Diaspora
Monday, July 18, 2011
Show some compassion
It is a pity that such a loud swath of the American public has a lynch-mob mentality, and is ready to tear the jurors to shreds. I have no doubt the jurors did the best they could with the evidence and the instruction they were given. There was a lot of circumstantial evidence in that trial, and the case must be made to beyond a reasonable doubt.
The rest of us would do well to count ourselves lucky if we've never had to sit on the jury of such a high-profile case, and knock on wood that our turn never comes up.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Americana Stars Memorial
As Doreen nears completion of the actual stars, the logistical realities of working with the panels has her in search of a new work space. Up to this point she has been utilizing her studio apartment but the project will soon outgrow it. She is no longer in need of stitching assistance (I asked) but she is in need of donations to fund this next phase. If you aren't in a position to donate at this time (even $5 helps!) please re-post this info on your own blog or otherwise let people know.
Her site includes several fundraising offerings, including the opportunity to purchase some original design patterns of the stars she is stitching. One of the stars is a freebie, and prices are as follows for the others:
1 star for a $5 donation
5 stars for a $20 donation
11 stars for a $35 donation
To purchase cross-stitch patterns of the stars: http://www.americanastars.org/stitchastar2.html
Here is the link to her site: http://www.americanastars.org/index.html
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Are people born good writers?
"No. You have to read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read and read. As you read, unconsciously you assimilate the rudiments of style and technique. And when it comes time for a person to begin to seriously write, they either have it, or they don't."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Army of Women: Breast cancer research
From the website:
"Women who are interested register on the Love/Avon Army of Women website, providing very basic information such as name, age, city, and state of residence. You will receive email updates from the Love/Avon Army of Women announcing new research studies looking for volunteers just like you. The email will detail the research project and who and what the researchers need. ..."
Also, men with immediate relatives (mother, sister, daughter) who have been diagnosed with breast cancer (or who have been diagnosed with breast cancer themselves) are encouraged to join as well.
I signed up just this week and at this point I don't meet criteria for any of the studies underway. But of course as this collection of potential subjects grows larger and the researchers utilizing them grow more varied, the options will expand. I'm very curious to see what will come of this research in the future.
If you're interested in signing up or would like more information, here's the link
Monday, August 23, 2010
I'm so glad I decided to go back to school even though I'm now in my 30's and the vast majority of my adult life has been spent in school. But, as they say, the time passes anyways and I think it's worth it to go back to the drawing board to create the life you want to have instead of the one you only thought you wanted.