Ask Surly Amy
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Skepticism
Ask Surly Amy: Ball Chairs
Dear Surly Amy, For years I’ve been using the cheap computer chair that I got for free in college, but recently it finally broke, and I am in the market for a new chair. I have heard a lot about balance ball chairs, claiming that they can reduce back pain (which I have). But when I look at websites about…
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Skepticism
Ask Surly Amy: Natural Transitioning for FTMs
I figured that this site is probably the most safest and inclusive place for a trans skeptic, so hopefully you can confirm my suspicions! I’m a FTM that’s sorta in the closet, and is even still on the fence about “formally” transitioning with T [testosterone] and surgery at the moment. However, I heard a lot of fellow trans guys talk…
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Feminism
Ask Surly Amy: Chair-People
Hi Amy I belong to a professional association that still uses the term “chairman” for various elected positions in its bylaws etc. (although most chapters don’t use this term, preferring “chair). As a director for one chapter (and thus elected to represent my chapter at a national level), I’m trying to decide whether I should make issue of this and,…
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Feminism
Ask Surly Amy and Sophie: Is Sex Work Anti-Feminist?
What is the rational, skeptical stance in the feminism vs sex work debate? See further: http://www.xtra.ca/public/Ottawa/Hostile_clashes_dominate_womens_conference-10497.aspx Can one be feminist and still see a rational buck to be made from selling a service with constant demand, if it means using your body to do so? I’d love to see a Surly Amy / Skepchick response to this. Charlene Dear Charlene,…
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Random Asides
Ask Surly Amy: Why Not So Surly?
I met you at TAM and as far as I can tell you aren’t surly. You don’t fit any of these definitions. So why do you call yourself Surly Amy? -Laika I get asked this a lot so here is the history on how I got that nickname. Not much science or skepticism involved in this tale, just some good-old…
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Feminism
Ask Surly Amy: Privileged Bitch?
Dear Surly Amy With all this talk about “Elevatorgate” I thought I’d ask a question about male privilege and insults. I was reading this article: http://is.gd/GG8hmd and I posted it on a chat room with a the comment “She’s a privileged bitch.” This sparked quite a debate on my use of the word “bitch.” I’ll spare you all the details…
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Science
Ask Surly Amy (and Bug Girl) : Science Outreach
Dear Surly Amy, It’s my dream to work in a science museum or some organization which focuses on science outreach and informal science education. I have a BS in Physics and a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication. I have been looking at job postings, and it seems that most of the jobs I want require/prefer a PhD/Master’s and/or teaching credentials/teaching…
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Feminism
Ask Surly Amy : Laundry is Not Work
Dear Surly Amy, This was posted on Facebook by a teaching member of the faculty at my University. “Allow me to apologize in advance for this post: Doing laundry does not constitute “work”. You put the friggin’ clothes in the washing machine and turn it on….ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! For any spouse who doesn’t have a paying (money) job, DOING…
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