December is not a good time to attempt to do any special project on a daily basis. Naturally, I failed. So, I'm going to rechristen Charity December as "12 Days of Giving" (since I did manage 12 of them!) and call it a year. ;)
Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, whatever holidays you celebrate--even if it's just extra time off work!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Charity December: Salvation Army
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
Tis the season for Salvation Army bell-ringers! Those ubiquitous donation kettles are just the tip of the iceberg, of course. The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services to those in need, including disaster relief, youth camps, elderly outreach, and assistance for families during and after the holidays with food, clothing, and financial support. The well-known Angel Tree program provides Christmas toys to needy children.
Tis the season for Salvation Army bell-ringers! Those ubiquitous donation kettles are just the tip of the iceberg, of course. The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services to those in need, including disaster relief, youth camps, elderly outreach, and assistance for families during and after the holidays with food, clothing, and financial support. The well-known Angel Tree program provides Christmas toys to needy children.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Charity December: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
After actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a riding accident in 1995, he and his wife Dana became activists on behalf of those with spinal cord injuries, mobility impairment, and paralysis. The year he was injured, they teamed up with the American Paralysis Association to form what is now the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which continues its work in their memory. The organization funds research into cures for paralysis and provides resources to improve the lives of those living with paralysis.
After actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a riding accident in 1995, he and his wife Dana became activists on behalf of those with spinal cord injuries, mobility impairment, and paralysis. The year he was injured, they teamed up with the American Paralysis Association to form what is now the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which continues its work in their memory. The organization funds research into cures for paralysis and provides resources to improve the lives of those living with paralysis.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Charity December: Housing the Homeless
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
Today I'm spotlighting two organizations I've just learned about recently myself, both of which help provide housing to the homeless. (Information about other homeless assistance programs is available through the National Coalition for the Homeless.)
First is a local Atlanta charity, Nicholas House, which has provided housing for homeless families for over 26 years. The organization accepts families in their entirety, in contrast to most shelters, which are generally gender-specific. Nicholas House has provided transitional housing for more than 1,500 families.
Second is the Ali Forney Center in New York, which provides housing and other assistance to homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, many of whom have been thrown out of their homes by their families because of their sexuality. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, the center provides health care, food, showers, employment assistance, and street outreach. Links to similar programs in other locations are also provided on the center's website.
Today I'm spotlighting two organizations I've just learned about recently myself, both of which help provide housing to the homeless. (Information about other homeless assistance programs is available through the National Coalition for the Homeless.)
First is a local Atlanta charity, Nicholas House, which has provided housing for homeless families for over 26 years. The organization accepts families in their entirety, in contrast to most shelters, which are generally gender-specific. Nicholas House has provided transitional housing for more than 1,500 families.
Second is the Ali Forney Center in New York, which provides housing and other assistance to homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, many of whom have been thrown out of their homes by their families because of their sexuality. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, the center provides health care, food, showers, employment assistance, and street outreach. Links to similar programs in other locations are also provided on the center's website.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Charity December: Equality Now
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
Note: I was sick on December 9, which is why I had to miss a day.
I discovered Equality Now through the annual Can't Stop the Serenity events, which combine screenings of Serenity (the "Firefly" movie) with auctions, raffles, and other fund-raising opportunities that benefit Equality Now (as well as other organizations). Equality Now's purpose is to end violence and discrimination against women and girls throughout the world. From their website: "Issues of urgent concern to Equality Now include rape, domestic violence, reproductive rights, trafficking of women, female genital mutilation, and the denial of equal access to economic opportunity and political participation."
Note: I was sick on December 9, which is why I had to miss a day.
I discovered Equality Now through the annual Can't Stop the Serenity events, which combine screenings of Serenity (the "Firefly" movie) with auctions, raffles, and other fund-raising opportunities that benefit Equality Now (as well as other organizations). Equality Now's purpose is to end violence and discrimination against women and girls throughout the world. From their website: "Issues of urgent concern to Equality Now include rape, domestic violence, reproductive rights, trafficking of women, female genital mutilation, and the denial of equal access to economic opportunity and political participation."
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Charity December: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
I'd planned a different charity for today, but with the news that As the World Turns has been cancelled, I'm moving this one up the list, in honor of Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann, who play Luke and Noah on the show. They've been big supporters of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and as a long-time Broadway fan, so have I (well before I started watching ATWT). BC/EFA works through the theater industry to raise funds to provide services to people with AIDS and other critical illnesses, both through programs for those working in the entertainment industry and through grants to community-based service organizations.
I'd planned a different charity for today, but with the news that As the World Turns has been cancelled, I'm moving this one up the list, in honor of Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann, who play Luke and Noah on the show. They've been big supporters of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and as a long-time Broadway fan, so have I (well before I started watching ATWT). BC/EFA works through the theater industry to raise funds to provide services to people with AIDS and other critical illnesses, both through programs for those working in the entertainment industry and through grants to community-based service organizations.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Charity December: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
Seven years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught very early, and she's been cancer-free for over six years now. There are many breast cancer charities that do great work, but today I'm featuring Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Founded in 1982 and best known for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure series of 5K/fitness runs, the organization is "the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists" (from their web site). The foundation raises funds to support research into finding a cure and raises awareness about prevention and treatment options.
