Feb 18
Today is a federal holiday. Officially, it is Washington’s Birthday. As the federal Office of Personnel Management states: This holiday is designated as “Washington’s Birthday” in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Though other institutions such as state and local governments …
Feb 17
I am a member of the AANE Advocacy Committee, and that committee is now following a fairly large number of bills that are before the Massachusetts General Court. Two of the bills are ones that we helped introduce (description and links at the end of this post). These and three others have been designated as …
Feb 15
Dear President Obama: We join millions of Americans in applauding your Inaugural Address declaration that “we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future.” Democrats have built the most popular government programs in American history – including …
Feb 10
I had a doubly wonderful experience today at Jiminy Peak. The conditions were absolutely spectacular. The only things I didn’t like were the crowds (well, it was a weekend, after all, which I usually avoid, but the forecast for tomorrow is for yuck — the “r” word-that-shall-not-be-spoken), and the pesky clumps of white fluffy stuff …
Feb 09
Maria Konnikova has posted a fascinating account of how recent brain scans of two preserved brains (one from 1861) has expanded our understanding of Broca’s aphasia. Along the way, she tells the story of the origins of what is today called cognitive neuroscience. In 2007, a team of researchers led by Nina Dronkers, at the …
Feb 03
I am supporting Ed Markey in his bid to become the next US Senator from Massachusetts. He has a sterling track record on environmental issues and and has values and positions that are consonant with mine. I think his candidacy will appeal to Berkshire voters. Ed will be in Pittsfield on Friday, February …
Feb 02
A wonderful interview with Ari Ne’eman. He gives thoughtful, well-reasoned, and fact-based answers to questions about the false link between mental health and violent acts. A must read! He talks to Al Jazeera’s Shihab Rattansi about the Newtown shooting and the role of mental illness in the US gun control debate.
Jan 25
Update: SUCCESS! The February 1 deadline has passed for seeking co-sponsors. At last count, the two bills had received the following number of petitioners in each chamber (percentage of all legislators is indicated in parens). The next step for us will be to prepare for hearings. Bill numbers will be assigned and the bills will …
Dec 29
In the New York Times, no less. Although I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, given their recent history of publishing really terrible pieces about autism, particularly at the height of the DSM-5 controversy. And, as it turns out, the author of one of those pieces is back, this time to dis schizophrenic people. I wonder which population …
Dec 28
My friend Ariane has written a post about her reaction to being attacked by someone who didn’t agree with her writing. If you know Ariane or have benefited from reading her blog, please go there and place a supporting comment. I did. I think we all know how traumatizing it is to be criticized in …