution and learn it. They interviewed some Venezuelans who did not know to read, but had learned to read by reading their constitution.

I was touched by this, but then I thought “how many Americans can say they’ve read the Constitution?” My guess is probably not many. And those that have only did it for school and have since forgotten much of what they learned. Personally, I remember having to memorize the Bill of Rights for a class, but that’s about it.

In a time when Congress is passing legislation that infringes upon the rights guaranteed us by our Constitution, it’s important now more than ever that we read and understand it. And the Federalist Papers are a great way to learn what the founders were thinking when shaping the Constitution and to learn the issues they were concerned about in the structure of our government.

I used this on my honeymoon in France. These are the best travel guides around!

I used this on my honeymoon in France. These are the best travel guides around!

As Ms. Muscio would say, “fucken rad.” I got this book for my birthday one week ago today and I just finished it last night. Even though I’m working overtime on a big project right now and even though most of my free time is spent planning my wedding in 6 weeks (eek!), I couldn’t put this book down. I carried it with me everywhere—to the grocery store, to work, to a local coffeeshop. And if I had to go in somewhere and leave the book behind, I left it on my dashboard so passersby could plainly see the title. Heehee.

I can’t say I’m going to go out and start doing everything Ms. Muscio suggests, but she’s certainly planted some seeds. I do wish I had a young niece so I could throw her a menarche party; all my nieces are past that stage now.

Here’s my advice to you about this book: Yes, the name is shocking and might even be offensive to you. Before I read this book, I was offended when I heard that word too. But it’s just a word. A benign combination of 4 little letters to which humans have added meaning. If a few humans gave it a specific meaning, then other humans can certainly give it a new meaning.

And yes, some of the items Ms. Muscio suggests in this book might seem bonkers to you. I know I can’t see myself ever doing some of the things she suggests. But that’s not the point. Take a step back and look at the big picture of what she’s saying. Our bodies are nothing to be ashamed of. Our bodies deserve to be respected and loved. Respect, love, and protect yourself. Respect, love, and protect your fellow womankind. Rid your life of purposeless jealousy, cattiness, and suckass vibes towards other women. Invest in the women in your community—spend your time to help single moms learn to read or find a job (and thus daycare); spend your time to teach young girls in your community that their bodies are nothing to be ashamed of; spend your money supporting local woman-owned and woman-positive businesses; give your money to organizations that teach girls self-esteem.

You might feel as if what you’re doing is pointless and isn’t making a dent in the overpowering sadness in the world. You’re right that you’re probably not making a huge dent. One person rarely does. But you are changing the world, if only in a small way. Join up with your friends, family, and others and put your heads together and make an even bigger dent. And besides—how could you live with yourself if you just sat back and watched all this sadness and did nothing, absolutely nothing, to stop it?

This is by far my favorite Austen novel and definitely one of my all-time favorites.

This book gave me insight into how our legal system works when it comes to death penalty cases. I highly recommend it, no matter what side of the fence you fall on in this debate.

I’ve also heard Sister Helen speak in person—she’s amazing. If you ever hear that she’s in the area, go listen to her! Who would guess that a nun would be so darn funny?

During SXSW 2003, I saw a movie called The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The movie is about President Chavez in Venezuela and the failed coup attempt on his presidency. In the background coverage of his presidency, the filmmakers recounted how as President, he encouraged his citizens to read their brand new constitution and learn it. They interviewed some Venezuelans who did not know to read, but had learned to read by reading their constitution.

I was touched by this, but then I thought “how many Americans can say they’ve read the Constitution?” My guess is probably not many. And those that have only did it for school and have since forgotten much of what they learned. Personally, I remember having to memorize the Bill of Rights for a class, but that’s about it.

So I bought a copy of the Constitution for myself and began reading it.

In a time when Congress is passing legislation that infringes upon the rights guaranteed us by our Constitution, it’s important now more than ever that we read and understand it.

Wow. I wish I hadn’t procrastinated reading this for so long. I’m going to have to read this again sometime soon so I can be sure to soak up every little detail.

I read through this book as a child and it impacted me greatly. Ever since then, I’ve looked for simple ways to change my habits and routines so as to impact the environment less.

This is my favorite Roald Dahl book! (And the movie ain’t bad either!)