This story in the University of Missouri Maneater reports on two professors who are studying the way men are represented in situation comedies on television. In 1998, the professors viewed 55 episodes from 11 top sitcoms. The study, released at an American Psychological Association meeting, revealed that each show illustrated positive instances of male disclosure. These instances were met with either positive or neutral responses.

This article, which recently ran in the University of Virginia's Cavalier Daily takes a stab at refuting the oft-media-cited "wage gap" myth perpetuated by groups like the National Organization for Women. It's refreshing to see this kind of column appear in a college media outlet (and by a female writer, no less).

Ched writes "MSN.com posted this article about men's health. It basically blames men for not keeping pace with healthcare options, and provided some "are men becoming extinct" examples before addressing some relevant points about men's health buried at the end of the article." What is it with these people? I'm getting the impression that masculist doctors weren't invited to this conference.

Kingsley Morse, Jr. sent in this article from the UK Times. It describes a man who received a bill from the Child Support Agency for 55k pounds. He never knew he had fathered a child, and it turns out that the child was conceived when he was statutorially raped when he was 15 years old by a woman two times older than him. He was quoted as saying, "I am being treated as a criminal, but I was a minor being led on. Presumably she has now reached a point in her life where she needs an easy meal ticket."

Uberganger writes "This is an interesting article on the kind of things that are printed in Women's Studies textbooks and taught in Women's Studies classes. A copy of it should be handed to every woman - and man - who parrots the usual feminist rubbish." Ah, you beat me to it - I've been meaning to post this for a few days now. Glenn Sacks is at it again, writing more articles of interest to men's activists.

Neil Steyskal pointed me to this UK Daily Telegraph article which mentions a new bandage that can be used to speed up the healing process for burn victims. The miracle material the bandage is made of?: foreskins from circumcised infants.

This week's Mensactivism.org on-line chat is on the topic of male
friendships, and how to promote friendship and brotherhood amongst men. Too often these days, men are isolated from each other, and don't create opportunities to meet with other men on a regular basis. What can be done to help change this, and what are some ways to establishing new friendships with other men? While this seems like an odd topic in and of itself, it's a very important one for the men's movement to consider. Our success depends on promoting meaningful relationships between men and getting men to see themselves as a group with common interests to act upon. You probably know the routine, click here at 9:30 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, Nov. 7, to log in and participate.

krob4399 submitted this link to a UK Telegraph story which describes the discovery of a "seat of temperance" in men's brains, which is used to censor sexual drive. Apparently this part of the brain has evolved over time, as it is much smaller and less developed in primates than in human beings. krob4399 thought it was interesting to contrast this discovery with this article, which is about pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, somewhat the opposite of the "seat of temperance" with women.

Neil Steyskal sent in another interesting link to an abstract about a study examining the policy implications of making divorce easier for parents, and how it affects children. While some common sense could easily answer this question, it brings to light issues that are starting to get some serious attention from state governments, including New Hampshire, which is considering whether to abolish no-fault divorce for parents with minor children.

Neil Steyskal sent in a mixed article about men's health and social status. The article raises the point that with men's health and longevity in such a poor state, combined with negative attitudes about men's roles in society, that men could literally become extinct in the not so distant future. On the other hand, there's a disturbing quote blaming men for starting and maintaining all of the major wars currently going on in the world. Perhaps these people need to realize that it's that kind of negative attitude about men's roles in society that's the problem.

Trudy W Schuett writes "This article in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette details the balanced viewpoint given by a female cop lecturing at Mount Wachusett Community College criminal justice classes. She says, "Do not ever make a domestic violence arrest based on gender."" I've heard a local story about some female police officers who questioned some of the training given by a local domestic violence shelter too - and I'm thankful for it.

Uberganger writes "A truly horrific story of domestic violence and murder from Australia, found via AngryHarry.com. The woman abused all four of her husbands, murdering the last one in a particularly grotesque way. Let's hope she is put away for life, as the article suggests she probably will be. How long do you suppose it'll be before some group of 'do-gooders' try to present her as the real victim?"

brad writes "This National Post article raises issues of male health. "Doctors gathering today for the first World Conference on Men's Health in Vienna, Austria, have a solution for the sad state of today's male: Men must become the new women."" That pretty much sums up the article, too. Although it covers the importance of men to organize and lobby for men's health issues, it seems very condescending at the same time. But at least the issue is getting some more attention.

mpaiello writes "Men's News Daily has been named today's Cool Site of the Day. The site will be available here for viewing and voting today only. If you support Men's News Daily, please click this link and VOTE FOR US!! The higher our rating, the more likely we'll be picked for Cool Site of the Month or even of the year. That would be a boon for putting men's issues in the mainstream of popular thought and discussion. Thank you Scott, and all the readers of Men's Activism - Michael Patrick Aiello, DivorcePort.com."

Thomas Walsh asked me to announce that Wendy McElroy from ifeminists.com will be debating Kathleen Barry about whether prostitution and pornography exploits women. The debate is being sponsored by the Campus Libertarians and will be held this Tuesday, Nov. 6. A poster for the debate can be seen here. If you need more info or are interested in attending it, drop Thomas an e-mail.