When I began this blog in 2001, I was appalled by President Bush's headlong rush to an illegal war (we were not in fact under attack). As time wore on and Bush began his assault on the Constitution and any people bold enough to criticize, I believed that "the republic is endangered more by actions of our own government than by those of any terrorist." With the election of a high-minded, compassionate, intelligent man like Barack Obama, my fears have ceased.
"Honor them with peace, not war"
United for Peace
Sunday, November 11, 2001
Your Secret Weapon Against Stress
In fact, says Dr. Klein, it seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress response in a woman, it buffers the fight or flight response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men, says Dr. Klein, because testosterone-which men produce in high levels when they're under stress-seems to reduce the effects of oxytocin.
Thanks to Kate for this link!
This may help explain why attending a peace vigil seems like a rational response to women and a cowardly act to men.
Every Thursday from 5-6 p.m. (drive time) about 12-20 people take part in a peace vigil on Main Street. Passing motorists who agree toot and wave. Those who are unsure why we're there glance curiously then look away, as if fearful that acknowledging our presence or our message could somehow be unpatriotic. A small proportion make obscene gestures.
And we stay there anyway. The group is about 60 percnt women.
Last Thursday, three boys of approximately junior high school age (a big one with a bike and two smaller satellite boys on foot) were passing along the sidewalk and one asked what this was about.
I am against bombing innocent civilians in Afghanistan. I said.
But that's what they did to us!, he replied (full of budding testosterone) .
Right, and we don't think that is right! So we shouldnt do it, should we? I replied.
He asked, Can I have a candle?
One mind at a time....
Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
Your Secret Weapon Against Stress
In fact, says Dr. Klein, it seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress response in a woman, it buffers the fight or flight response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men, says Dr. Klein, because testosterone-which men produce in high levels when they're under stress-seems to reduce the effects of oxytocin.
Thanks to Kate for this link!
This may help explain why attending a peace vigil seems like a rational response to women and a cowardly act to men.
Every Thursday from 5-6 p.m. (drive time) about 12-20 people take part in a peace vigil on Main Street. Passing motorists who agree toot and wave. Those who are unsure why we're there glance curiously then look away, as if fearful that acknowledging our presence or our message could somehow be unpatriotic. A small proportion make obscene gestures.
And we stay there anyway. The group is about 60 percnt women.
Last Thursday, three boys of approximately junior high school age (a big one with a bike and two smaller satellite boys on foot) were passing along the sidewalk and one asked what this was about.
I am against bombing innocent civilians in Afghanistan. I said.
But that's what they did to us!, he replied (full of budding testosterone) .
Right, and we don't think that is right! So we shouldnt do it, should we? I replied.
He asked, Can I have a candle?
One mind at a time....
Palema
5:59 AM
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Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
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