Seven years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught very early, and she's been cancer-free for over six years now. There are many breast cancer charities that do great work, but today I'm featuring Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Founded in 1982 and best known for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure series of 5K/fitness runs, the organization is "the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists" (from their web site). The foundation raises funds to support research into finding a cure and raises awareness about prevention and treatment options.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Charity December: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
In college, I was a little sister to Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, whose national charity was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (The fraternity recently renewed its partnership with St. Jude.) Founded by actor Danny Thomas (a TKE brother), St. Jude treats children of all ages who have cancer and other serious illnesses, without regard to the family's ability to pay. The hospital also supports and conducts research to discover cures and better treatment options. About 5,700 patients are treated at the hospital every year.
In college, I was a little sister to Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, whose national charity was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (The fraternity recently renewed its partnership with St. Jude.) Founded by actor Danny Thomas (a TKE brother), St. Jude treats children of all ages who have cancer and other serious illnesses, without regard to the family's ability to pay. The hospital also supports and conducts research to discover cures and better treatment options. About 5,700 patients are treated at the hospital every year.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Charity December: Heifer International
Each day during December, I'll be featuring a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
A few years ago, I gave my sister a water buffalo for Christmas. (Veggie Tales fans will get the in-joke.) Wouldn't have been able to do it without Heifer International. Sure, you can actually give a heifer; the animals go to families in developing nations, both to supplement their food and to help them make money to improve their living conditions. But beyond heifers and water buffalo, you can give animals as varied as llamas, honeybees, goats, and geese, plus trees and all sorts of different combinations. (And if you can't swing a full animal, you can even give part of one.)
A few years ago, I gave my sister a water buffalo for Christmas. (Veggie Tales fans will get the in-joke.) Wouldn't have been able to do it without Heifer International. Sure, you can actually give a heifer; the animals go to families in developing nations, both to supplement their food and to help them make money to improve their living conditions. But beyond heifers and water buffalo, you can give animals as varied as llamas, honeybees, goats, and geese, plus trees and all sorts of different combinations. (And if you can't swing a full animal, you can even give part of one.)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Charity December: Kids Need to Read
Co-founded by actor Nathan Fillion and author P.J. Haarsma, The Kids Need to Read Foundation provides books to schools, libraries, and other institutions with a goal of increasing literacy and instilling in children a lifelong love of reading. The foundation maintains a list of age-appropriate books, magazines, and graphic novels, compiled by a professional book buyer, and has donated thousands of books through several dozen institutions so far.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Charity December: Earthjustice
Each day during December, I'll be providing information on a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
Earthjustice has one of the best slogans I've ever seen: Because the Earth Needs a Good Lawyer. Founded in 1971 as the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, the organization uses the legal system and legislative methods to defend the environment both in the United States and internationally. From their website: "Earthjustice works through the courts on behalf of citizen groups, scientists, and other parties to ensure government agencies and private interests follow the law. On Capitol Hill, we work to protect and strengthen federal environmental laws and preserve special places, like the Arctic."
Earthjustice has one of the best slogans I've ever seen: Because the Earth Needs a Good Lawyer. Founded in 1971 as the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, the organization uses the legal system and legislative methods to defend the environment both in the United States and internationally. From their website: "Earthjustice works through the courts on behalf of citizen groups, scientists, and other parties to ensure government agencies and private interests follow the law. On Capitol Hill, we work to protect and strengthen federal environmental laws and preserve special places, like the Arctic."
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Charity December: Feeding America
Each day during December, I'll be providing information on a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
The holidays are a particularly difficult time for families in need. Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest) is the largest hunger relief charity in the United States and provides food to more than 25 million people every year. From the organization's web site: "Our network of more than 200 food banks serves all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, securing and distributing more than 2.5 billion pounds of food and grocery products annually. Those member food banks support approximately 63,000 local charitable agencies and 70,000 programs, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need."
The holidays are a particularly difficult time for families in need. Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest) is the largest hunger relief charity in the United States and provides food to more than 25 million people every year. From the organization's web site: "Our network of more than 200 food banks serves all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, securing and distributing more than 2.5 billion pounds of food and grocery products annually. Those member food banks support approximately 63,000 local charitable agencies and 70,000 programs, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Charity December: World AIDS Day
Each day during December, I'll be providing information on a charitable organization that I support. These are my personal choices and reflect nothing other than that.
I'm starting out in recognition of World AIDS Day with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Elizabeth Glaser, wife of "Starsky & Hutch" actor Paul Glaser, contracted the AIDS virus through a blood transfusion in 1981 while giving birth to her daughter, Ariel. Ariel contracted the virus through breast milk, and their son, Jake, contracted the virus in utero. Both Elizabeth and Ariel later died of AIDS, but the foundation lives on, helping to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in children. Jake Glaser is now a healthy young adult, thanks in part to the foundation's efforts.
I'm starting out in recognition of World AIDS Day with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Elizabeth Glaser, wife of "Starsky & Hutch" actor Paul Glaser, contracted the AIDS virus through a blood transfusion in 1981 while giving birth to her daughter, Ariel. Ariel contracted the virus through breast milk, and their son, Jake, contracted the virus in utero. Both Elizabeth and Ariel later died of AIDS, but the foundation lives on, helping to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in children. Jake Glaser is now a healthy young adult, thanks in part to the foundation's efforts.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Trailer For Sale Or Rent
Well, I fail at blogging, obviously.
