Joanne Mason

I was an Applied Linguistics grad student at UMass Boston from 1998-2002. This article reminds me of those days, when there was a state ballot question on whether English should be the only language of instruction in public schools. I was so sad to see how under-appreciated other languages can be.

Headings serve as landmarks for users and help them understand how different pieces of information relate to each other. For example, a section with a level 3 headings probably provides information in support of information provided in the previous level 2 heading, and so on.

That's interesting. I've been finding that my produce has been spoiling more quickly than it used to.

So nice to see flowers! It will still be several week before we see them in the northeastern US.

The ‘bel’ in ‘decibel’ is for Alexander Graham Bell.

Since the ‘B’ in 'dB' is a name-derived unit, it is capitalized when abbreviated.

I'm intrigued to learn that "d'oh" was one of the most looked-up words on @merriam-webster.com this morning. And I'm even more intrigued to learn that its first recorded use as an interjection was in 1945. Here I was thinking it was liked to Homer Simpson! 😀

Visions26: The Rocky Road to Multilingualism in the US Patricia Gándara asks that the US recognize the benefits of multilingualism Even though it is widely acknowledged that the US is an immigrant-receiving country, with almost all families initially hailing from some other part of the world, the education of immigrant students has long been contentious. And the focal point of this disagreement has been language. The US has never had an official language, but English is so pervasive that it is the de facto language of the nation. The topic of “official language” tends to arise when Americans perceive there are too many immigrants in the country. In the

Visions26: The Rocky Road to Multilingualism in the US

Q: Why are people sharing their pronouns? Q: Why are people sharing their pronouns? A: Using correct names and gender pronouns can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Pronouns are the

Q: Why are people sharing their pronouns?
A: Using correct names and gender pronouns can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
@emkayhey.bsky.social @sandylaping.bsky.social
thosenerdygirls.org/sharing-pron...

I love that Bad Bunny's upcoming performance is inspiring people to learn Spanish!

It’s 2026 and You’re Uninsured. Now What? - KFF Health News Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in coming months and years as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the expiration of enhanced pandemic-era subsidies that helped ...

Here are five ways that the uninsured can find affordable care. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...

My heart is breaking.

YouTube video by The Dead Milkmen - Topic Bitchin' Camaro

A guy in a Bobcat is moving the Mount Marshmallow snowbank from the parking area to our condo's back yard. He's having a grand time, spinning this machine with great speed and agility. All I can think of is "Bitchin' Camaro! Bitchin' Camaro! Donuts on your lawn." www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeY2...

Terrific! Thank you!

I've been making so many adjustments to my #editing business lately. And I rejoined ACES, too! Looking forward to connecting with more editorial folks here on BlueSky. @acesediting.bsky.social

I love the camaraderie of neighbors helping neighbors clear snow and dig each other's cars out after a snowstorm.

YouTube video by Michael Martin Murphey - Topic Wildfire

Was anyone else spooked as a kid by the 1975 song "Wildfire" by Michael Martin Murphey? I still am. I heard it last night, and that hoot owl outside the window gets me every single time. youtu.be/l2ZrHyMfkO8?...

I think my friend's parents had cups like these. They look awfully familiar!

6 things you think are AP style rules that aren’t actually AP style rules - Poynter Seriously, what’s up with all the brackets?

Here are six things you think are AP style rules that actually aren't: www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...

#Simpsons fans may be amused to hear that my website had a hit from Shelbyville today. (I'm quite amused to share that.)

I was literally just about to do this! 😊

Three books are leaning against a green and black afghan on a tan couch. The titles and authors are: The Body by Bill Bryson, The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly by Margareta Magnusson, and Unabridged by Stefan Fatsis.

I just learned that 2026 is the National Year of Reading in the UK! Now that is an initiative this American will happily join. 😊📚📰

These are the books that have been surrounding my reading chair for the past few weeks. What's in your to-read pile?

I saw the photo and instantly thought, "That's Brattleboro!" Thanks for the smile.

Great reminder. Happy new year!

I started doing this in 2024, but it dropped off. I'm feeling inspired to start again.

I'd like to improve my alt text in 2026. This decision tree will certainly help. #accessibility

Really looking forward to seeing more educational opportunities for writers! Happy new year!

I've never been able to do the whole 52 weeks, but it's fun to try!

I'm on the waiting list for your book at my local library!

Plastic toy. The bottom half of an eggshell has yellow plastic feet attached.

This was today's item in my #Beatles advent calendar. "I am half of the eggman with webbed feet"?

I'm so sad to hear this. Her book Twenties Girl was a favorite of mine.