EDUCATING WOMEN: A Conference on the Status of Research on the Education of Girls and Women

Posted by: gretchen on July 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment |

This message is from the Blackwell History of Education Museum on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois:

Call for Proposals, EDUCATING WOMEN: A Conference on the Status of Research on the Education of Girls and Women
for Professors, Students, Teachers, Activists, Researchers and Concerned Citizens, May 29-31, 2008, at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum,
The University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 Halstead Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607. Deadline February 1, 2008. More information at
http://www.cedu.niu.edu/blackwell/educatingwomen.html.

If you have any question please feel free to email the museum at blackwell@niu.edu

Thank you for your time,

Paul Piraino
Blackwell History of Education Museum

This sounds very interesting and it’s close to home (for me). ;)

US Asks Japan For Sex Slavery Apology

Posted by: gretchen on July 31, 2007 | 9 Comments |

Yesterday, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution that asked Japan to issue a formal apology to the women who were forced to become sex slaves during World War II. The Japanese government is not happy about this one bit and I can totally understand their stance. While they acknowledge that sex slavery existed during WWII, they are not claiming that their military had anything to do with it. So if they aren’t responsible, then why apologize? Some may argue that you should apologize even when you are not at fault, but I disagree with that. Why take the blame if you are not guilty? To me it seems like a false sense of reconciliation. It is not a true apology unless the person issuing it is the responsible party and is sincerely sorry for their actions.

If the Japanese government decides to comply and issue a formal apology, what do the women who were victimized stand to gain here? Even though the circumstances were traumatic, I can’t imagine that there are women whose entire lives are on hold because the Japanese (or whoever is actually responsible) has not confessed their transgressions. I sincerely hope that the women involved in this tragedy have found the strength to put the past behind them. I am willing to bet that some of them have even turned their unfortunate circumstances into something good.

So what if Japan refuses to apologize? Read more

What’s new at Girls Can’t WHAT?

Posted by: gretchen on July 30, 2007 | 8 Comments |

It may appear that I have been a bit distracted lately and have somewhat neglected this site.  That’s only partially true.  I am distracted (all the time), but I have actually been working harder than ever to develop Girls Can’t WHAT?  The results just aren’t that visible - yet.  ;)  Part of those results will be revealed in a big (at least it’s big to me) announcement planned for later this week, perhaps even tomorrow if I’m ready.

I would appreciate some feedback from the regulars as well as the visitors on what you like or don’t like about the site.  What would you like to see on here - more videos, more interviews?   What annoys you?  What confuses you?  What parts do you like to read?  Do you like the format?  Do you miss the forums and private messaging?  Give me your thoughts.  I am planning some upgrades some September and I’d love to hear from you.  My focus is to continue to build a community and I would like for everyone to be able to interact with each other and build a support network.  Any thoughts along those lines would be much appreciated.  :)

Hannah Montana’s “Nobody’s Perfect” Video

Posted by: gretchen on July 30, 2007 | 7 Comments |

We’re still riding the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus wave here at my house and this week’s song appears to be “Nobody’s Perfect.” My girls have been blasting it non-stop on their karaoke machine for days on end. I happen to appreciate the lyrics and as I mentioned in an earlier post about Miley, I am rather impressed by the type of music and the image she projects. Her albums (so far) have more of an I-can-do-it message than a bunch of boy crazy gibberish. Check out “Nobody’s Perfect”. Lyrics are posted below.

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Will Miley Cyrus hang on to the Best of Both Worlds?

Posted by: gretchen on July 27, 2007 | 90 Comments |

Miley Cyrus PhotoOk - I gotta give some big props to Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) based on what I have seen lately. My girls have been huge Hannah Montana fans ever since the series began airing on Saturday mornings on one of our local stations so I have become well-acquainted with her show and the messages behind each episode over the last several months. I have to say that I have been rather impressed with the quality and wholesomeness of the show and I am particularly excited that the kids show respect to their parents, a trait that seems lost in Hollywood these days.