I've been doing a heck of a lot of writing lately, all of it fanfic, but who cares? It's fun, and I don't plan on trying to make a living as a writer again. (Been there, done that, got royally sick of it.) I've met another crop of great people (having dinner with some tonight!) and I'm enjoying myself with it, so it's all good.
Castle got a full-season pickup, yay!
I did put off school until winter. Apparently I can do winter term every year if I want, as long as I get in all the required courses. Fall is notoriously busy, so while this way will take longer, at least I won't go nuts. Well, no more nuts than usual, anyway.
Example of fall busy-ness: This weekend I'm missing the family reunion to go to homecoming at Troy. Next month, we're going to New Jersey for a cousin's wedding. Then it's the holidays, and that's always crazy. I'm not likely to have many free weekends until January at this rate.
We're also planning a trip to NYC in April, and this time I'm determined to see Wicked! We're going to try to get in two shows if we can. I'll be doing a fan club event that Saturday, but we're going Friday through Monday, so we're hoping to see one show Friday night and another on Sunday.
Dragon*Con has already started adding guests for 2010! I don't think I'm ready for this yet, heh. We ended up with a room at the Hyatt because the Marriott screwed the pooch with reservations.
I've been doing a heck of a lot of writing lately, all of it fanfic, but who cares? It's fun, and I don't plan on trying to make a living as a writer again. (Been there, done that, got royally sick of it.) I've met another crop of great people (having dinner with some tonight!) and I'm enjoying myself with it, so it's all good.
Castle got a full-season pickup, yay!
I did put off school until winter. Apparently I can do winter term every year if I want, as long as I get in all the required courses. Fall is notoriously busy, so while this way will take longer, at least I won't go nuts. Well, no more nuts than usual, anyway.
Example of fall busy-ness: This weekend I'm missing the family reunion to go to homecoming at Troy. Next month, we're going to New Jersey for a cousin's wedding. Then it's the holidays, and that's always crazy. I'm not likely to have many free weekends until January at this rate.
We're also planning a trip to NYC in April, and this time I'm determined to see Wicked! We're going to try to get in two shows if we can. I'll be doing a fan club event that Saturday, but we're going Friday through Monday, so we're hoping to see one show Friday night and another on Sunday.
Dragon*Con has already started adding guests for 2010! I don't think I'm ready for this yet, heh. We ended up with a room at the Hyatt because the Marriott screwed the pooch with reservations.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Just A Good Ol' Boy
I can't believe I haven't posted this already:
That is MEEEEEEEEE with JOHN SCHNEIDER!! Whoo-hoo!
Taken (and later signed) at Dragon*Con, which was AWESOME like an awesome thing, and which sucked all the life out of my brain for about two months, which is why I haven't updated in so long. Or at least, that's my excuse. :)
That is MEEEEEEEEE with JOHN SCHNEIDER!! Whoo-hoo!
Taken (and later signed) at Dragon*Con, which was AWESOME like an awesome thing, and which sucked all the life out of my brain for about two months, which is why I haven't updated in so long. Or at least, that's my excuse. :)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Time Keeps On Tickin'
I really am bad about keeping up with blogging. Another month-long dry spell. It's been just a bit busy around here, though, between work, family obligations, day-to-day life, and doing prework and planning for Dragon*Con. Just two weeks and two days left, and I'm already half squeed out!
I'm considering putting off my planned fall graduate class to winter term. My calendar this fall is pretty darn full, and it's going to be tough to squeeze in time to do decent work. I'd rather delay until January and not be so stressed. We'll see what the school says about it.
I'm considering putting off my planned fall graduate class to winter term. My calendar this fall is pretty darn full, and it's going to be tough to squeeze in time to do decent work. I'd rather delay until January and not be so stressed. We'll see what the school says about it.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tell Me Lies
From Craig Silverman's Regret the Error blog:
The slideshow page in question gives this explanation:
The truth is that the images from the photo essay are still available on NYTimes.com. One of the links in the original Metafilter post reporting the manupulations gives the URL format: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/06/30/magazine/05gilded.1.jpg. Simply change the final number to view each of the images. I don't know how many images were included in the original essay, but I used this method to view images numbered 1 through 11. Image 2 is the one that first raised suspicions of digital manipulation.
The images were all still available as of just before 11 p.m. Eastern time on 7/17/09, 9 days after the Editors' Note shown/linked above that claimed the images had been removed. Clearly only the navigation was removed, not the images themselves.
A photographer whose work appeared in the New York Times Magazine has been accused of digitally manipulating his images. Edgar Martins produced a photo essay entitled "Ruins of the Second Gilded Age." It showed abandoned buildings/construction projects and was featured in the magazine and on the Times website. After commenters on MetaFilter raised questions about the authenticity of the images, the magazine pulled the slideshow from the website ...
The slideshow page in question gives this explanation:
Editors' Note: July 8, 2009
A picture essay in The Times Magazine on Sunday and an expanded slide show on NYTimes.com entitled "Ruins of the Second Gilded Age" showed large housing construction projects across the United States that came to a halt, often half-finished, when the housing market collapsed. The introduction said that the photographer, a freelancer based in Bedford, England, "creates his images with long exposures but without digital manipulation."
A reader, however, discovered on close examination that one of the pictures was digitally altered, apparently for aesthetic reasons. Editors later confronted the photographer and determined that most of the images did not wholly reflect the reality they purported to show. Had the editors known that the photographs had been digitally manipulated, they would not have published the picture essay, which has been removed from NYTimes.com.
