LOVE AND MONSTERS IN SOFIA'S LIFE: A Book Review

March 03, 2021 in BOOKS, Breast Feeding, Death and Desperation, Death and Dying, Empathy, EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING, Grief, Health and Fitness, Health Inequity, Human Rights, Infant & Child psychology, Social Commentary, Social Justice, Child Psychology, Marriage and Family Thera, Childrens Books

Belinda Hernández Arriaga and Veronica Castillo’s children’s picture book, LOVE AND MONSTERS IN SOFIA’S LIFE, is a bold and beautiful addition to the cannon of children’s literature. That boldness is in prose, art, and therapeutic concept. LOVE AND MONSTERS IN SOFIA’S LIFE acknowledges that adults can try to run away from the reality that their children live in a disparate world — but they cannot hide from it forever.

It is a children’s book for a child, but for parents, older siblings, friends, and teachers— it is a road map. It is a way to build an emotional safety net for children and families who are disproportionately affected, by forced deportation, incarceration, and early death. This book is not for “the faint of heart”.

As a Bioethicist — I am aware that writings on loss involving children usually are directed at parents who loose children. LOVE AND MONSTERS IN SOFIA’S LIFE acknowledges that there are whole generations of children who loose their adults, and siblings, who also need support and protection from the most virulent consequence of their valid fears, the allostatic load of oppression, and potentially devastating grief.

LOVE AND MONSTERS IN SOFIA’S LIFE is available in all the usual places including your local independent book dealer.This is the link for more information about Dr. Belinda Hernández Arriaga’s work.

A THOUSAND CUTS Film Virtual Live Stream Question and Answer with Christine Amanpour, Ramona Diaz , Maria Ressa. →

August 08, 2020 in Bioethics, Health Inequity, Human Rights, Social Justice, EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING

A Thousand Cuts SPECIAL LIVESTREAM Q&A SUNDAY, AUG. 9, 2020 at 11 AM EDT Go Here You may submit questions for participants Christine Amanpour, director Ramona Diaz & Maria Ressa. Also, you can still see the film during its virtual opening period prior to the Frontline broadcast in January. Here is how:

If you are not familiar with the virtual cinema openings ( hardly anyone is) here is what to do for dditional information on seeing the film A Thousand Cuts - GO HERE: ahead of its FRONTLINE broadcast in January 2021. You will be asked to have your purchase credited to the theater you have chosen in your region, that is, he independent theater where you would have gone to see it near you. It may seem complicated but welcome to “The New Now” now.

More about the film A THOUSAND CUTS:

A THOUSAND CUTS is a film directed by Ramona S. Diaz (IMELDA, MOTHERLAND) and featuring the work of Philipino Journalist Maria Ressa ( CEO of news organization Rappler.)

Nowhere is the worldwide erosion of democracy, fueled by social media disinformation campaigns, more starkly evident than in the authoritarian regime of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Journalist Maria Ressa places the tools of the free press—and her freedom—on the line in defense of truth and democracy. Cl Click here: Theatrical Release Date August 7, 2020, USA nationwide virtually, Running Time: 98 minutes, Language: English/Tagalog with English Subtitles. Broadcast release —Frontline —early 2021. The theatrical release is virtual and the link above will take you to more information.

* September Williams supports Thousand Cuts Virtual Livestream Q &A w/Christine Amanpour, director Ramona Diaz & Maria Ressaa →

August 03, 2020 in Baby Boomers, Bioethics, Cove International, Echo Boomers, Human Rights, New Media, Resistance, Social Commentary, Social Justice

This is one to see — my review will follow but I wanted my followers to have a chance to buy tickets from the link on the website for the virtual opening. It is a bone-chilling film and yet so familiar in these times of the USA.

A THOUSAND CUTS produced and directed by Ramona S. Diaz is about the work of journalist Maria Ressa. After studying molecular biology and theater at Princeton she applied for a Fulbright fellowship with which she completed her Masters in Journalism. She has been a journalist in Asia for nearly 35 years. Maria Ressa co-founded Rappler, the top digital-only news site that is leading the fight for press freedom in the Philippines. As Rappler's executive editor and CEO, Maria has endured constant political harassment and arrests by the Duterte government, forced to post bail eight times to stay free. Rappler's battle for truth and democracy is the subject of A Thousand Cuts.

