I've been trying to impress on my children that you can't judge things as well with a small sample. Just because there were 1 in 10 women firefighters in that instance, that wouldn't imply that there are 1 in 10 in general. It's a great lesson that I believe has broad implications. I'm so proud when I hear my kids describe something as "sometimes, there's only one lady on a fire truck," which is likely what they would have said.

It's an odd little distinction to some I know, but I have some logic and philosophy background, and to be technical, that's the an accurate way to describe certain patterns :) We don't get *that* technical really, but the difference between "sometimes" and "always" can be enormous in some situations.

It's not the statistical view I would emphasize at all... perhaps even ignore the numbers. Ask the woman firefighter to say hi if she can, or tell your kid "That lady really looks like she enjoys being a firefighter, what a fun job!" It gets the point across in an implied manner without introducing the idea that a woman firefighter is somehow unusual (sorry, but in a way it sounded like you said, "Wow, that's strange, a woman firefighter").

Anyway, I'm glad the hear that everyone was alright, that must have been quite the exciting day :)

I'm not a fan of horse racing in the first place, but in terms of girl power, I think it would mean more if it had been a female jockey, too.

Not much of a lesson. One man can ride another man's female pet and beat her with a stick to earn money for the owner of the female.

Kate, you have a smart daughter. Let's hope she grows up with her confidence intact and finds the right profession to use those brains.

I sound grumpy, don't I? That kind of critical thinking would probably cause a lot of misery for a child.

It makes a good media blitz, but comparing Rachel Alexandra to a typical filly is like taking the world's strongest woman and comparing her to the average woman. Hardly any other filly would be able to compete like she has. Sort of the proverbial "exception which proves the rule." Not to mention that horses may not be the best examples to use to inspire people. The female firefighter is probably better.

My jaw is hanging agape here.

Seriously, are feminists so desperate for any positive role models for their daughters that they are willing to reach to a horse race--itself such an archaic pastime that its mere presence in Maryland is in danger--I repeat, a horse race, in order to find an example?

As my wife, raised with horses on an Arizona farm, said when I read your post aloud to her: "Okay, does anyone ever use male race horses as role models to inspire boys? Come on!!"

Why is it that nobody is talking about the fact she was carrying five pounds less than the boys?

Not to be sexist, but let's report the whole story.

What do you mean she was carrying five pounds less? I don't know much about racing. Is there some sort of affirmative action for fillies?

Owl meat,

Yes, fillies don't have to carry as much weight. Double good for Rachel because not only is she as strong and fast as the boys she gets advantage of being treated as if she weren't.

Wait a minute: *Ten* firefighters for a stuck child?

Yes, it was pretty funny. Must have been a very slow summer Sunday, and when they heard it was a 3-year-old, they must have wanted to all come. When they pulled up with lights and sirens, he promptly stopped crying.

You may want to tell her about the woman astronaut Megan McArthur who is aboard space shuttle Atlantis. She is one of the astronauts on the mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.