The truth is that the images from the photo essay are still available on NYTimes.com. One of the links in the original Metafilter post reporting the manupulations gives the URL format: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/06/30/magazine/05gilded.1.jpg. Simply change the final number to view each of the images. I don't know how many images were included in the original essay, but I used this method to view images numbered 1 through 11. Image 2 is the one that first raised suspicions of digital manipulation.
The images were all still available as of just before 11 p.m. Eastern time on 7/17/09, 9 days after the Editors' Note shown/linked above that claimed the images had been removed. Clearly only the navigation was removed, not the images themselves.
Eight Days a Week
Man, has this been a busy week. Sister and I went to see Harry Potter at a 12:15 a.m. show Wednesday morning (review to follow), then I had dinner with the parents Wednesday night and dinner with the parents and Mom's doll group friends last night. No wonder I'm tired. :)
Wednesday night's dinner was at Sear inside the Marriott Marquis. Very pricey, but very good, plus I got to chat with the senior sous chef about Dragon*Con when he came out to deliver our appetizers. Last night's dinner was at Pitty Pat's Porch. Good food, great service, overpriced but not terribly for what's basically a tourist-trap restaurant.
Mom and Dad were in town for the United Federation of Doll Clubs annual convention. (Well, Mom was here for the convention; Dad was just along as chauffeur and general assistant.) Yesterday afternoon, the doll sale room was open to the public, and I got down to the hotel in time to go down there with Mom. I spent 45 minutes in the room and walked out with a doll. Most of the dolls and accessories for sale were VERY VERY expensive, and most weren't my style anyway, but a few vendors had the Asian fabric dolls that I do like. I have one from Japan, one from China, and one from Thailand, and I found a gorgeous one from 1960s Vietnam to add to my collection. Her hair is a little messed up, but otherwise she's in pristine condition. There was another Thai doll that I also loved, but she was more expensive and I couldn't really justify buying them both.
This weekend I finally get my cell phone upgrade! Hooray for QWERTY keyboards!!
Wednesday night's dinner was at Sear inside the Marriott Marquis. Very pricey, but very good, plus I got to chat with the senior sous chef about Dragon*Con when he came out to deliver our appetizers. Last night's dinner was at Pitty Pat's Porch. Good food, great service, overpriced but not terribly for what's basically a tourist-trap restaurant.
Mom and Dad were in town for the United Federation of Doll Clubs annual convention. (Well, Mom was here for the convention; Dad was just along as chauffeur and general assistant.) Yesterday afternoon, the doll sale room was open to the public, and I got down to the hotel in time to go down there with Mom. I spent 45 minutes in the room and walked out with a doll. Most of the dolls and accessories for sale were VERY VERY expensive, and most weren't my style anyway, but a few vendors had the Asian fabric dolls that I do like. I have one from Japan, one from China, and one from Thailand, and I found a gorgeous one from 1960s Vietnam to add to my collection. Her hair is a little messed up, but otherwise she's in pristine condition. There was another Thai doll that I also loved, but she was more expensive and I couldn't really justify buying them both.
This weekend I finally get my cell phone upgrade! Hooray for QWERTY keyboards!!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Summer Nights (and days)
Once again I've fallen down on the blogging. No real reason, except that it's a lot easier to update Twitter in less than 140 characters than write an actual blog post. :)
Since my last post, I've had a few things happen:
1. Ran/walked my first 5K on June 13, at the Watermelon Festival in Cordele, Georgia. My sister and I ended up walking most of the course, and we finished last, but we FINISHED, and that's what matters. My unofficial time was 52:20. Something to work on bringing down.
2. I've had a terrible cold most of the month that I'm still recovering from. Part of the reason I couldn't run more during the 5K was that I was in the midst of the cold. It's still lingering weeks later, with some sneezing, stuffiness, and a scratchy throat. Summer colds are the pits. I've been off running for a couple of weeks but plan to get back on the training schedule next week.
3. My parents moved into their new (rental) house in early June. I wasn't able to be there because the move date had to be switched, but I was there for the aftermath and some unpacking. I've been back one more weekend since then and will be back again this weekend. Progress is being made! :)
4. My great-uncle Hardy died last week, and the funeral was this past weekend. He had Alzheimer's and had been in a nursing home for years, so it really felt like he left us long ago, but it was still difficult. Always good to see the family, but it's too often been for sad occasions recently, our third family funeral since last fall. At least this weekend it'll be for a celebration, since we have a family cookout for the Fourth of July every year. The watermelon goes in the pool to chill!
5. On a happier note, I had a great dinner with several old college friends a few weeks ago, and we're planning to get together again soon. Two of them I hadn't seen in nearly 20 years, but we picked right back up where we left off. I'm back in touch with several other college friends, too. I have Facebook to thank for finding them all again!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Little Runaway
Ran twice this weekend, a major milestone. Saturday morning was supposed to be a 50-minute walk/run, but we ended up just walking about half the time, beginning and end.
I'm behind on the running program, so I'm trying to play a little catchup the next couple of weeks to prepare for the 5k we're doing on June 13. Accordingly, I went to the fitness center Sunday night and ran/walked about 25 minutes total, counting warmup and cooldown time.
Today's been draining at work, unfortunately, so I don't know if I'll make it back to the fitness center tonight. If not, then tomorrow!
