Vicks Nyquil Commercial Makes Me Even Sicker

I spent this past weekend in my pyjamas, wrapped in blankets, trying to rid myself of the flu. As one does under such circumstances, I watched copious amounts of television. I saw this commercial for Vicks Dayquil/Nyquil several times; each time it made me angry and by the final time I was vowing to never buy a Vick's product again.

This thing is teeming with sexism. The dad doesn't know how to comb hair, the boy is excited that mom is coming to his game -- but the kicker is the little girl, so excited that mom is going take her to the mall. And once again I have to say this is the subtle bullshit that we have to fight against, the little messages that will invade our daughters' perceptions of the world. Thanks a lot, Vicks.

Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014!

Another year is gone. And yes, some pretty shitty things were said and done by people the world over in 2013, but in the spirit of positivity I want to focus on some of the amazing things that happened in 2013. This list is by no means exhaustive, comprehensive, in any particular order, or, well, anything other than I what I think are great strides forward. So here goes:

• Texas Senator Wendy Davis filibustered the Texas Senate for 13 hours (on her feet and without a bathroom break) so their bill severely limiting the ability for women to get abortions couldn't pass. (Unfortunately, it passed days later. Thank you, Rick Perry.)
• Malala Yousafzai became the first girl and youngest person to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, spoke at the UN and published her memoir. Wow.
• Sheryl Sandberg encouraged all women to lean in, regardless of what their goals are. 
• Everyone from Beyonce to Mario Batali is talking about feminism.
• GoldieBlox removed a little more pink from the toy aisle and reminded girls that they can be more than just princesses. 
• Lily Allen and Sinead O'Connor stood up for female musicians. 
• One Billion Rising and V-Day. 
• Jennifer Lawrence, Melissa McCarthy and Alyssa Milano fought back against fat shaming.
• Amy Poehler and Tiny Fey rocked the Golden Globes while Seth McFarlane's boob jokes fell flat at the Oscars.
• The rape laws in India were changed and prominent India women spoke up about the abuses in the country.
• DOMA and Proposition 8 were struck down in the U.S., two laws that greatly discriminated against LGBT couples.
• Elizabeth Warren continued to be her awesome self and got the States working again. 

Here's looking at 2014. Maybe it will be the year we get Wonder Woman on the big screen!