The majority fear theocracy more than they fear socialism.

OK, first of all here's the news: White House says first lady’s image is being used without her permission in new PETA anti-fur ad.

Here's the reminder: Barack Obama's image was used without his permission in pro-Proposition 8 ads. (For those who don't recall, Prop 8 was the anti-gay measure that passed in California in 2008.)

The difference? This time, the Obama family is crying foul.

For the record, Michelle Obama is anti-fur. And for the record, Obama's official stance was against Prop 8.

So when an Obama's views are correctly portrayed in an anti-fur ad, the family sees the need to speak out, but when an Obama's views are incorrectly portrayed in an anti-gay ad, they keep mum?

Anyone out there still think Obama is actually pro-gay?

I understand that the blizzards delayed the packages I sent to the East Coast and the Midwest. However, there's no excuse for holiday cards that were pre-sorted by zip code failing to arrive in Southern California four weeks after they were sent.

I would prefer if you did not fight over me. You most certainly may not fight on me.

2amtomorning
If you find yourself at the crossroads of insomnia and insanity, this is the place to channel those demons that keep you sleepless. Vivid pictures, poetry, ruminations, and confessions from the nether hours between dusk and dawn. Originally formed to celebrate the city at night, there's a strong urban theme.

green_future
Dedicated to promoting global sustainability, this community offers a forum for discussing current environmental news, research, and issues with tips on how to make positive, pro-active changes to reduce carbon impact. You'll also find information on how to get involved in eco-activism and learn about events near you (i.e., act local; think global). Offering a wealth of data on earth-friendly products and practices, you'll be inspired to don an organic bamboo cape and save the planet.

wtf_sexism
Self-described as "a little community with a lot of rage," you can soak up impassioned vibes and read blistering exposes detailing sexist attitudes in the news, pop culture, and science! A must-join community if you are, or love, a feminist. (NB: the topic of whether a "man" can be a feminist is outside the scope of this spotlight, but will probably wind up on the Writer's Block.)

Don't stand under your graven images, wearing blended fabrics, and tell me that the Bible prohibits what I do.

Most internet memes are way too long.

The goal of naysaying isn't to be able to say "I told you so."

From XKCD:

Why is it that we, as a society, choose to ring in the new year by cleaning up after a raucous party?

My calendar ends tonight. Applying the "2012 Mayan Doomsday" logic, that means today is our last day on Earth.

I'd spend a lot less on food if I could just learn to photosynthesize.

From CNN: Bruce Schneier on how to (and how not to) make ourselves safer from terrorism.

Sadly, it reads as if it's been edited down from a longer piece and some points are not adequately explained (I suspect I understand why he views media hype of arrests of terrorism suspects as doing more harm than good, but the point is left hanging in the piece as published), but Schneier is a voice to be taken seriously in the security field, and I hope our leaders start listening to him.

You're never too old to discover a new muscle. Unfortunately, the way this is usually accomplished is by straining it.

renaissance2010
Turning to photography as a creative outlet during a valiant fight with breast cancer at age 34, renaissance10 survived and set up a photo contest to help raise funds for the Lavender Trust, a nonprofit that provides information and support to younger women with breast cancer. In the first two years, the competition brought in over £65,000 (that's $107,260.73 U.S.!), with entries from 130 countries last year. Renaissance10 recently joined LiveJournal to meet other passionate photographers and find supportive friends.

curiouscupcakes
Holy buttercream frosting! If you have a sweet tooth for sugary goodness or a wandering eye for whimsical confection, this is pure ecstasy iced in deliciousness. Hailing the beloved cupcake as the artisinal canvas of choice, you'll enjoy recipes, photos, and bountiful tips to bake up a batch, whether your taste leans toward French classics or funky and flavorful.

mission101
With New Years in the offing, it's an ideal time to reflect on past accomplishments, make peace with disappointments, and refocus the lens on future goals. This community welcomes you to create a bucket list of 101 things you plan to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. Offering support, guidance, and inspiration, this is a great way to jumpstart those pesky resolutions.

New electronics can cause muscle pain. Especially if hooking them up involves crawling under the house.