While reading and formulating my response to Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed (Picador, April 2015), I was reminded that intentionally childless people are not alone in being criticized. In her blog posts, Kate Wasserman challenges negative views that society holds toward single parenting.
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Saturday, April 25, 2015
‘Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed’ (Book review)
Sixteen writers examine their decisions not to have children in Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed (Picador, April 2015).
Edited by Los Angeles Times columnist Meghan Daum, the book reflects Daum’s assertion that “people who opt out of parenthood ... are not a monolithic group” (2). As these writings make plain, there is no single reason why these women and men chose to remain childless.
But what unites these writers is the way in which society feels it can judge or intervene in this among the countless other decisions that can define an adult life.
Edited by Los Angeles Times columnist Meghan Daum, the book reflects Daum’s assertion that “people who opt out of parenthood ... are not a monolithic group” (2). As these writings make plain, there is no single reason why these women and men chose to remain childless.
But what unites these writers is the way in which society feels it can judge or intervene in this among the countless other decisions that can define an adult life.
Roller-derby librarians!
These librarians aren’t on the usual sort of “wheels” that I showcase, but I couldn’t resist passing along an article from the Arizona Daily Star, which proclaimed that “Librarians become new selves when not between shelves.”
Generation holds ‘fate of the earth in balance’
For the first time, “a generation of people [hold] the very fate of the earth in balance.” For the Huffington Post, Marilyn Sewell, a Unitarian Universalist minister, lists 10 reasons why more people are not crying out for change. (Distributed by UU World’s The Interdependent Web.)
Cross-posted to RVUUFian Parents on Facebook
Cross-posted to RVUUFian Parents on Facebook
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Sewing for Body Support Systems, Inc.
Had a productive day: worked my shift in Bellview Elementary School library then rode my bike to Body Support Systems, Inc., where I put in 2.5 hours of work doing industrial sewing.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Neon socks with short-row-heels
With my sock explorations to-date, I’d used the heel-flap-and-turn technique taught by Ann Budd in her book Getting Started Knitting Socks (Interweave, 2007).
With this latest pair of socks, I decided to attempt the short-row heel technique.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Oregon Battle of the Books, early titles for 2015-2016
Oregon Battle of the Books! At Bellview Elementary School library, students are already interested in reading next year’s selections. And fifth-graders anticipate the books they will read in Ashland Middle School’s 6-to-8 division.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
June Ingraham for National Library Workers Day
During my time growing up and entering young adulthood, one steady constant in my life was the Calistoga public library. June Ingraham was the Calistoga librarian, and I honor her today for National Library Workers Day.
Beth Volkman for National Library Workers Day
Source of image: ALA Allied Professional Association |
Saturday, April 11, 2015
‘Welcome to the library!’
Cartoon image created with Bitstrips |
I’m sure to have plenty of occasions to use a cartoon
that says “Welcome to the library!”
that says “Welcome to the library!”
‘Rogues’ anthology of short fiction
During the recent “Winter Reads” program through Jackson County Library Services, participants were able to select a free “gently used” book for each reading log turned in.
My selection was Rogues, an anthology of short fiction edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.
I was already partial toward anthologies of short fiction for the benefits they offered the reader: short stories, easy to read in one sitting, but with a variety that transcended the collected works of only a single author.
My selection was Rogues, an anthology of short fiction edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.
I was already partial toward anthologies of short fiction for the benefits they offered the reader: short stories, easy to read in one sitting, but with a variety that transcended the collected works of only a single author.
Friday, April 10, 2015
‘Teen Crafternoon’: Poetry mural collages
Source of image: Ashland Teen Library on Facebook |
Sunday, April 5, 2015
‘Selfish, Shallow and Self-Absorbed’
In response to the question, “Why don’t you have children?,” author/editor Meghan Daum recommends this answer: “Parenting is probably one of the hardest things you could do. It’s an important job, so why should somebody who doesn’t really want to do that job, do it?”
That’s according to columnist Zosia Bielski for the Globe and Mail, who highlights a social contradiction: “Although we pat ourselves on the backs for tolerating all kinds of familial configurations in this country, we continue to reserve puzzlement, pity and judgment for adults who really don’t want to have children, ever.”
That’s according to columnist Zosia Bielski for the Globe and Mail, who highlights a social contradiction: “Although we pat ourselves on the backs for tolerating all kinds of familial configurations in this country, we continue to reserve puzzlement, pity and judgment for adults who really don’t want to have children, ever.”
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Microsoft wants to hire people with autism
In sharp contrast to the personality screenings that seem designed to flag us for rejection, I really enjoy reading about companies that view autism as a source of talents and abilities.
In an essay posted April 3 to “Microsoft on the Issues,” Mary Ellen Smith, corporate vice president of worldwide operations, announced a pilot program to hire people who are on the autism spectrum.
In an essay posted April 3 to “Microsoft on the Issues,” Mary Ellen Smith, corporate vice president of worldwide operations, announced a pilot program to hire people who are on the autism spectrum.