Social Science Category

Overwhelmed Sierra needs calming, loving, tracking service dog

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Sierra Bland is 10 years old. In her 10 years she has endured more medical tests, procedures and hospitalizations than most people do in a lifetime. She can tell you in detail how to start an IV, replace her colostomy bag, or what needs to be done prior to surgery.
The most amazing thing about [...]

Thanks, Kyle Daggett, for serving your country

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Last May, Kyle Daggett died. I never got to meet him, but he was the beloved cousin of my friend and colleague, Jennifer Muench. Her descriptions of Kyle brought him to life. Later, I sent a small donation to the nonprofit Kyle’s parents founded. Here’s what his mother wrote to me:
…Our commitment is to [...]

The Blue Sweater: a review

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

I thought The Blue Sweater would be a long read, but surprised myself by reading it much as I do a novel. I read of a young woman who dared to introduce new ideas to complete strangers culturally, geographically, and politically, because she believed that those ideas, implemented, would empower women and families and regions [...]

When is swine flu NOT swine flu? asks Gerry McGovern

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Gerry McGovern’s blog today discusses language in a riveting post that also addresses the (mainly) online business aspect of today’s language. He says, in part that “search is the greatest laboratory of human behavior that has ever existed.”
McGovern talks about how various global governments are trying to change the name of swine flu, and why [...]

How did we lose focus?

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

How to say thank you in different languages

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

My friend, Bette Miles-Holleman has put together oodles of ways to say “Thank you.” She says that by checking through her huge list, and learning a new phrase (or more), you may make a new friend.
Plus, if you don’t see a language listed and know the correct phrase and spelling, let her know and she’ll [...]

A new way to look at the world

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Show-Mapping Worlds, a new way to look at the U.S. and the world. Rick Hodges, Content Manager, says, “Our site (actually two in one) presents hundreds of data sets about the 50 US states and world countries in animated map form, and allows downloads of data and images.
“It’s a free resource for research, teaching, presentations [...]

Members of Congress who Twitter

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Have you visited the OpenCongress site? It’s an editable guide to Congress for the people, by the people. It’s a wiki. Kind of like Wikipedia.
There’s even a page called “Members of Congress who Twitter.”
OpenCongress is one of many sites for U.S. citizens who want a say in government.

Chandler Flowers and Yanni, one of 4 Paws first service dogs

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Years ago, Yanni, when we first became partners, I had my doubts. Not in you, but in myself. Together we put all of those doubts to rest. Thank you for helping me believe in myself and helping me take the first step in knowing that with enough time, effort, and cooperation, we can do anything!

Hawaiian sugar cane’s role in making ethanol or bio fuels for part or all of America

Monday, March 9th, 2009

The State of Hawaii has set high goals for energy independence using home grown resources but as yet no realistic plans have developed.