Category Archives: journalism

Missing truths

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

As a kid growing up in Southern California (we moved overseas when I was 10) we visited missions that dot the west, built by Spanish priests centuries ago. I remember the missions reverently: made of adobe and tile that cooled … Continue reading →

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Name your demon

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I heard a comic declare, “no good story ever began with the phrase I was eating a salad.” My story begins in the bathroom, not at the dinner table. I was lounging in a hot bath and catching up on … Continue reading →

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The problem with science communication

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

The problem with science communication is that its essence is tethered to the premise that people are rational and want to make rational choices. In fact, our communication is based on the premise that if you provide people with the … Continue reading →

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Yes, but is it significant?

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Whenever you write a grant or ask for a promotion in an academic setting, you’re required to justify the significance of your research. Problem is, most of us are so embroiled in our work that we don’t question it: we … Continue reading →

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Something about Jersey

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When we travel my husband and I like to pick out the accents and guess homelands of strangers. We can ferret out Dutch in a snap (we’ve both spent time in Holland) and Brits and Aussies are easy to identify. … Continue reading →

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When dinners were frozen

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When did we get caught in the foodie era? Maybe it’s the Portlandia culture but somewhere along the cooking path, I took a turn to foodiedom. My friends and family adore Bittman and Pollan, Kasper and Katzen. Weekends are highlighted … Continue reading →

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Synecdoche Moms

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Remember the Mom Jeans fauxmercial on Saturday Night Live? In case you missed it, the clip shows a clutch of women wearing elastic-waisted blue jeans necessary for the woman who needs some give in her tummy and derriere. The poochy … Continue reading →

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Pie Five Days

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

We started a new tradition in November. I call it Pie Five Days. My symbol for Pie Five Days is an open hand: the symbol Osages use to adorn clothing and blankets, and the same symbol school children use to … Continue reading →

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The Grass Dancer

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I love the book, The Grass Dancer. Each story in the book kidnaps you on a journey through Indian Country, crossing over metaphysical and spiritual boundaries. The book won the coveted PEN-Hemingway Award for Best First Fiction. The author, Susan … Continue reading →

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Learning from Ferguson, Part II

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Structural issues—poverty, education, advancement opportunities and health disparities—affect communities in significant ways. Some of the larger issues are being tackled right now, in part because of the turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri. Fortunately some reporters, critics, pundits and politicians are paying … Continue reading →

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