After Hours – Page 23 – She was easy to look at and easy to be with most of the time, but she was in no sense of the word an easy person. Harper Lee

Posted on September 1, 2010September 1, 2010 by Amanda Brooks

fun with Singaporean PSAs

Singapore’s public spirit is strong and the MRT is always plastered with entertaining stickers about various things. None can top the new campaign against public nose-picking. I’m not stating that Singaporean-Chinese are the only people on the planet who pick their noses in public; it is something I’ve noticed a lot since arriving months ago. Though if the campaign wants to be accurate, the photo of the young actor should be replaced by one of a grizzled uncle in a stained singlet (American translation: old guy in a dirty wife-beater).

The blog I’m linking to also has a short feature on a Hep B campaign with clam costumes.

TIS (This Is Singapore)

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Amanda Brooks

writing lesson

I just finished reading It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences. And then I see this headline and read the first sentence. [“A 41â€”yearâ€”old recalcitrant molester was sent to five yearsâ€™ corrective training for molesting three young girls.”]

Anyone have a red pen handy?

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Amanda Brooks

finding perspective

Whenever I’m dealing with the authorities, I try to remember what Hannibal Lecter said to Clarice Starling after she was suspended from the FBI: “I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective.”

No, haven’t been arrested or anything, just sharing a musing that has often helped me find perspective in many situations.

Posted on July 14, 2010July 14, 2010 by Amanda Brooks

desiree alliance 2010 — register today!

Today is the last day to register for the Desiree Alliance 2010 conference. If you want to come to and melt with us in Las Vegas for a week you won’t forget — register now!

Sex workers and allies are welcome. If you’re an ally, you will have to give a bit more detailed explanation of your interest. Genuine supporters are very welcome. I know a couple of blog readers have already registered and I can’t wait to meet ya’ll!

Here’s what you’re going to get:
Dr. Joycelyn Elders
Norma Jean Almodovar (personal hero of mine)
Nina Hartley
Dr. Brooke Magnanti (yes, her)
the one and only Robyn Few
Carol Leigh
plenty of other industry luminaries
moi
Vegas Vegas Vegas
the most amazing people you’ll meet having the time of their lives
lots of love, support, acceptance

You’ll leave with:
tears in your eyes
100+ new best friends
a head full of ideas for business and life

More of the details:
Registration Fee = $250
Student Fee = $200 (Must provide proof of enrollment for school (student ID)

Registration fees for the conference include: Attendance at any or all of the workshops, presentations and sessions; name badge and registration packet; Welcome Reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (July 25, 6pm); Continental breakfast (July 26-29); Lunch (July 27 & 29); Farewell Brunch with keynote speaker (July 30); and a significant discount on lodging (please note that this location will not be disclosed until registration is complete). You can make the lodging discount more significant by room-sharing.

Registration fees do NOT include: transportation; lodging; lunch on July 26 and 28, dinner; Fundraiser After Party (you will have the option of purchasing a ticket during registration); dinners, souvenirs, extra-curricular activities or personal expenses.

Please note: If financial trouble is the obstacle that stands in your way of attending this conference, please contact Susan Lopez at Susan@desireealliance.org. Desiree Alliance is more than happy to think “out-of-the-box” in terms of finding ways to help those who would be able to volunteer their time in exchange for partial deductions (i.e. registration fee or a possible room-share arrangement so that the cost would be $12.50 per night plus tax and fees).

Needless to say, if you want to support but don’t want to go (or can’t), then donations are always welcome. Donations will go to helping others get to the conference and paying for the conference facilities.

Posted on June 28, 2010June 28, 2010 by Amanda Brooks

an arrest story

Not sure how many of you follow the comments, but recently Lailah commented on a couple of my posts about her arrest. I encouraged her to write her story down to share with the general public over at Bound, not Gagged. I’m very proud to say that she did.

For anyone who is curious about what an arrest feels like to a consenting adult sex worker, please read her well-written story. She’s doing very well for such a recent shock. I like intelligent, angry, uppity women. Feel free to comment there to offer her support. And do question if you feel your tax dollars are really working to keep you safe at night.