Archive for October 2015

Mammogram, mets, and the end of breast cancer awareness month

Mammogram, mets, and the end of breast cancer awareness month
Today is the last day of October and the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pinktober 2015 is over. Maybe I can buy something, a cup of coffee or something, that isn’t pink. Gratuitously pink. The New York Times offers an overview of the growing criticism of the “awareness” movement, noting that many breast... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 31, 2015 at 7:25 am • 

Dear Joss Whedon, would you consider coming over for dinner?

Dear Joss Whedon, would you consider coming over for dinner?
Every month ChicagoNow bloggers participate in “Blogapalooz-Hour,” an optional writing exercise in which, at precisely 9 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month, a topic is sent out. Whoever decides to partake must conceive, write and then publish a post exactly one hour later. The October, 2015 topic: “Write a letter to a celebrity convincing them... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 29, 2015 at 5:04 pm • 

Everything gives you cancer: what to do about hot dogs and bacon

Everything gives you cancer: what to do about hot dogs and bacon
A few days ago the World Health Organization reported that they have classified bacon and sausage as carcinogens, linked to colon cancer. See the New York Times article here. Bloomberg Business wrote about this, too, and they compiled a pretty cool interactive graphic showing all of the things that the WHO has on its list... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 27, 2015 at 4:44 pm • 
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Eulogy for a blogger: Donna taught me well

Eulogy for a blogger: Donna taught me well
Donna Moncivaiz died from melanoma yesterday. One of her last messages via Facebook was a reminder to use sunscreen. She often reminded us of the dangers of tanning in her blog, Your Tan May Be Killing You. Cancer can not be prevented. But, we can reduce our risk by not smoking, by eating well, by... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 23, 2015 at 11:25 pm • 

Love has been winning for a long time: the weddings of two brothers named Michael

I went to college with a guy named Mark Morris and we re-connected on Facebook a year or so ago. That’s when the confusion began. I noticed that he was tagging my brother, Michael Morris, on some of his posts, but I know they’ve never met each other. And Michael’s comments to Mark seemed so... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 22, 2015 at 9:31 pm • 

Resolution Chronicles: Some days mindfulness fails

Resolution Chronicles: Some days mindfulness fails
Several years ago some friends and I were driving down North Ave in Chicago and I mindlessly repeated the words I saw on the sign in front of me, “Teflon Caskets. Why does anyone need a teflon casket?” A calm voice from the back said, “Teflon Gaskets, Kerri.” Such a small difference between a “C”... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 15, 2015 at 10:45 am • 
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Your bomb threat scared us, but GSU found the silver lining

Your bomb threat scared us, but GSU found the silver lining
At a few minutes before 11 on Friday, I was reading a funny text message from my husband. I teach back to back classes in the same room, and I gave in to the urge to read his text while I waited for my students to arrive. A student next to me, also waiting for... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 9, 2015 at 10:11 pm • 

Experiencing it in my bones: how mindfulness can sooth cancer anxiety

Experiencing it in my bones: how mindfulness can sooth cancer anxiety
I’ve been participating in the Mindfulness Summit, a project organized and implemented by Melli O’Brien and Matt Dickinson. O’Brien interviews experts ranging from journalists and psychologists to neuroscientists and religious teachers about the concept and practice of mindfulness. Day 7’s featured guest was Rick Hanson, a neuro-psychologist. He had much to say about research on... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 8, 2015 at 10:50 pm • 

Resolution Chronicles: The Mindfulness Summit is helping me live with the menopausal b!%@& inside my head

Resolution Chronicles: The Mindfulness Summit is helping me live with the menopausal b!%@& inside my head
Warning: I indulge my tendency toward profanity in this piece. If you’re offended by profanity, imagine a loud “bleep” every time I say a bad word. I’ve been taking part in the Mindfulness Summit this month and have taken the “mindfulness challenge.” This involves listening to a daily interview and completing a daily goal, such... Read more »
By Kerri K. Morris,
October 5, 2015 at 6:50 pm • 
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