Humanity is like a Patchwork Quilt

Pi Day is March 14^th (3.14) so I thought I would have a little fun with it.

 
Here is a history of Pi from www.piday.org

“By measuring circular objects, it has always turned out that a circle is a little more than 3 times its width around. In the Old Testament of the Bible (1 Kings 7:23), a circular pool is referred to as being 30 cubits around, and 10 cubits across. The mathematician Archimedes used polygons with many sides to approximate circles and determined that Pi was approximately 22/7. The symbol (Greek letter “π”) was first used in 1706 by William Jones. A ‘π’ was chosen for ‘perimeter’ of circles, and the use of π became popular after it was adopted by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in 1737. In recent years, Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits passed its decimal. Only 39 digits past the decimal are needed to accurately calculate the spherical volume of our entire universe, but because of Pi’s infinite & patternless nature, it’s a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.”

An interesting fact about Pi:

If you look at a mirror image of 3.14 it spells pie.

Happy Pi Day everyone!

~ marcie

Go Red for Women!

National Wear Red Day ® is a day to raise awareness about heart disease, especially about how heart disease affects women.

Heart disease is something that hits close to home for me, in part because it runs in my family.  Even more scary to me, though, is over the last couple of years two women I know that were around my age have died from heart attacks

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute coronary heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the United States.

According to the American Heart Association:
“The fact is: Heart disease kills one in three women each year – that’s approximately one woman every minute. But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same in men. What’s more: These facts only begin to scratch the surface.”

For information about the myths around women and heart disease go to:
http://www.goredforwomen.org/about-heart-disease/facts_about_heart_disease_in_women-sub-category/myths-about-heart-disease/

There is also a fun challenge for Wear Red Day – America Goes Red Challenge http://wearredday.goredforwomen.org/
“We’re looking for the most spirited supporters to paint the town red! Show us how you Go Red by uploading your photos from Facebook, Instagram, Flickr or your desktop in one of the categories. Let’s turn a red spotlight on America and raise awareness of the issue of heart disease in women.”

~ Marcie

One of the many aspects of diversity is how we each get to work – many of us take the bus, others drive, carpool or vanpool.  Then there are the bicycle commuters – A hardy group of folks that bicycle to work for a variety of reasons.  For some folks it is actually quicker to ride a bike than it is to drive, although this is truer in a big city than here in  County.  Saving money is another popular motivation.  However, probably the most common reason to ride into work is as part of a healthy life style.  I have always enjoyed both the challenges and the invigorating start to the day bicycle commuting provides.

This Friday, May 18^th, we celebrate the bicycle commuter, and encourage others to take it up, by having Bike to Work Day.

If you do ride your bicycle to work, please stay safe out there!

~ Marcie

I just watched live (on TV – Thanks to TVW) as the Washington State Senate discussed and then approved the Marriage Equality bill – 28 Yeas to 21 Nays.  I was excited a week ago when enough Senators to pass the bill said that they would vote in favor, but seeing it actually happen was exciting on a whole new level.

Prior to the debate on the actual bill, there were several amendments that were discussed and voted on.  Some of the amendments that passed clarified the protections of religious organizations.  Two amendments that did not pass would have allowed non-religious organizations and businesses to discriminate, contrary to our state non-discrimination laws, and would have put the issue to the voters for approval.

There were some very moving words during the discussion of the bill.  Democratic Senator Murray explained how marriage is important because it is how society says you are a family.  Senator Hobbs mentioned that he would be drilling with fellow reserve soldiers this weekend, some of which are gay, and how could he look them in the eye if he did not vote yes on this bill.  He said “I will never leave a fallen comrade behind.”  Republican Senator Steve Litzow has some great matter-of-fact comments in favor of the bill including how the right to marry is part of the constitutional right to pursue happiness.

Now the bill moves on to the Washington State House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass, then on the Governor Gregoire to sign.  I realize there is likely to be a referendum to put this up to a vote of the people, and we will have to endure misleading statements like what one Senator against the bill said tonight – that marriage equality would create a hostile environment for those folks that support traditional marriage.  However, we will also have the opportunity to hear many more stories about how marriage equality will have a positive affect on Washington State families.

This is a huge step forward, and I am hoping the momentum continues until Washington State becomes a place where all families are valued.

~ Marcie

Engineers are often thought of as those smart nerdy people, and in some cases we can live up to that reputation.  However, we often have a sense of humor about it.  At the recent Society of Women Engineers (SWE) National Conference (in Chicago, IL), I found many examples of engineers and engineering students having fun with geeky slogans.

See if you can figure out these two examples:

This was a design-winning button (design by Amber Scheurer) being given out to conference attendees

This was on a t-shirt being sold by one of the SWE Sections

The national SWE conference is an annual event that I always enjoy when I can attend, and this year I was one of over 5800 professionals and students that attended.