I'm behind on the running program, so I'm trying to play a little catchup the next couple of weeks to prepare for the 5k we're doing on June 13. Accordingly, I went to the fitness center Sunday night and ran/walked about 25 minutes total, counting warmup and cooldown time.
Today's been draining at work, unfortunately, so I don't know if I'll make it back to the fitness center tonight. If not, then tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
57 Channels and Nothing On
I was thrilled to see that ABC renewed Castle. Sister and I have been watching from the first episode, and it's fun, smart, witty, and sweet. Hits all my favorites in one neat package. Nathan Fillion is at his devilishly charming best, and Castle's relationships with all three of the women in his life (his daughter, his mother, and Detective Beckett) are complex and interesting. I can't wait to see where they go next year.
Dollhouse's renewal also made me happy, albeit more for others than for myself. I've only seen a couple of episodes, and the premise still makes me very uncomfortable, but I've heard it's much better now that they've gotten into the meat of the story, and Alan Tudyk was outstanding in the penultimate episode. I'll definitely be giving it another shot.
Of course, selfishly, my primary concern is that the schedules are all settled, so maybe some more "Firefly" people will be able to commit to Dragon*Con. ;-)
Dollhouse's renewal also made me happy, albeit more for others than for myself. I've only seen a couple of episodes, and the premise still makes me very uncomfortable, but I've heard it's much better now that they've gotten into the meat of the story, and Alan Tudyk was outstanding in the penultimate episode. I'll definitely be giving it another shot.
Of course, selfishly, my primary concern is that the schedules are all settled, so maybe some more "Firefly" people will be able to commit to Dragon*Con. ;-)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Ain't Nothin' Gonna Break My Stride
For as long as I can remember, I've had a latent desire to be a runner. It hasn't been something I've pursued or even actively thought that much about, but it's just been there in the back of my mind. My unconscious mind must have it going, too. You know how most people dream of flying at some time? Almost every time I have, I've been running and just gradually lifted off the ground. Not to full flight, usually, but just running and/or floating in the air above the ground. That may also have something to do with my fear of heights. ;)
The thing my brain never manages to process is that before you can be a runner, you have to become a runner. And with apologies to Tom Petty, with most things, it's the becoming that's the hardest part. (See also: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Becoming I&II.)
It took me until last month to commit to running. I've tried it a couple of times before, but I never stuck with it. This time, I signed up for a weekly running program, along with my sister and some friends, so I have people to cajole me into running and cheer for me when I do it. I usually work best alone, but when it comes to exercise, I need all the help I can get. Shelling out fifty bucks for the session and a hundred for the shoes is pretty good incentive, too.
So far, things are going well. I've been running at least twice a week; it should be three times, so I have that as a goal. I've packed my running gear to take to my parents' house this weekend and will make myself get up and run Saturday morning. I found a 5K to run next month, once I've worked up to that distance, which will give me another goal. I'm already thinking about how I'll work running into my Dragon*Con schedule, which doesn't have much breathing room. Er, so to speak. ;)
That's probably enough goal-setting and planning for now. The other hard part of becoming is not getting ahead of yourself. One step at a time, preferably in well-fitted shoes. :)
The thing my brain never manages to process is that before you can be a runner, you have to become a runner. And with apologies to Tom Petty, with most things, it's the becoming that's the hardest part. (See also: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Becoming I&II.)
It took me until last month to commit to running. I've tried it a couple of times before, but I never stuck with it. This time, I signed up for a weekly running program, along with my sister and some friends, so I have people to cajole me into running and cheer for me when I do it. I usually work best alone, but when it comes to exercise, I need all the help I can get. Shelling out fifty bucks for the session and a hundred for the shoes is pretty good incentive, too.
So far, things are going well. I've been running at least twice a week; it should be three times, so I have that as a goal. I've packed my running gear to take to my parents' house this weekend and will make myself get up and run Saturday morning. I found a 5K to run next month, once I've worked up to that distance, which will give me another goal. I'm already thinking about how I'll work running into my Dragon*Con schedule, which doesn't have much breathing room. Er, so to speak. ;)
That's probably enough goal-setting and planning for now. The other hard part of becoming is not getting ahead of yourself. One step at a time, preferably in well-fitted shoes. :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
(Non-)Killer Queen
Apparently Queen has heretofore untapped health protection usefulness. First we learn that "Another One Bites the Dust" provides the perfect tempo for CPR (if not the perfect soundtrack). Now we find that singing the bridge of "Bohemian Rhapsody" will give us the proper length of time for hand washing. (I wonder if head-banging adds anything to the antimicrobial properties?)
What's next? "We Will Rock You" for the Heimlich maneuver? Thrust on the handclaps, not on the foot stomps!
What's next? "We Will Rock You" for the Heimlich maneuver? Thrust on the handclaps, not on the foot stomps!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Information about new flu virus
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or a scientist. I do not speak on behalf of any organization. This information is based on knowledge I've gleaned from work, school, and personal experience and reading (including a lot of reading over the past few days). Updated 4/30/09, 9:30 a.m.
So what's the big deal, anyway? We have flu every year.
This isn't your average seasonal flu virus. To start with, it's brand-new, which means no one has any immunity to it. Even if you were vaccinated for the same general type of virus, you wouldn't likely get much protection against this strain. It also appears to making people sicker and killing more people than seasonal flu, at least in Mexico, where it originated. However, that hasn't been happening in other parts of the world.