For her courage and work on disinformation and 'fake news,' Maria was named Time Magazine’s 2018 Person of the Year, was among its 100 Most Influential People of 2019, and has also been named one of Time's Most Influential Women of the Century. She was also part of BBC's 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2019 and Prospect magazine's world's top 50 thinkers.

Director Cedric O'Bannon Film: An Exercise in Empathy features September Williams, MD - Author

May 12, 2020 in BOOKS, Freedom of the Press, Grief, Human Rights, Environmental Justice, Healing, CoVID19 Pandemic, Death and Dying, USPHS Syphilis Study, Empathy, Professionalism

In the film AN EXERCISE IN EMPATHY producer-director and journalist, Cedric O’Bannon features September Williams, MD, Author, Bioethicist, immortalizing her, February 2020 Visit to CSU-Chico. The visit was co-hosted by the CSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the School of Nursing. The work honors researchers, teachers, and healthcare workers on the frontlines of the SARS-CoVID19 Pandemic. For more info and Screener click HERE

September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury & Filmmaker Screens When We Are Asked at CSU-Chico/Talks Diversity & Inclusion

December 20, 2019 in Bioethics, Film, Social Justice, September MD-Writer, Human Rights, Death and Desperation

Hi, I hope you are all well and beginning a holiday break!

For your Calendar:

September Williams MD-Writer- Filmmaker will be at California State University-Chico (CSU-Chico) speaking and screening her film When We Are Asked: About Crossing Over (WWAA), February 12, 202 When We Are asked is a 360 view one-hour documentary narrative about End of Life Issues from the perspective of African Americans and those who are allied and provide care for those who are living until they die. She is presenting as a part of the CSU- CONVERSATIONS ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION series at 12 noon in room BMU 210 and a 6 PM full screening. For more venue information contact CSU-Chico office of diversity and inclusion For more on my screen work at IMDb and for recent film reviews I’ve written go to Bioethics.net.

September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury: A short film on mercury in the body →

November 01, 2019 in Bioethics, Baby Boomers, BOOKS, Breast Feeding, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Echo Boomers, Environmental Justice, free grassy.net, greenaction.org, Health and Fitness, Human Rights, ipen.org, mercury pollution, Minamata disease, Nutrition, Peace, Resistance

There is a new very short film on mercury in your body from the Minamata Convention on mercury. There are a whole series of short films on the subject produced by UNESCO with the Convention secretariat. On YouTube under the tag #MakeMercuryHistory there are several short films that might answer questions you have about mercury. People are still asking me about it over the fish couters in various markets.

Remember Governments may come and go, and a million people are tweeting about the USA excutive officer while he gives a life feed speech in Mississippi — but heavy metals are here to stay so the Mercury Convention folks are working internationally to: contain mercury, reduce technology that uses mercury, find alternative technologies to replace them, remediate the environment and the improved or compensate lives that have been damaged by this particular heavy metal. Also, I’ve been updating the Mercury and Minamata Convention on Mercury page of my website. So have a look. And use that #MakeMercuryHistory.

September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury & The Elephant in the Room... Thanks Book Passage and Marin Magazine!

July 12, 2019 in Bioethics, Baby Boomers, Breast Feeding, Echo Boomers, Feminism, Health and Fitness, Human Rights, Health Inequity, Infant & Child psychology, Librarians, Peace, Pregnancy and Prematurity, Waking up in Syria

Thanks Marin Magazine for the Shout Out About the August 3. 2018 reading of the Elephant in the Room. at

Book Passage, Corte Madera !

https://www.marinmagazine.com/event/september-williams-the-elephant-in-the-room/

September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury reads from new book The Elephant in the Room at Book Passage, Corte Madera August 3, 2019 for World Breast Feeding Week!

