April 1, 2024 | Filed Under One Nice Thing, Things I Think About | Comments Off on Sensory-Friendly Movie Viewing
My local libraries do a Sensory-Friendly Family Movie Night each month. This means:
- Lights Up. Only the lights in the half of the room closest to the screen will be turned off.
- Sound Down. The volume will be lower than at our Monthly Movie Nights. Captions will be on as well.
- Hands Busy. We will provide a basket of fidget toys you are welcome to choose from. We encourage you to bring any sensory aids or comfort items that would enhance your experience.
- Rules Relaxed. Feel free to move, vocalize, dance or sing along! There is no expectation to sit still and remain quiet. Snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own (easy-to-clean-up) options as well.
- Flex Seating. A space will be open at the front with wobble cushions to sit on. You can also bring along a blanket or pillow and make yourself comfortable!
What a great idea! This makes it easier for people in general, and, in particular, people with children who have sensory issues.
Wouldn’t it be great to have this available for adults in regular movie theatres? It could be a special showing, like the “Mommy and Me” that one of our local theatres does—crying infants are not a problem, and if you book tickets for this showing, you know what you are signing up for.
| Filed Under One Nice Thing, Things I Think About | Comments Off on California Public Library Access!
In today’s email from my local library (City of Alameda, California)—I did not know this!
Any California resident can get a free library card at the following city libraries — just fill out the application to access all their digital “stacks”!
Los Angeles: click here
San Diego: click here
San Jose: click here
Oakland: click here
Checking out books and other materials from the library is great for several reasons:
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- Increased use of library services allows libraries to request additional funding from state and local budgets.
- Authors get royalty payments for library check-outs — another great way to support the writers, musicians, and artists you love!
- It gives your library a better idea of what’s in demand. If you’re looking for a book, film, or album that your library doesn’t carry, please request it so artists can get their work into more libraries and seen by more people!
March 24, 2024 | Filed Under Altars | Comments Off on New Altar Pieces from SJ Chilton
I have returned from my travels, along with some lovely new pieces for my altar from SJ Chilton! They are made of a nice, lightweight plaster, and feel wonderfully smooth and cool in the hand.
First, Angbroda and children:
Next, Saga:
And, last but not least, the Norns:
February 28, 2024 | Filed Under Things I Think About | Comments Off on VOTE.
From this article in the San Francisco Chronicle:
“It’s a week before Election Day, and most Californians couldn’t care less. Watch out: When few people vote, crazy stuff can happen.
That’s because California is on track to have its lowest primary turnout in the state’s history — 29%, projects political analyst Paul Mitchell — in part because more than 4 in 10 voters are not enthusiastic about voting for president or Congress, according to a Public Policy Institute of California survey.” “Due for a windfall are Republicans, whose influence could be far greater than their 24% share of California’s electorate. So far, Republican voters have turned in 32% of the ballots, according to Political Data, Mitchell’s analytics firm that monitors turnout across the state.
Meanwhile, young voters — who are driving the national conversation about U.S. policy in the Middle East through street protest — are forfeiting their political voice at home. While there are roughly equal numbers of voters older than 65 and younger than 35 in California, so far 57% of the ballots turned in have been from seniors and only 2% from younger voters.”
It’s not just California.
You don’t have to be enthusiastic about the candidate you vote for, but you must vote against the candidate you oppose.
Not voting is not a statement of dissatisfaction with the system; it says you are wiling to accept whatever other people decide, even if it’s bad for you.
VOTE. Do not let the other side win because you couldn’t be bothered to fill out a ballot.