We’re seeing and hearing a lot of Miley this summer. For starters, we purchased the Hannah Montana 2-Disc special edition soundtrack for my kids to listen to on our vacation. The girls brought a CD player and headphones with them, but eventually the CD made it’s way into our van’s stereo system and before long the entire family knew the words to “Best of Both Worlds” and “Nobody’s Perfect”. In fact, I liked the CD so much that I added it to one of my iTunes playlists. The included DVD was also a huge hit and I think my girls have memorized every word on it. And now that we have subscribed to cable tv for the first time ever in our lives, we are learning a lot more about Miley than we ever thought possible. So far I like what I see. :)

About a week ago, I happened to catch an interview with Miley on one of the late night talk shows (Letterman? Leno? I forget - sorry!). She did a wonderful job at answering questions and sharing stories. She has a very likable personality and her confession of staying close to her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, in order to stay grounded was refreshing. In the wake of Hollywood stars who had real positive potential but then end up strung out and messed up (Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Spears, etc.), Miley is a welcome role model that I am comfortable supporting. I hope for my kids’ sake and for all the young girls who look up to Miley, that she can rise above the Hollywood riff-raff and remain one of the few positive role models in the entertainment industry.

If you are not familiar with Miley or her music, here is a live video performance of one of my favorite Hannah Montana songs called “Who Said.” The lyrics (posted below) are fabulous and fit the theme of my site so well. Major kudos to Miley…rock on, girl! b-)

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soccer and the boys

Posted by: missfashion usa1 on July 24, 2007 | 4 Comments |

Boys and soccer they seem like they own the field i HATE being teased or something just because my image is to them girly but really im not all prissy and know it all im a GIRL who knows how to play soccer and my team has won 2 years in a row……and this site has helped me know that girls rock and dont let the boys think what you are not we all have are girly days ….but i sure know im sick of BOYS AND THERE IMMATURE thinking that us GIRLS cant play the game soccer cause the best victory against the boys was me and my bff played against *Ryan and *jeremy and we won!!!!!.
*names have been changed for personal info

Responsibility - Own It

Posted by: gretchen on July 23, 2007 | 5 Comments |

I met Jenn* on the first day I set foot on the campus of Millikin University to start a four-year journey known as college. Jenn was a year or two older than me and lived in the same dorm. She was fun to hang out with although we had very little in common. During the spring of that first year, Jenn and I decided to start working out together. I had always been athletic and I was missing that now that my focus had shifted from sports to music since entering college. Jenn wasn’t much of an athlete, but she wanted to get into shape so we opted to buddy-up and at least make it fun. I had no idea I was about to learn a lesson that would stick with me every day for the rest of my life. Read more

Food Commercials Make Me Sick

Posted by: gretchen on July 20, 2007 | 7 Comments |

This is going to be an ugly little rant by the time I hit the ‘publish’ button at the bottom of this post, but here goes. What is up with the fast food commercials these days? I will admit to not watching much tv at all, but the ones I’ve seen lately from Dairy Queen and Hardee’s have been eye-popping in terms of sexual references and sensuality. I understand that a little “adult humor” every now and then is necessary to catch the attention of the consumers with the cash, but these supposed “family-friendly” restaurants are turning me off. Read more

Girls Can’t Be Programmers, Part 2

Posted by: nijigo on July 17, 2007 | 5 Comments |

I always find it interesting whenever I hear stories such as Sam’s in Girls Can’t Be Programmers. I have been pretty much studying programming also but I also dive into computer engineering (working with hardware and telecommunications). I’m pretty intuitive as to how people treat me and interestingly, I very rarely felt discriminated against. It is possibly due to the fact that I am a visible minority who has grown up in Vancouver, Canada. My tomboy (still so at this age) personality and my keen sense to learn might also have to do with the perception, especially with my peers

I was interested in computing from the get-go when I got my first computer. Even with 7 years of clicking and HTML experiences, by the time I entered university to get a career in computing, I realized I didn’t know how to program in the strictest sense of the verb. I understood code just fine, but would be completely lost as to what to do with an empty screen and a page of specs. I had to repeat the programming course and retook it over a summer semester. (I’ll say first that I’m lucky and grateful for the teachers/mentors I’ve known.) That summer semester was when I literally had one-on-one with the same instructor and eventually all the abstract concepts hit me. Never was there a look, an utter, nor a gesture that would indicate I shouldn’t learn how to be a programmer or anything sexist.

