Make it Better NOW

Rick Mercer on Teen Suicide

Rick Mercer recently (October 25th) did a very good 'rant' on the problem of teen suicide because of bullying and homophobia. It was so good that I wanted to re-post it to try to get more attention to it.

He is always very funny, but this is not a laughing matter. He puts it as it is, very forward. Teens need more gay role models - not only in the public eye, but everywhere. In literature, in schools, in community centers, everywhere. 300 deaths in Canada is far too much. Things get better, trust me. I have been there with the scars to prove it.

Click here to watch the rant on youtube.
Click here to read the rant on Rick Mercer's blog.

Seriously... I'm Kidding

Seriously… I’m Kidding

by Ellen Degeneres

This was my ‘reading-week treat’ as I am a big fan of Ellen Degeneres. This book did not disappoint. I thing that it would be a great read for anyone from 13+, including reluctant readers. It is a nice, easy to read book that made me literally laugh out loud (which was awkward on the train, but it was worth it). As with her other two books, The FunnyThing Is... (2004) & My Point...And I Do Have One (2007), it is based on situational comedy. This is nice because there is no real plot to follow, so it is easy to pick up and put down on a busy schedule. There are some really random stories (fictional) and then some true stories that begs the reader to relate to the situation. Even if the situation is difficult, Degeneres incorporates a good amount of humour that made me laugh. This is a great book, and a definite MUST READ!!!! Seriously! I’m not kidding!

101 Ways to Dance

101 Ways to Dance 

by Kathy Stinson

This book was inspired by a writing exercise that the author used in a creative writing course. This is very appropriate as it is a very creative way to approach the topic of relationships for young adults.

Follow up on Eating disorders

Here is a good site on how to recognize eating disorders in other people, especially your children. I also want to include more sites about eating disorders that have been very, very helpful.

German Town Patch

Something Fishy

Sheena's Place

Homewood's Eating disorder program - this is one of the best programs, really taught me the skills I needed to get better

Surviving your Stupid, Stupid Decision to go to Grad School

Surviving your Stupid, Stupid Decision to go to Grad School
by Adam Ruben

I decided to read this book as a celebration of my last semester of my MLIS.  I absolutely fell in love with this book from the beginning where the author has a forward, a preface, a prologue and an introduction but explains that as a grad student “you could skip to chapter 1 and begin reading the actual book. But out of obligation to the printed word, or out of inertia, or out of a misguided need to finish what you start, you’ll keep reading and waiting”. As with the rest of the book, it is sadly true – though I did resist the urge to take notes!

Unbearable Lightness

Unbearable Lightness
Portia de Rossi

De Rossi's book is also very good, but a tough read as I have gone through it myself so it is very, very real to me. It is hard to remember those feelings and obsession. I would not recommend it to anyone still suffering from Anorexia or bulimia because it can be very triggering, but it is very useful for family or friends to try to begin to understand the horrible disease. It can become such an obsession and it is extremely hard to overcome. It is also very useful for anyone who works with teens to help recognize the possible symptoms or behaviours.  Although it is impossible for someone who has never had an eating disorder to fully understand, de Rossi's book does give a very detailed and honest look into her struggles with her disease.

Kobo

I finally broke down and bought a new Kobo reader. I really enjoy reading from it. I realize that there is no satisfaction of "turning the page" but I actually find it easier to concentrate than regular books. This also means that I can read far more books at once! I am currently reading Wanda Sykes'  "Yeah, I said it" and Portia de Rossi's "Unbearable Lightness".  I love Wanda Sykes, so that is usually the one that I read first.