Monday Blogaround

This Blogaround is brought to you by Shaxco, makers of Pocket Diversions. Pocket Diversions are a handy, portable way to create a diversion when a distant yet nosy relative at a holiday gathering starts grilling you about your "love life". Comes in Doorbell, Excuse Me the Cat Just Threw Up, and Something's Burning on the Stove!

Border House: [Trigger Warning] Second Life designer releases bruised skins

Jade Park: i can't hear you

I rarely talk about my stroke anymore, I am so determined to put it behind me. But occasionally, I’ll be reminded that I’m not exactly the same person I once was, and it takes me a little while to absorb that fact. Sure, we’re not the same person we were just 24 hours ago, because of all the things that happen to us in a day and all those things change us in tiny ways…but when you are changed by illness, especially at a younger age, there’s a sense that your life was…disrupted, that these changes don’t come about by normal process. Of course, illness is a part of life, but there’s an anger/discouragement attached to that…disruption.

Two from Isis The Scientist:
Discrimination and the Power of a Word
Why no, Virginia. I'm Not a Mexican...

ME agenda: A link round-up on the XMRV retrovirus. This retrovirus may be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to a paper published last month in the journal Science (pdf of the Science paper for those with access).

Cosmic Variance: First Collisions in the LHC!

Legal Momentum: New U.S. Crime Reports: Flawed Methodology Sharply Underestimates Rape Rates Against Women and Persons with Disabilities

Diary of an Anxious Black Woman: Moving Yet Sloppy Portrayal of a Harlem Girl: My Review of Precious (Spoilers)

Language Log: Snuckward Ho!

The Sewing Divas: Hot Patterns Free Slinky Shrug Download Simplified. The Divas give tips on how best to print out and use this free and simple sewing pattern, sizes 6 to 26, from the very tony Hot Patterns.