Even a true "pandemic" doesn't necessarily mean a disease is severe or deadly, just that it's very widespread. The World Health Organization's pandemic phase numbers are based only on how and where a disease is transmitted. The current phase, 5, means that the disease is being transmitted between humans in 2 different countries in the same WHO region (Mexico and the US). Phase 6, a full pandemic, means the the disease is being transmitted between humans in 2 different countries in 2 different WHO regions. They're likely to move to that designation within the next few days.
They're calling it "swine flu" even though they haven't found it in pigs. Why?
Well, actually, they're working on a new name for it, mainly to try to slow down the spread of misinformation about pork products. (See below; short version, you can't get it from eating pork.)
The new strain is called "swine flu" because it's most closely related to existing flu strains that originate in pigs. It's a brand-new mutation that also has some elements of both human and avian (bird) strains. Viruses can switch genetic material during mutation, which is how a virus can jump from animals to humans in the first place. Avian flu viruses cause some of the most severe illnesses of any strains, and they tend to cause the most deaths in younger people with strong immune systems. The current flu virus has elements of avian flu and human flu viruses, so it can cause serious illness in humans.
The virus may have jumped directly from pigs to people, but epidemiologists aren't going to spend a lot of time checking pigs when it's so critical to track it in humans.
I don't get this whole mutation thing. May I have a silly but possibly effective illustration which you will post purely for yourself, whether anyone really cares or not?
(This will probably make actual scientists weep.)
Picture two paper clip chains. Each of them has eight paper clips in various colors. Each chain is a virus, and each paper clip represents a set of genes. Instead of swapping bodily fluids, viruses swap those gene sets.
So, these two viruses ... er, paper clip chains chains meet up, and one of them says to the other, "Hey, that's a cool red paper clip you have! You think you'd be willing to trade it for this green one? I love it but I've had it for a long time and I'm looking for something a little different." The other chain says, "Sure, green's my favorite color! Here you go!" And they swap green for red, then go on their merry ways.
Viruses consider this a rockin' good time.
Anyway, those two viruses are now brand-new strains that don't match up with the strains they were before. They'll be close to the same, but not exactly. Whether they'll show up any differently will depend on what was in that section of genes they got in the swap. However, since organisms of all types tend to make changes that make them better, it's likely that the new genes will make the new strain easier to transmit, or make it cause more severe illness, or some other quality that makes them an improvement from the previous version. New, improved viruses, woo-hoo! (Well, improved for them, not necessarily for us.)
About 150 people have died in Mexico. Is that a lot?
It's hard to tell. About 2,400 people have been sick enough to be hospitalized in Mexico, and 152 have died, but that doesn't take into account people who weren't sick enough to be hospitalized, and not all of the cases have been confirmed as this strain of flu. Still, deaths from seasonal influenza in the United States are less than 1% of total cases, so this does seem to be more severe.
Has anyone died in other countries?
One 22-month-old child died in Texas, but he'd come from Mexico, so he probably caught it there. Still, more deaths are likely. The virus strain has only been recognized for a couple of weeks, so even if things don't get much worse than they are now, more people are probably going to die. It's way too early to predict where and when those deaths will occur.
Okay, so, how can I keep from getting it?
The biggest thing you can do is wash your hands often, using plain soap and plenty of warm water. If you can't wash your hands, then use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid "antimicrobial" products; they don't work any better, and probably wouldn't guard against flu anyway.
Also take care of yourself: eat well, get plenty of rest, reduce stress, and so on. And avoid people who are sick, of course!
At this point, unless you live in one of the outbreak areas or you think you may be getting sick, there's no need to avoid public gatherings, keep kids out of school, and so on. Face masks are also overkill, and they might not offer much protection if you aren't trained on how to use them properly. (If you feel you must, though, look for masks labeled "N95" at hardware stores, rather than "painter's masks.")
What if I think I'm getting sick?
First, don't panic. :) Remember, this is also the season for allergies and spring colds. Flu symptoms are usually pretty easy to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses. The most likely are high fever (102 degrees F), headache and muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. Chills, dry hacking cough, and sore throat are all common. Symptoms also tend to hit very suddenly, within a few hours. One difference is that this flu strain seems to be causing digestive problems in some people, which is pretty rare with seasonal flu. ("Stomach flu" isn't flu at all and, in fact, is usually something foodborne.)
If you have a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and mild tiredness, you probably have a cold. If you have itchy, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, and occasional cough, it's probably allergies.
If you do think your symptoms indicate flu, call your doctor's office and ask if you should consider antiviral medication. Two common antivirual drugs seem to work against this flu strain, so if you can start it quickly after your symptoms start, your illness may be shorter and milder. Also, stay home as much as possible. Going to work, school, and so on will only serve to spread the virus faster. Consider keeping everyone in your household home for a few days, to be sure they aren't also sick -- you can spread the virus to others before your symptoms start.
If you have to go out, cover your cough (preferably with a shoulder or arm, rather than your hand), carry tissues to cover sneezes, and try to stay away from other people whenever you can. (That is, if you don't have your own transportation, taking a cab would be better than taking a bus.)
What should I do in case schools/offices/public transportation shut down, like in Mexico?
