On April 12, British Deaf people are marching against Clause 14 (4) (9) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. The clause says that a British couple undergoing IVF *must* discard any deaf embryos, and instead choose a hearing embryo for implantation .

This is problematic for the Deaf community for two reasons: First, it takes away a Deaf couple's right (indeed, any person's right) to raise a Deaf child if they choose to use IVF technology. They view this as discriminatory and in violation of their reproductive rights. Second, and more globally, it opens the door to other frightening embryonic selection practices, such as selection against blacks, gays, or other racial, linguistic, or cultural minorities.

Oddly, IMO, high-ranking British newspapers are spinning this as the Deaf community's desire to have "designer" deaf babies. One might expect them to see the broader implications and take up the cause...but ignorance apparently has the day.

Quoted: The organizers of a proposed science and technology debate among the presidential candidates have set a date, April 18, and place, the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. This would be four days before the Pennsylvania primary.

Now the big question is whether their handlers will allow them to engage the thorniest scientific issues —

Doin' a little dance....

Quoted: Something fundamental has shifted in the Democratic Party. Last week there was the widespread revulsion at the Clintons’ toxic attempts to ghettoize Barack Obama.....The respect for institutions that was prevalent during the early ’60s is prevalent with the young again today. The earnest industriousness that was common then is back today. The awareness that we are not self-made individualists, free to be you and me, but emerge as parts of networks, webs and communities; that awareness is back again today.

She's pretty angry, but I like her efforts to become a Locavore.

I want a Buff Orpington of my own! ;)

Quoted: Leggo that Eggo. I will make waffles, I will serve them with butter and Madras carrot honey and, for me, whipped fresh cream and frozen Willamette Valley blueberries. It will not be fast or easy, there will be no toys free with purchase, my waffles will never be associated with a major motion picture.

Chef Dan Ahern is husband to Shauna James Ahern, the Gluten Free Girl. Cute. :)

A victory for informed consent.

Quoted: Chinese medical officials agreed Friday not to transplant organs from prisoners or others in custody, except into members of their immediate families. The agreement was ...

500 years of female portraits in Western art, condensed into a 3 minute video set to music. gorgeous!

(from eric)

Quoted: Art publications at The Saatchi Gallery can be ordered online. Featured: The Triumph of Painting which defines how painting has survived into the new century.