Of Earth and Stars

"The thing I think we have to remember is that there is no finish line with depression, anxiety, or any other sort of mental illness. We’re on this path, and the path is constantly changing. Sometimes it’s flat and well-marked, and we can see all the way to the horizon....Other times, it’s so heavily shrouded in fog and mist, we can’t even see past our fingertips and we need someone to show us where the path is. And sometimes, we come to a wall that we don’t think we’ll ever get over. I’ve been staring at the base of that wall for weeks, and just now you helped me remember that there are always handholds to get up and over it."

-Tears in Rain, from wilwheaton.net

Why we are so very tired of having to explain arguments of equality, diversity, and tolerance. One of the best compilations I've seen in a while.

30 Things Learned while transitioning gender is a beautiful, informative post for transfolk and allies.

How the White House is uniting with the business community to push back against Tea Party Republicans. Business lobbyists finally catch on to how they've screwed themselves.

Meanwhile, Google is still busy destroying your privacy, now with user data appearing in ads. Don't forget that there are plenty of Google alternatives.

Scientists are examining the emotional lives of dogs, confirming everything anyone who's ever lived with a dog already knows. At least the research methods are non-invasive.

In good news, while paying off your student loan debts, you can continue your college education on the internet for free. Or if you just want to stick to learning German on Duolingo, there's a handy reference on Wikipedia covering the personal pronouns.

While studying and snacking on your pineapple, be sure to think about the human and environmental costs of purchasing Costa Rican pineapples, which are grown in a monoculture.

And be sure to sift through Satya magazine, which, although no longer being published, is still available online in back issues covering issues of vegetarianism, animal advocacy, social justice, and environmentalism.

Or perhaps scroll through the artwork of Eduardo Rodriguez Calzado, in progress, which will move you to tears.