~ Marcie

During a recent trip to Vancouver, BC, I found it to be the land of Smart Cars and Prius taxis, where marriage equality is the law of the land.  At the same time, I found it interesting that there were flyers for anti-bullying fund raising events, and that one of my fellow travelers was harassed with anti-gay slurs hurled by local juvenile ruffians.  Clearly having marriage equality is not the end of the line for equality and inclusion; there is still much work to be done even in Vancouver, BC.

~ Marcie

As I was on the Bremerton Ferry heading to Seattle for the Slut Walk last weekend, amongst all the Seattle Mariners fans, I found a few other Kitsap County folks heading to the Slut Walk.  It was great to see other Kitsap County folks making the trek over to Seattle to help get the message out – rape is caused by rapists, not by what the victims wear.

Some of the other Slut Walkers were from a Kitsap County support group for women who are survivors of child abuse – Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASAC) Kitsap.  ASCA is a community based peer support group that provides a safe place for survivors to be themselves, and be there for each other.  The group started up in January and attendance at the weekly meetings ranges from 7 to 15.  This is an important resource here in Kitsap County and I will include their contact and other information at the end.

The Seattle Slut Walk was part of an international movement sparked by comments made by a Toronto police officer who offered advice to women to “avoid dressing like sluts” to prevent them from being assaulted – the old blame the victim school of thought that apparently is not as old as I thought it was.  Needless to say, and rightfully so, the advice has not been well received.

The Slut Walkers were a diverse group including many men, some dressed pretty sluttty in their own way.  There were even some dogs dressing the part.

At the end of the Slut Walk, there was a rally near Westlake Center.  As part of the speeches we were treated to some slam style poetry by Tara Hardy of the Bent Institute.  She really tells it like it is, in her unique creative way.

Some of the signs were fun, and some of the outfits were whimsical.  However, at the rally as some women bravely told all of us their stories of being assaulted, we were reminded of what we were all really there for.

~ Marcie

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) Kitsap meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm at the Lincoln Ave Bible Church in Bremerton.
“The effects of child abuse are life-long, they do not have to be a life-sentence!”
For more information, email them at: ascakitsap@yahoo.com

ASCA Kitsap Banner at Seattle Slut Walk

Participating in fund raising walks for cancer is always a profound experience for me, especially ones for breast cancer, and this year’s Race for the Cure in Seattle was no exception.  I have participated in the Race for the Cure several times over the years, and also completed the 3-Day walk a few years ago.  Both of these events benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

As I walked this year, and reflected on what the walk means, I watched the other walkers to see what I could tell of their stories.  Many walked in support of or in memory of a loved one, and were wearing handwritten signs or printed t-shirts to tell that part of their story.  It was not always obvious, though, who that person was to the walker.  Other walkers wore special “Survivor” T-shirts and pink hats to tell us that they were indeed survivors of the devastation of breast cancer.

Another thing I noticed as I walked was the diversity of folks that were walking.  There were men and women, of many ages, colors, and sizes.   There were women of faith with their heads covered by scarves in modesty, and others with provocative ornaments on their chests.  Some wore t-shirts with flamboyant team names using words normally considered irreverent, yet seemed so appropriate for this occasion.  People were encouraged to wear costumes and many did, including both men and women wearing pink tutus, one man with matching knee high pink argyle socks.  Pink was definitely the theme color of the day.

We were even met with diversity at the finish line  - First by Blue Thunder, the Seahawks drum line, and then a little ways further by belly dancers.

I know that breast cancer is not any more important than all the other cancers out there, but breast cancer has touched so many of my friends and their families, as well as public figures that have inspired me, and has had a more significant impact on my life.

According to their  web page, this year’s Race for the Cure in Seattle had over 13,000 runners, walkers and volunteers, and raised $1.6 million.

~ Marcie

Small quilt I made for a friend

At the recent 6th Annual Washington State Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Recognition Ceremony, awardees included folks from Kitsap County and Mason County.  Both were being recognized for their essential work for safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and ally youth.

The Community Leader of the Year Award went to Linsey Mayhew for her work in keeping the Q Center (Silverdale) a safe and vibrant place for Kitsap County LGBTQ youth.

Awardees Linsey Mayhew and Dan Savage

The Advisor of the Year Award went to Debra Bidwell for her work as an advisor for the North Mason High School Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).

Linsey and Debra had good company, as one of the other awardees was Dan Savage (of Seattle) – The IMPACT Award went to Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller for their work starting the It Gets Better Project. The It Gets Better Project was a response to tragic suicides by young LGBT folks, and is an effort to give hope to those youth about what the future holds for them.  The idea is for individuals and groups to send in their videos with the message of It Gets Better. The videos now number in the thousands, and the number of times they have been viewed in the millions.

