Abandoned homes and churches from the Civil War Era

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/12/20/opinion/20111220_DISUNIONSS.html?gwh=8311784C98C3FA1D3C8D322C3E8E4735

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/what-remains/?smid=fb-disunion

The blog entry is pretty short- but I think it illustrates a point that is important in the study of the Civil War (and really, history in a more general sense)- sometimes to understand why people did what they did, you've got to see their lives. How they lived. If you don't immerse yourself, you'll find yourself bringing your own biases into the study process. Granted, it is interpreting our own biases that helps us understand history, helps us relate to the past, gives new insight into oft mentioned topics. It's a delicate balance to hold- don't want to bring too much of the present into the past, but don't want to forget how hindsight can serve us in the study of history.

It's magnificent to see some of these old building still standing, dilapidated as they are. Maybe I just have a thing for abandoned buildings. But to stand in such an old building, it just feels special, because you can imagine all those who have set foot there as well.

Warming Permafrost

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/science/earth/warming-arctic-permafrost-fuels-climate-change-worries.html?pagewanted=1&ref=science&gwh=2B0E0832E8281427C0A83E44734E0A7D

Still blissfully ignorant of global warming? Even if I tried really hard, I just don't see how I could convince myself that global warming is a hoax. Obviously I need to be hanging out more with my bff Michelle Bachmann. Facts schmacts.

Another sinking in Russia

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/12/19/world/europe/international-us-russia-platform-raft.html?_r=1&ref=world&gwh=DF8DD9129E0EF1094069CD6AF58C71CC

So many boats/etc sinking in Russia. It's pretty awful. Supposedly there were glimpses of a life raft, though it hasn't been confirmed or found. If not, unfortunately the body count will continue to climb above the already found 16. Gah, what an awful way to go- drowing in the icy cold waters near Russia.

Transgender Children

http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/12/11/led-child-who-simply-knew/SsH1U9Pn9JKArTiumZdxaL/story.html

Yeah, yeah- I know. Where have I been? Finals! Which could be considered a lame excuse except that a) finals are time consuming and hard, b) I'm a classic procrastinator, and c) one of my great friends came into town for a visit. Busy busy bee I am.

But this article was really touching, taking a honest look at transgender children- which is an issue that never gets enough press.