It's always a good idea to do a few basic things to stay prepared for emergencies. If nothing else, you should keep some simple first aid supplies on hand—bandages and alcohol for treating small wounds, Tylenol or other over-the-counter medications for fever and pain, digestive remedies, a thermometer to check for fever, Benadryl for allergies. Also store a few flashlights with extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio may come in handy.
To plan for a need to stay at home for a few days, make sure you have enough food for everyone in your household, including pets. Check your stocks of any other necessary items, such as diapers for small children and prescription medications for chronic conditions. Keeping a few gallons of water on hand is another good idea but isn't likely to be critical even if a severe pandemic were to happen. You don't need to run out and buy water, though—just fill up a few pitchers or other (food-safe) containers from the tap.
Please don't tell me I have to give up my morning bacon habit!!
No, as noted above, pork products are perfectly safe (assuming they're otherwise prepared properly, of course). You can't get this or any "swine" flu from eating pig. Enjoy all the bacon you like!
Where can I get more information?
One of the best sources is the CDC website. It's updated often and has multiple links for the public about the epidemic. If you're on Twitter, you can get updates and links via @CDCemergency, but most will direct back to the same web site.
Other questions, including requests for explanations of any of the above, are welcome in comments. So is linking. :)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
And I Ran
Sister and I started a Jeff Galloway running course this morning. It's an interval training plan, where you alternate brief runs with walks, gradually increasing your time. The course we're on is 12 weeks; today we did 15 minutes of 30-second runs and 1-minute walks. Things went pretty well. I ended up with a sore left Achilles tendon and knee weakness, but not too bad.
Later in the morning, we went to get fitted for running shoes, which should help with the achiness. At least, I hope so!
Later in the morning, we went to get fitted for running shoes, which should help with the achiness. At least, I hope so!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Green, Green Grapes of Home
One of my co-workers was kind enough to buy a bag of green seedless grapes for me from the "garden market" at work today, and it reminded me of this story.
When I was born, I was the first grandchild to my mother’s parents. As with many other such eldest, it became my unwitting task to name the grandparents. Would they become Grandma and Grandpa? Nana and Pappa? My grandmother pushed for "Gamsie," so it’s for the best that she didn’t prevail.
Language skills started early for me, which should come as no surprise to those who know me. Language dexterity, however, was slower to develop. One area in which I had a great deal of difficulty was the correct pronunciation of "gr" at the beginning of a word. I became convinced that "gr" sounded exactly like "b."
Thus, my grandparents became Bemama and Bepop. And evermore shall be.
I have many stories to tell about Bemama, who, at 87, is still going strong. Today's, however, is about Bepop.
Bepop was 10 days shy of 50 when I was born, and a prouder grandfather you’d be hard pressed to find. Bemama was learning photography when I was small, so naturally I became her favorite subject, and Bepop very often shared the frame. She took many wonderful pictures, but one in particular stands out in my memory:
In this shot, Bepop is settled into his recliner, with me tucked in next to him. I was about 4 years old. In Bepop’s lap is a bowl of grapes. Grapes were among his favorite snacks, second only to bananas; diagnosed with diabetes shortly before I was born, he turned to fruit to satisfy his sweet tooth. He would eat nearly any kind of grape, but when he was sharing with me, they were always seedless, and almost always green.
I, of course, didn’t call them grapes. I called them beeps.
In this picture, my attention is riveted on the bowl of "beeps," and Bepop’s concentration is focused on the single tiny fruit in his hand. He’s holding his pocketknife (now one of my treasured keepsakes), carefully removing the peel. Back then, I didn’t like the peels.
"Bepop," I’d say, "Peel me a beep." He never could resist.
~~~
Bepop died in 1997. He was 78 years old.
Every time I eat green grapes, it's in his memory.
When I was born, I was the first grandchild to my mother’s parents. As with many other such eldest, it became my unwitting task to name the grandparents. Would they become Grandma and Grandpa? Nana and Pappa? My grandmother pushed for "Gamsie," so it’s for the best that she didn’t prevail.
Language skills started early for me, which should come as no surprise to those who know me. Language dexterity, however, was slower to develop. One area in which I had a great deal of difficulty was the correct pronunciation of "gr" at the beginning of a word. I became convinced that "gr" sounded exactly like "b."
Thus, my grandparents became Bemama and Bepop. And evermore shall be.
I have many stories to tell about Bemama, who, at 87, is still going strong. Today's, however, is about Bepop.
Bepop was 10 days shy of 50 when I was born, and a prouder grandfather you’d be hard pressed to find. Bemama was learning photography when I was small, so naturally I became her favorite subject, and Bepop very often shared the frame. She took many wonderful pictures, but one in particular stands out in my memory:
In this shot, Bepop is settled into his recliner, with me tucked in next to him. I was about 4 years old. In Bepop’s lap is a bowl of grapes. Grapes were among his favorite snacks, second only to bananas; diagnosed with diabetes shortly before I was born, he turned to fruit to satisfy his sweet tooth. He would eat nearly any kind of grape, but when he was sharing with me, they were always seedless, and almost always green.
I, of course, didn’t call them grapes. I called them beeps.
In this picture, my attention is riveted on the bowl of "beeps," and Bepop’s concentration is focused on the single tiny fruit in his hand. He’s holding his pocketknife (now one of my treasured keepsakes), carefully removing the peel. Back then, I didn’t like the peels.
"Bepop," I’d say, "Peel me a beep." He never could resist.
~~~
Bepop died in 1997. He was 78 years old.
