Category Archives: Blogging

Of death and dying.

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

Christopher Hitchens has a philosophically heart-wrenching article updating us on his painful cancer. I am humbled by the raw and naked view that his mordant humor and realism allow us to witness of his physical frailty and suffering. A while … Continue reading →

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The Crusades and the rule of law.

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

I very much am looking forward to reading the “Laws in a Crusader State” and studying “The Assizes if Jerusalem”: On November 27, 1095, Pope Urban II declared the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont. In so doing, he inaugurated a … Continue reading →

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The War in Afghanistan – a Canadian perspective.

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

For a Canadian perspective of the 10-year war in Afghanistan, check out the wealth of stories and the hauntingly beautiful Richard Johnson illustrations in  The Long Road at the National Post. I am happy that we have been able to … Continue reading →

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Around the world with a master photographer.

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

For an uplifting interlude, check Coming of Age and Fusion:  The Synergy of Images and Words.

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The perils of using Facebook.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

“…logging out of Facebook…may deauthorize your browser from Facebook and its web applications, but it doesn’t stop Facebook’s cookies from sending information to Facebook about where you are and what you’re doing there.”

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Freedom of the press for bloggers and “citizen journalists”.

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

In this age of Twitter and YouTube, videotaping or photographing the police has had some nasty repercussions, including arrests and prosecutions.  But things are changing: The First Amendment doesn’t refer just to professionals In the decision by the U.S. Court … Continue reading →

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Life in the Foreign Service: the perils of blogging.

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

I understand the danger of mixing social media for professional and personal uses, especially when some readers of blogs might attribute personal comments made by Foreign Service bloggers as being comments made in their “official” capacities. I also understand issues … Continue reading →

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Dispatches from (and faces of) Afghanistan.

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

If you have never read Michael Yon’s “Dispatches”, do go and pay a visit.  He is currently in Afghanistan, and he is able to provide a real glimpse of what is happening over there: 13 September 2011 Zhari District, Kandahar … Continue reading →

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The science behind Twitter and Facebook.

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

Here’s an interesting article pointing to the fact that it is all in the dopamine! …“it is not so much the activity of being re-tweeted (or liked, etc.) that users enjoy, but rather the anticipation of being re-tweeted.”

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A “feminist” ahead of her time…

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

Meet Christine de Pizan, thanks to a wonderful blog, BibliOdyssey, that brings an old, rare and obscure world to the public, free of charge, and adds interesting information to boot!   BibliOdyssey is run by an Australian who acts as a … Continue reading →

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Of manliness and Altoids tins.

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

22 Manly Ways to Reuse an Altoids Tin.  I happen to agree with the authors’ remark that “Any way you slice it, beholding the creative uses for an Altoids tin simply brings a smile to your face.” Enjoy. (Thanks to The … Continue reading →

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Blogging and beauty.

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

I love the Internet for the access it affords me to read opinions and other items of interest.  But, once in a while, I discover blogs that show unique and beautiful things, and they make me marvel at the ingenuity … Continue reading →

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The power of one: a tech-savvy teenager with a heart.

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

Richard “Ricky” Gilleland III manages to help the families of the fallen soldiers, and puts to shame bureaucrats and others who, either through malfeasance, inertia, or sheer lack of empathy, wounded the noble image of Arlington Cemetery: “May I ask … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, Blogging, Empathy, Iraq, Memories, Soldiers, Technology, War, Youth | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Fallen Heroes in Afghanistan.

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

I have just come across a very sad blog that highlights individuals we ought to be very proud of and we ought to salute.  These young men and women have lost their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for all of … Continue reading →

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“The Conspirators of the Lincoln Assassination – Pic of the Week”

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Barbara Dillon Hillas

If you haven’t done so, go check the Library of Congress blog for fantastic information that is now available through these wild internets!

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