Men, stand up and be counted.

I am thoroughly depressed. Last night, I made the mistake of reading the YouTube comments on the Bond/M video for International Women's Day.

Feminist ONLY want equal rights in areas that suits them, any hardships that men go through they couldn't careless. We are evil only until they need our money sperm and (bodies) <--- in terms of men getting blown up on the battlefield on the front lines whilst they shop and have their "sex and the city" night out cackling like spoiled bitches!

Ridiculous! James Bond is one of the few remaining male and male characters on the big screen, do it dressed as a woman and emasculation in this way without doubt is part of the mammoth work of feminist social engineering, which has as its aim the destruction of male identity and the creation a super-feminine identity that should be, according to these feminist social engineers, the ruling class of the totalitarian future (the famous "World of Women" which is always talking about).

Women are so full of shit, they went from having no rights to trying to claim ALL the rights.

It had been a long time since I'd read so many hate-filled, misogynistic things from men. I'm usually pretty optimistic about the changes in the world. We've made huge strides in drawing attention to injustice and creating differences.

Instead, today, I am reminded that men hate women.  I look at my nearest and dearest and fear for my safety - could these loving, generous men secretly feel this way about me? Do they really want me to shut up, to not get an education, to never challenge their thoughts? I am terrified of what might happen if I speak up one too many times.

Once, I read a study. Researchers had asked men and women what they feared the most from the other.

Men feared a woman would laugh at them.

Women feared a man would kill them.

If you are a man, if you read this blog, reassure me. Tell me that not every man wants women to disappear, to not vote, to not have access to health care, to die if I disagree with them. Tell me that you find these comments as abhorrent as I do, that I am not alone, that I can look you in the eye and not fear what I see there.

Please.

Because I am afraid.

I'm afraid of you.

Story Basics Part IV: The Herald Archetype

I've written about big penises, Turkey, Muses, and International Woman's Day.  I figure now is a good time to get back on my subject of Archetypes and how they are used in literature.

When I think of the Herald, I think of the character Mountjoy in Henry V. Mountjoy is the carrier of news and challenges. His appearance means things are about to change, that a new energy is going to shake up the Hero's life. This archetype is so important that the God Mercury (Hermes in Greek mythology) was the Deity of messengers.

(I obviously have a weakness for the Herald archetype ;).

The Herald announces the need for change (also known as The Call to Adventure) and provides motivation. This role is not always filled by a person, but can be a wonderful character when it is, especially if the Herald is mixed in with another archetype. Often, the Herald is filled by inanimate objects; hurricanes and storms, a telegram, phone call, or television broadcast, perhaps a letter. Sometimes a Herald is negative, a message from the antagonist. The Herald can be also be positive or neutral.

International Women's Day.

More reason why Daniel Craig and Judi Dench should rule the world.

Time for noms.

I think I will bake cookies this evening.

Travel picture of the day.

I was missing Istanbul this morning. So here is a picture to remind me of that magical place.

This is part of the Sultan's bath in the Topkapi Palace. Water would fill the marble basin, then the bather uses a dipping bowl to pour the water all over himself. That way, the basin and the water remains clean, even after scrubbing.

Other wonderful Turkish things:
A most unusual movie with Peter Ustinov and Melina Mercouri (Love her name!) as part of a jewel heist from the Topkapi Palace.

The Turkish Bath. I firmly believe that it could bring world peace. And Apple Tea is good for everything that ails you.

Another Muse.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis Presley!

Elvis is a Muse because he represents fearlessness to me. He danced in ways that frightened people, but he did it anyway. Even when he was miserable and drugged out, he still tried to be himself.

Viva Las Elvis!