Every time I eat green grapes, it's in his memory.
Friday, April 17, 2009
What's Going On
So, what's been going on with me:
School. I'm pulling an A in my first graduate-level class, so go me. Of course, now I'm several weeks behind on assignments, but only the midterm, final, and final paper have firm deadlines, so I'll get caught up soon.
Work. Still like my job, even when it annoys.
Family. Helping my parents plan and pack for their move in June. Also had a death in the family that hit us all really hard.
Friends. I finally gave in and signed up for Facebook, and I've reconnected with a whole bunch of old friends there. I'll be seeing one former college roommate in June and am making arrangements to see others.
So how are things with you?
School. I'm pulling an A in my first graduate-level class, so go me. Of course, now I'm several weeks behind on assignments, but only the midterm, final, and final paper have firm deadlines, so I'll get caught up soon.
Work. Still like my job, even when it annoys.
Family. Helping my parents plan and pack for their move in June. Also had a death in the family that hit us all really hard.
Friends. I finally gave in and signed up for Facebook, and I've reconnected with a whole bunch of old friends there. I'll be seeing one former college roommate in June and am making arrangements to see others.
So how are things with you?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Walken in a Winter Wonderland
PSA: If you aren't reading Christopher Walken's Twitter, you should be.
[insert helpless laughter here]
On edit: Apparently the account is a fraud -- it's not actually Walken -- but it's still hilarious.
[insert helpless laughter here]
On edit: Apparently the account is a fraud -- it's not actually Walken -- but it's still hilarious.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Movin' Out
Once again I've fallen down on the updating job. Ah well, better late than never, right?
I spent the weekend with Mom and Dad, getting the first big stack of boxes packed. Takeaway lesson: Mom has a lot of dolls and doll-related stuff, and a LOT of packing remains to be done.
In happy news, they may have found a place to live. Details to follow once it's a done deal.
E and I watched the premiere of Castle last night and loved it. Not perfect, but lots of fun. Plus, an hour a week of Nathan Fillion? Where's the bad in that?
I spent the weekend with Mom and Dad, getting the first big stack of boxes packed. Takeaway lesson: Mom has a lot of dolls and doll-related stuff, and a LOT of packing remains to be done.
In happy news, they may have found a place to live. Details to follow once it's a done deal.
E and I watched the premiere of Castle last night and loved it. Not perfect, but lots of fun. Plus, an hour a week of Nathan Fillion? Where's the bad in that?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Everything's Coming Up
Mussels and I had a lingering breakup Sunday evening. It was the second time, and they don't get a third try. No, I don't think anything was wrong with the mussels themselves.
It's now Thursday, and my chest muscles are still sore. Ouch.
It's now Thursday, and my chest muscles are still sore. Ouch.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Movin' On Up
Photograph from the 2008 Chicago Air & Water Show by kudzuplanetDad is retiring from the ministry in June, which means he and Mom will be moving. Oh joy, oh rapture: more packing/unpacking. My family has become as nomads, each of us moving every couple of years. My sister and I moved to a new apartment in August; my grandmother followed suit in December. Once again, all of us will have moved within a year. (And that's not even counting my office's move back in June.) Thankfully, these will likely be the last moves for my parents and grandmother, unless they get to the point that they need more assistance.
This week also marks my parents' birthdays (today and Thursday), plus Valentine's Day, which this year is balanced out for us singles by Friday the 13th the day before. Maybe I'll host a wake Friday night, or at least dress all in black.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Try To Be A Straight-A Student
My first assignment for my graduate class got a virtual thumbs up from the professor. He's using part of it as a discussion point for the rest of the class. This makes me feel a little better about my chances to do well in graduate school!
Unfortunately, work has been very difficult the past few weeks and doesn't appear to have any intention of improving soon. I just need to keep reminding myself of how blessed I am to have a good, stable job that I (mostly) enjoy.
Unfortunately, work has been very difficult the past few weeks and doesn't appear to have any intention of improving soon. I just need to keep reminding myself of how blessed I am to have a good, stable job that I (mostly) enjoy.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Change is Gonna Come
Twenty years ago today, I was in Washington, DC, for the inauguration of George H.W. Bush. My college band was a national representative in the parade, or I never would have been able to go—or wanted to, really, since I wasn't much of a political maven in those days. It was the Bicentennal Inaugural, 200 years since George Washington was sworn in as our first president under the new Constitution. Think of all we've learned since 1789!
I'll be watching the Inauguration today at my desk at work, via the CNN feed provided by my employer. No matter your opinion of the policy positions held by our new president, it's impossible to deny the importance of this event. For the first time in our 220-year history, our president will not be a white man. All of us who don't fit into that mold suddenly find that glass ceiling over our heads crumbling to dust.
On a subject much less historic but still personally notable, I start graduate school today. My textbooks are waiting for me in the leasing office of my apartment complex, and I've just downloaded the syllabus from Blackboard. I'm nervous but excited, on a much smaller scale like the Obamas feel today, I imagine.
It's a chance for a new beginning for all of us, and I hope we'll embrace it.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Most Sensational, Inspirational
Atlanta skyline from the Omni Hotel. Photograph by Shannon Noelle, taken September 1, 2007.It was an amazing journey into the mind of an amazing man, and one that took me back through my childhood in the process. I highly recommend seeing any part of this collection if you can. It's a Smithsonian traveling exhibit; schedule dates are available here.
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