From It Gets Better Project website:
“The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.”

One of the other GLSEN awards has an important link to Kitsap County.  The Rob Goldsworthy Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, which went to Mike Knoth of Bellingham High School, is named after a popular Bainbridge Island High School teacher.  He taught there for 12 years until he passed away.

Other awards handed out by GLSEN Washington that night:
Community Organization of the Year Award:
Seattle Parks

GSA Student Leader of the Year Award
Riley Peterson, Kent Phoenix Academy
Ashlee Newlin, Bellingham High School
Sam Behrens, Lakeside School
Zoe Evans, Lake Washington High School

Inspirational GSA of the Year Award
Garfield High School, Seattle

Educational Excellence Award
Wendy Long, Kennewick School Board Member

Volunteers of the Year
Jessica Lee
KC Bridges

Here are some links to videos from the Evening:

Keynote speech by Representative Marko Liias
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltv0WftVa5c

Dan Savage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwsol98oafs

It was great to see the hard work of all the awardees recognized by GLSEN Washington.

~~ Marcie

Some events and reports have hit the news recently, and combined in my mind to create a disturbing picture of how we sometimes treat one another.  We all need to step up and help when we see something happening that is just wrong.  These events and reports also demonstrate the importance of having inclusive laws against hate crimes, bullying, and discrimination.  This means laws that not only include sexual orientation, but also include gender identity and gender expression, so that we do not leave our transgender friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members behind.

One of the recent events was the beating of a transgender woman on April 18^th at a McDonald’s in Baltimore by a couple of customers, while the employees and other customers stood by.  This type of violence is, tragically, not that uncommon for transgender people and is often under-reported.  This particular event was video taped and went ‘viral’ on the Internet so many of us did hear about it.  Apparently the trouble began with the victim using the restroom.   This also came on the heels of the Baltimore legislature failing to pass an anti-discrimination bill that included gender identity.

Why is it that our society wants to put everyone in ‘boxes’ – such as male or female – so much that when someone does not fit into either box they are perceived as a threat, and misguided individuals feel compelled to commit physical violence against them?  Also, why are people reluctant to help and stop the violence? I wish I had the answers.

Recent news has also included a couple of reports, which contribute to my feelings of unease .  One was a study published by Dr. Hatzenbuehler,  in the journal Pediatrics, that showed a correlation between youth suicide with areas that have few resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.  From the results of the study: “A more supportive social environment was significantly associated with fewer suicide attempts…“

Here is a link to the abstract of the study:
http://tinyurl.com/3auk2er

The Trevor project stated the results of this study match with their experience in operating a 24/7-crisis intervention lifeline – they get more calls from conservative areas.

Here is an article in the Huffington Post that talks about the Trevor Project and the study:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-fishberger-md/gay-suicide_b_851107.html

The other report was about the work of some conservative religious folks to actively prevent anti-bullying laws that include gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.  “An increasing number of conservative leaders and organizations have fiercely opposed anti-bullying programs developed by schools and education groups for the sole reason that such programs identify and attempt to combat the widespread bullying of LGBT youth.”  From the report’s conclusion: “Ignoring the clear signs of bullying directed towards gay and gay-perceived students does more than perpetuate the problem and lend undeserved credibility to Religious Right attacks on LGBT people and their allies. It undermines the creation of safe and welcoming schools, and puts the well-being and the very lives of American students at risk.”

Here is a link to the full article:
http://www.pfaw.org/rww-in-focus/big-bullies-how-the-religious-right-trying-to-make-schools-safe-for-bullies-and-dangero

This all makes me glad that there are some good things happening in Kitsap County.   We have Gay Straight Alliances at many of our local schools, as well as the work of the Kitsap Safe Schools Network.  Also, our local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth have a Q Center.  We are not free of problems, though, because the students here still experience bullying on a regular basis.  An article in the Central Kitsap Reporter about the local Q Center and some of the youth it supports talks about this:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/lifestyle/104597154.html

Please remember  - Victims of bullying, violence and suicide are our fellow human beings, too often young people, and they are they being left out of legislation, kicked out by their parents, bullied in their schools, and too many are enduring enough abuse that they decide to end their lives.  Have some respect and compassion – It takes all of us to speak out against this hatred-driven violence and abuse.

Some useful links, if you want tools to help:

The Trevor Project
http://www.thetrevorproject.org

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17^th)
http://www.dayagainsthomophobia.org

National Center for Transgender Equality
http://transequality.org

Kitsap Safe Schools Network
http://www.kitsapsafeschools.org

The Safe Schools Coalition
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org

Kitsap Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
http://www.kitsappflag.org

National Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
http://www.pflag.org