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Who Shot This Bear?

Posted by: gretchen on July 17, 2007 | 1 Comment |

Record Polar BearOne of the stops on my recent vacation was at the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. I was really excited about seeing the Annie Oakley section of the museum, since my parents claim she is a distant relative - that and the fact that she was an amazing sharpshooter. Her display was very cool and I loved looking at all of her gear, but one of the coolest parts of the museum turned out to be in the gun section. I admit I dreaded going through the “history of firearms” until I rounded a corner and came face to face with a giant Polar Bear that had to be like 9 feet tall (click photo). I wasn’t that thrilled about it until the small plaque beneath it caught my attention… Read more

Kudos to British Authorities for Fighting Against Female Genital Mutilation

Posted by: gretchen on July 13, 2007 | 4 Comments |

My sister sent me to a breaking news story where British Police are seeking to prosecute their first case of female genital mutilation. This is a growing problem in the UK where at least one specialist reports treating 400-500 women every year, mostly first-generation immigrants from Africa and the Middle East where this unsanitary and scarring practice is considered part of their culture.

Arranging or carrying out the procedure — in Britain or abroad — is a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison, but no one has been prosecuted since it was banned under British law in 2003, Jeffrey said. Police estimate up to 66,000 girls in Britain face the risk of genital mutilation.

I will be the first to admit this step by the British government probably won’t solve anything or even honestly deter anyone, but it is at least making news and getting the attention of the people. The only true way to end this problem is through education.

What is it that you “can’t” do?

Posted by: gretchen on July 13, 2007 | 3 Comments |

I’m getting kind of lonely here talking all about myself and all the times I’ve been told I “can’t” do something because I’m female.  I’m looking for some more inspirational stories to add to this site.  Ladies, we need to build a network.  I want to hear from you.  Login and share with us by writing a simple blog entry detailing your experience or a funny story.  You never know - you might inspire someone to greatness.  Now wouldn’t that be sweet?

Another Personality Quiz

Posted by: gretchen on July 12, 2007 | 2 Comments |

As if I didn’t already know this…


You Have A Type A+ Personality

You’re driven to succeed every single second of the day
And you don’t let up on your goals, no matter how tired you are
You’ve already acheived a lot in your life… but it’s not enough for you

Always on the go, you tend to get things done quickly and effectively
You have the personality to be a successful enterpreneur
Just remember to play a little too, even if play is the most difficult thing for you!
Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Singing Bee Gets Thumbs Down

Posted by: gretchen on July 10, 2007 | 5 Comments |

The new tv show the “Singing Bee” gets a big thumbs down from me. The concept was great and I had fun singing along (I could’ve won), but what was with the choices of songs and the dancers? In my opinion, the “Singing Bee” is being touted as a family show, since it follows “America’s Got Talent” which is pretty decent (although I take issue with some of the “acts” they allow) and the fact that it is being put in the “family” time slot.

The show started out fun and amusing and then suddenly a group of scantily clad women jumped up on stage and started dancing as the show broke for the first commercial. :o I was appalled. My sister called (and she doesn’t call for no reason) to ask if I was watching it and to tell me she was disgusted by the dancing. What was the purpose? They could just as well have used that 10-15 seconds to pan the audience and show people dancing, singing and having a good time just like they did when the show opened. Pointless. I guess the producers didn’t have enough faith that their concept could float on it’s own so they threw in the “sex factor” to get attention. :-& No thanks.

On top of that, the song choices could’ve been a little more appropriate for younger audiences. Lines like “looking for tush” were stuck in there for shock value, I suppose. Ridiculous. There are a lot of good songs out there that don’t involve references to sex or use foul language (you watch - they will throw that in eventually).

