Showing posts with label facts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label facts. Show all posts

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Alternate Language Proposed for the CDC Budget

According to the Washington Post, Trump and his... who? Minions? have given a list of forbidden words to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Below are the words not allowed to appear in the budget proposal, and my suggestions for alternate language. I've included alternates in a sentence, to get a feel for the new language, which can seem clunky at first.

1. Forbidden: Diversity
Alternate language: not-just-whiteness; difference; heterogeneity; where people exhibit clear differences between each other. 


As in, "In areas of not-just-whiteness, the median income is often half of that of just-whiteness neighborhoods."


2. Forbidden: Entitlement
Alternate language: due by law; owed by law. 


As in, "Despite the 70-year-old's being due by law a healthcare benefit, per his military service, he was denied any care at all due to his pre-existing condition."


3./4. Forbidden: Evidence-based/Science-based
Alternate language: factual.


As in, "Climate change is factual, and of course each country must do its part to eliminate carbon emissions."


5. Forbidden: Fetus
Alternate language: foetus; unborn children

As in, "The unborn child should not be hurt in any way, because this is the one issue that has moral credibility, and there is no way we are losing traction with the one-issue voters. No way in hell."


6. Forbidden: Transgender
Alternate language: individuals who are confusing in their ambiguity; scapegoat.

As in, "How can Americans become better at treating individuals who are confusing in their ambiguity with respect instead of beating them up in public restrooms?" 


7. Forbidden: Vulnerable
Alternate language: threatened, endangered; poor; sick

As in, "This administration preys on the poorest people who are already threatened by big businesses."

---

The White House budget will be a reflection of what this administration holds dear. Just as important as what it spends money on is the recognition of what is missing from the budget. They've clearly outlined that bit for us: facts, transgender people, vulnerable people, diversity, and what Americans are entitled to by our own laws.

And here's a freebie, for the kids. 

Trump
Alternate language: No Justice for the Poor.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Side by Side

Side by side on my dresser
Are two folded papers.

One is the program from a memorial service:
A friend expired at age 25
Because, for reasons I can't know,
In Brooklyn one night,
He decided to jump.

The other is a thank you card:
A friend decided to keep living at age 25
Because, she tells me,
"There is still hope somewhere,
Even when I can't feel it."



Thursday, February 2, 2012

Unicorn Facts

General: Unicorns usually weigh around 1,000 pounds (450 kilos), and don't mind who knows it. They can have extraordinarily long lives. Some experts claim that under normal circumstances, unicorns are immortal. No evidence exists to the contrary. All unicorns are born on February 29th.

Typical habitat: Forests, usually near streams (for which they may or may not be responsible for creating by their presence); also, but rarely, deserts.

Horn: All unicorns have a single horn protruding from the center of the forehead.Not all unicorn horns exhibit magical capabilities. The magical horn of a unicorn is the result of a combination of fairy dust, prayer, and an irregularity on the 29th chromosome.

Powers: Those unicorns with magical horns have powers of healing and of granting certain wishes. The sense of humor of a unicorn is known to diffuse any awkward situation, including, but not limited to, meetings with in-laws, court-ordered community service, and the first day of school.

Social Behavior and Interests:


-despise bawdy jokes, but have been known to drop curse words on occasion.

-do not tend to be outgoing. But they will be your friend, if cornered.

-rarely gather in groups. When they do gather in groups, they find themselves watching their favorite movies.

-will help you move your refrigerator.

-take a lively interest in the soap-opera lives of squirrels.

-are credited with the idea for Read Across America Day (paired with Dr. Suess' birthday celebration on March 2nd).

-enjoy daisies and bananas.

-are incapable of holding a grudge.

-can become annoyed in two ways: by exaggerating their healing powers, or by assuming they have no views on politics, specifically healthcare bills.

-maintain excellent hygiene.

-often read novels, especially when traveling.







Sources:


Bill the Unicorn. Personal Interview. 13 April 2011.


Senator Frederick "Fred the Unicorn" Loannes. Personal Interview. 13 April 2011.


Silton, Sybil. Silton's Approximate Geographical Guide to Unicorns. Trans. Carolyn McKalips. Ulaanbaatar: 1200. Vellum print.




image: http://lair2000.net/Unicorn_Dreams/Unicorn_History/modern_unicorns.html