Bibliosphere

    Yesterday was Christmas, and today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa. The Solstice (Yule) was earlier in the week, and Hanukkah took place early in the month.       But as hundreds of thousands of families around the world celebrate, hundreds of thousands of other families are struggling to get through the season.  For them, this is the first holiday season after the loss of a child or parent, or being jobless or homeless.  Take time to remember those who are struggling this season, and help them through.  It might only take a kind word, to let them know that you are thinking of them.   Blessed be this holiday season.

    Ahh, winter break is finally here.  I finished my final exams yesterday, then flew home.  It was an interesting set of flights, with all the hectic fun of holiday travelers.  I will be enjoying reading more Kathy Reichs novels and spending the holidays with my family.    Enjoy your season.

  The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act passed the House of Representatives today!   What does this mean? Researchers will get desperately needed funding to study pediatric illnesses, including childhood cancer.  This $126 million comes from tax form donations to the National Party Convention Fund.  So, this money is coming from the politician fund, which is awesome, because they don't need more money.  Thank you to everyone who emailed, phoned or otherwise contacted their representatives.

   Today marks one year since Brave Ariel earned her wings.  From her mom: " RIP Ariel Gariano, you came into the world at 12:10pm on Aug 19, 1998. On Dec 10,2012 at 11:26 pm you breathed your courageous last and I pray you, your soul, your heart, are basking in the glory of the next world. My heart and soul vanished that late Monday night when you breathed your last in my arms Ariel Rose. Your heart beat on so strong, so determined, even though you couldn't breathe to fe ed it precious air any more. Your blue eyes remained closed as though in slumber, your chest stopped rising and falling and still the beat of your heart under my fingers was clear and strong like the wings of a bird fluttering, preparing for flight. Your lions heart still pounding as 3 nurses listened at your side stethoscopes drawn as they stood protectively around you...all of us helpless to do more than stand witness to your final moments in the body we all so dearly loved. In the middle of your ches...

   Tomorrow (Wednesday), the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act will be voted on by the House of Representatives.  It takes the money raised from donations to presidential campaigns on income tax forms and uses it for research of various pediatric diseases, including cancer, autism and diabetes.  It would allocate $126 million over the next ten years.     The act is named after Gabriella Miller, who died October 26th after an 11 month battle with an inoperable brain tumor at age 10.    Consider calling your state representative to ask them for their support of the bill (HR2019).  Here is a list of representatives who sponsor or support the bill:  http://4sqclobberscancer.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/113th-congress-hr2019-lists-11162013.pdf .

    Today marks the anniversary of the massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989.  On that day, Marc Lepine entered the Engineering classrooms at the college with a rifle and shot 28 people.  14 women were killed: Geneviève Bergeron (born 1968), civil engineering student Hélène Colgan (born 1966), mechanical engineering student Nathalie Croteau (born 1966), mechanical engineering student Barbara Daigneault (born 1967), mechanical engineering student Anne-Marie Edward (born 1968), chemical engineering student Maud Haviernick (born 1960), materials engineering student Maryse Laganière (born 1964), budget clerk in the École Polytechnique's finance department Maryse Leclair (born 1966), materials engineering student Anne-Marie Lemay (born 1967), mechanical engineering student Sonia Pelletier (born 1961), mechanical engineering student Michèle Richard (born 1968), materials engineering student Annie St-Arneault (born 1966), mechanical engineering stud...