Boo, NBC. Big, fat BOO. We are not impressed. [-(

The Best Way To Learn

Posted by: gretchen on July 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment |

A long time ago, I read that the best way to learn something is to read or experience it as though you have to teach it to someone else.  At the time, I understood the concept but I didn’t really “get” it.  A few years later I found myself working as a freelancer for a software company where my job was to learn how to use the latest version of various programs and then turn around and teach it to a room full of adults.  Sometimes I would get a new software package just a day or two before the class was to meet so I had to do some big time cramming in order to be the “expert” on this new application.  From the moment I loaded the program on my laptop I was thinking about how best to explain the various features and functions of the software.  I had no idea how this way of learning would benefit me 10 years into the future.

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An Open Discussion of Hooters and Modesty, etc.

Posted by: gretchen on July 9, 2007 | 7 Comments |

I’ve been meaning to write about the topic of modesty for quite some time now.  Earlier this year, as swimsuit season approached, my daughters insisted that I buy them a two-piece suit. I am not opposed to two-piece bathing suits as long as they are modest.  We didn’t have any luck in that department and my kids ended up wearing their one-piece suits from last year that fortunately still fit.  The two-piece suits that I did find in the children’s department were extremely skimpy and the bottom half of the suit looked more like g-string underwear.  Ugh.  I’m sure that somewhere on this planet there are some modest two-piece suits for girls, but they are getting harder and harder to find.

My husband, on the other hand, is totally opposed to two-piece suits.  He prefers that the kids wear a one-piece like me.  But, if I could find a two-piece that I liked, I would buy it anyway.  I wouldn’t be buying it out of spite, but I find the two-piece suit to be incredibly convenient when nature calls.   Two-piece suits are ideal to wear under your clothes at places like amusement parks, where you know you are going to get wet and you’re going to have to use the restroom. I absolutely hate trying to juggle my shirt, sunglasses and  bag while I squirm in and out of the top half of a wet bathing suit to go to the bathroom.  A two-piece solves this fairly easily.  I need something that looks like a tank top with a decent pair of shorts, not a two piece that barely keeps the top half of me in place while flossing my behind.  Modesty.  Does it even exist anymore? Read more

This Girl Has A Destiny

Posted by: gretchen on July 7, 2007 | 5 Comments |

buried_baby.jpgMy sister sent me this link to a news story about a baby in India who was buried alive and found two days later when she poked her tiny little hand through the earth and made a fist as if to say “Girl Power”.

Ok - so I threw in the “Girl Power” part for fun, but there is nothing funny about this story.  The tiny infant was the eighth daughter in the family and her parents felt that she would be too much of a financial burden because in their country, the parents of the bride must pay a dowry to the groom and his family when their daughter gets married.

It is a sad reflection of our society when human beings are treated as property or considered to be “burden”.  This little girl is obviously a strong fighter to have survived for two days after birth without ever being fed her first meal, being held or being rocked to sleep.  She has a purpose in this world.  I am willing to bet that we will see great things from her in years to come.  No name was mentioned for her in the article.  I know very little about the culture in her country, but I hope she is given a strong, meaningful name.  Maybe some my great readers from India could offer some suggestions.  ;)

Vacation is Overrated

Posted by: gretchen on July 5, 2007 | 2 Comments |

Just a note to let everyone know I am back online after a wild and wacky 11 day vacation.  I am still catching up on email and setting up my new computer.  I should have everything in order by the end of the day today so I can jump right back in where I left off.  I have some interesting observations and photos to share from my western journey as well as a ton of new blogging ideas.  Some of my future topics will include modesty, sexuality and some interesting facts about some new female role models I discovered along the way.  I will post more when I have the rest of my life sorted out.  Hopefully, that blessed day will be tomorrow.  ;)

My Favorites

Posted by: gretchen on July 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment |

A collection of some of my favorite GCW posts.  Many of these have sparked interesting conversations and thought provoking responses.  Join in…

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