A couple of things for the morning . . .

1. Special Olympics has responded very quickly to the comedy "Tropic Thunder," which apparently used the word "retarded" like most movies use the word "fuck."

I have always fought against this word in the classroom, just as I fight against "gay," "ghetto" and similar words. I know some people say that's being too sensitive, but that works for me.

I don't know that it merits being referred to as "the r-word," but that's how Special Olympics is approaching it. It also looks to me as though the group is using a woman of color in the ad. You will notice, she's not a cute, little six-year-old with pigtails.

Anyway . . .



2. In a related vein, etherial posted something in my comments last night. I promise I will not keep hitting you over the head with my Polar Plunge (I will wait until November.) But after I commented that I was at $300 after three days, he said if I raise another $200 by Friday, he'll kick in *another* $100. Here's the link. I am also looking for team members. I can provide crash space if you want to come up.

Thanks!