New Depths of Inhumanity...

Just when you thought health insurance companies couldn’t get any scummier, it appears that in nine states and the District of Columbia, insurance companies have categorized domestic violence as a “preexisting condition.” Domestic violence is a strong predictor of increased use of health...

Harpy Predicts Future: Chris Brown R...

Flashy, but fleeting. Via spud murphy @ Flickr. My Mondays are currently such that I’m out and about a lot, away from the computer and other forms of media, but even I knew that Chris Brown had released a public apology, although I didn’t get to view it until this morning.  Not only has...

The Best Deal Chris Brown Will Ever Make...

So today Chris Brown pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to cause great bodily injury against then-girlfriend Rihanna. According to CNN: Under terms of the agreement, Brown will serve five years of probation and must serve 180 days in jail or the equivalent — about 1,400 hours —...

Gordon Ramsay, Hypocritical Nightmare...

Via Stevens Bruno @ Flickr. Gentle readers, I confess that among my guilty reality show pleasures, I occasionally enjoy “Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares,” mostly because my inner clean freak is always deeply gratified to watch Gordon go berserk on restaurant owners whose kitchens...

It’s All of a Piece...

Put it together. Via ajgelado @ Flickr. I can’t count the number of times I’ve told my students that humans are pattern-making (and -breaking) and pattern-finding animals.  A huge proportion of the accomplishments of humanity in both the sciences and the arts has to do with those skills. ...

Does Your State Make the Grade?...

National surveys estimate that one in three youths experiences dating abuse at some point during their teens.  Yet only a handful of states have laws enabling underage victims of dating violence to obtain protection orders on equal terms with adults. Break the Cycle, an organization dedicated to ending...

I Feel Hopeless...

When news like this comes out, I lose the little hope I had for humanity (womanity in particular). The results of a British Home Office survey of people’s attitudes towards violence against women are disturbing. The survey was conducted in England and Wales. Between ten and 20 percent of respondents...

Anonymous Prosecutor: Chris Brown and Ri...

This is not actually the Anonymous Prosecutor. As an Assistant District Attorney, Anonymous Prosecutor has specialized in prosecuting crimes against women, including sex crimes, domestic violence and child abuse, as well as homicide, in New York City and its suburbs.  Now that Rihanna and Chris Brown...

Compassion is a Renewable Resource*...

I'm important. Via SarahMC In reaction to news that Washington state may extend domestic violence restraining order protection to pets, some Jezebel commenters expressed outrage that people allegedly care more about animals than women and children. Ignore, for a moment, the fact that this potential...

Do You Want to Fight Chris Brown?...

So there’s a new Facebook group called “I WANT TO FIGHT CHRIS BROWN”, set up as part publicity stunt/part public shaming by Anthony Geisler, president of the martial arts center LA Boxing.  He was apparently as unpersuaded by Brown’s fauxpology as my harpy sister PhDork. The...

How to Fauxpologize in 4 E-Z Steps (gue...

"Picture Perfect" Chris Brown. Via sunrise.seven @Flickr. Do you want to weasel your way out of responsibility for your actions? Do you need to maintain your lucrative endorsement deals? Do you deserve a break, ’cause it’s really hard to not beat up a bitch who deserved it?  It’s...

Domestic Abuse Rises as Economy Falters...

The economic downturn has not only exacerbated job insecurity and financial stress; the deepening recession has lead to a spike in domestic violence. Organizations that serve victims of domestic violence have had an increased demand for services in the past year. Because jobs and affordable housing are...