June 28, 2019 in Baby Boomers, Bioethics, Echo Boomers, greenaction.org, Human Rights, Peace, Nutrition, Health and Fitness, Infant and Cold Psycholog, Librarians, Pregnancy and Prematurity

Hi all,

I’m delighted to be introducing my this year’s book THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM:BIOETHICAL CONCERNS IN HUMAN MILK BANKING to the independent book store community beginning at the guiding light of community based readers BOOK PASSAGE CORTE MADERA, on Saturday, AUGUST 3, 2019, at 4PM. Joining me will be Pauline Sakamoto the founding director of Mothers Milk Bank San Jose — the organization to whom the proceeds from the sales will be allocated and Susan Martinelli of the California Breastfeeding Coalition—who is a lactation consultant with the County of Marin— my own home county.. Please join us, kids welcome, as we celebrate and promote the international WORLD BREAST FEEDING WEEK !

September Williams' BIOETHICS SCREEN REFLECTIONS -Remember the Loving Decision and Families

June 18, 2019 in Baby Boomers, Bioethics, Book to Film, Destiny, Echo Boomers, Feminism, Freedom of the Press, Human Rights, Peace, Resistance, Social Justice, Victor Hugo

Author GiGi Panderian ( the Accidental Alchemist and others) sent a note today reminding me that this is the day that the Loving Decision was handed down by the US supreme court confirming the right to marry and have children under the 4th Amendment of the United States and the 16th Article of the Declaration of human rights. of the Declaration of Human Rights. This is the Anniversary of the Loving Decision in the USA supreme court.Confirming the right to marry and have family as outlined in Article 16 of the Declaration of Human Rights.

It was only in 1968 that the Supreme Court of the USA ruled that interracial marriage is legal to see my the two-part review--and be aware that we, at this time, on this date of today as a nation are moving backward in terms of family protections under the law--if we do not stop it. Have you checked the news today to see what is being done in our name? see both parts of the review Part I and 2 — then watch the movie and recommit to justice for families that are being torn asunder.

NEW REVIEW ON SEPTEMBER WILLIAMS' BIOETHICS SCREEN REFLECTIONS: ROMA Bioethics and the Mobius Loop

January 25, 2019 in Baby Boomers, Bioethics, Echo Boomers, Environmental Justice, Feminism, free grassy.net, Human Rights, ipen.org, Louis Riel, Resistance, Social Justice

ROMA: Bioethics and the Mobius Loop

It is difficult to describe the number of ways that writer-director Alfonso Cuaron’s semi-biographical ROMA represents an Ichthian leap in cinema. There are no special effects to speak of, no costumes except at a New Year’s Eve party cum fire. To compare the film with the level of change that Italian Neorealism presented in the middle of the last century seems strident, yet true. Equally valid is the sense that this film represents the 7th Art at its best in both the creative and technical expression of cinema. There is not a super hero among them — but a sense of magic at the level of Murakami’s Wind Up Bird Chronicle or Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. It is a universal film from the soul of a Spanish master.

See more at: http://www.bioethicsscreenreflections.com/2019/01/roma-bioethics-and-mobius-loop.html

Cuaron, Alfonso ROMA https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6155172/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Miyazaki, Hayao HOWL’s MOVING CASTLE https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347149/

Murakami, Haruki https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/m/murakami-windup.html

Copy of September Williams'Bioethics Screen Reflections : A PRIVATE WAR Bioethics meets the Guardians of Truth

January 08, 2019 in Bioethics, Book to Film, Death and Desperation, Feminism, Grief, Human Rights, Peace, Resistance, Social Justice, Waking up in Syria

As we move into the Oscar Season — I am reviewing films from the fall. A PRIVATE WAR is a film that likely will not win an Oscar, despite an Oscar winning director, and an Oscar nominated actor who gives an Oscar worthy performance. This ought to be the period where male and female actors are held as equal not separate and compete against one another for awards — this past year gave so many stellar leading roles for women that the dramatic bar iis set somewhere in the moons orbit. There are women directors, and directors of color unlike any other — kind of reminds me of the midterm elections in terms of land-slide. I’ll be giving you a look several other films if you want to get a head start: The Hate You Give, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Kindergarten Teacher, Destroyer, Roma, Widows,

So — A Private War— Things are not wrapped up in a tidy fictional bow in the end. I really should have used one of the gorgeous shots of Rosamund Pike in the protagonist role — but that would be misleading. You may want to understand the history in more detail — given the story turns on a region of the world where the USA has troupes on the ground in several countries — at least for the moment. You will be mad as hell and guilty too. So I have posted a two part series on Bioethics Screen Reflections http://www.bioethicsscreenreflections.com — with some references.

It is a hard story to tell, about a woman with a compulsion to change just one thing — the capacity for anyone to say “But I didn’t know that atrocity was going on.” If you vote, anywhere in the world — if you believe science and technology should be used for beneficent purposes and war doesn’t meet that bill, and if you, I dare say —believe in love— this is a film you need to see.

In the spirit of full disclosure — many readers of my novel Chasing Mercury know that one of the protagonist, Forest, is a whistleblowing journalist. They are not easy types to live with— or without.

September Williams' Chasing Mercury Continues to Hold Her Own

September 03, 2018 in Bioethics, Baby Boomers, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Cove International, Eco-Fiction, Human Rights, Environmental Justice, mercury pollution, Occupational Disease, Peace, Resistance, greenaction.org, free grassy.net, ipen.org

Well, this year has been a heck of a ride — On August 16, 2017 the World Minamata Convention on Mercury was ratified and thus transitioned from a convention to treaty to international with the strength of international law . That means the first year anniversary of the treaty has just passed.http://www.mercuryconvention.org.) I was able to be at the first convention of the parties signatory to the convention in Geneva this past September. Over this year my romance suspense novel Chasing Mercury seems to have opened up the dialog on environmental toxins to several thousands of people who otherwise might not have cared as much — and hopefully more will come. Here are some reviews from the past month— but what is clear to me is what readers are appreciating is not me — but the story of a group of people who came together to make change and who are still working at it. Hope people will continue to support Chasing Mercury and remember that a portion of the proceeds continue to go to greenaction.org and http://freegrassy.net/mercuryhome/

Surprising, mysterious, romantic, and smart. A must read!

Chasing Mercury is an incredibly unique book, one that made me realize that I didn’t know there was an entire new way to put together a historical romance, and I was definitely...Read more

Wow! That was my reaction to the quality and fun time I had reading this book, just wow!
Fantastic read, strongly recommend

Tracking the process of application to the convention has been brought with joy and fear as I begin to understand how hard people worked to achieve the convention and how much work still has to be done —

Mercury is a natural element: it is found in the Earth’s crust and naturally released through volcanic activity and weathering of rocks. It exists in various forms, each with a varying degree of toxicity but all equally harmful, affecting the nervous system, the brain, the heart, the kidneys, the lungs and the immune system of all living beings. Because exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, including in utero, the World Health Organization considers it one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern.

Sarah Kornfeld's 'What Stella Sees' is proudly offered by Cove International Publishers

September 01, 2018 in Bioethics, Destiny, Human Rights, Resistance

What Stella Sees written by author Sarah Kornfeld is the sort of novel any publisher would want to to share, though few will have the opportunity to do so. Cove International Publishers finds itself with a remarkable author of literary fiction grounded at once in reality and fantasy. Sarah hits it to the horizon on the first swing. The project is accented by the extraordinary editor & book interior engineer, Eric P. Carlson. The cover is by designer Marta E. Johansen, working with the exquisite image of the consummate Danish artist and photographer Lone Morch.

What Stella Sees is equally lyrical as it is brassy in its exploration of love, family, and the environment. It is an inditement of medicine while extolling its processes. Stella awaits her readers, now on Amazon, and coming soon through Ingram Partners to booksellers near you. Here is a little bit more

Copy of September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury and The Canary in the Tunnel Who Refused to Die - Maria Pallante

July 29, 2018 in Baby Boomers, Bioethics, Cold War, Destiny, Echo Boomers, Human Rights, Occupational Disease, Peace, Resistance, September MD-Writer, Social Justice, Librarians, Copyright

In the the throws of of helping the publication of Sarah Kornfeld’s “What Stella Sees” I saw the original certificate of copyright for that book. It was signed by the same person as who signed that of Chasing Mercury. I realized that it was just over a year ago when one of the finest public servants the nation has known resisted collaboration with —well— what we have in our government today— Are is the piece form last year. piece — the “Canary in the Tunnel.” I’ve republished it for you here today.

“I had a very strange experience today. I went to the drawer where I keep my copyright certificates for film and written works. I couldn’t remember the date I received the copyright for Chasing Mercury. I needed it for the front matter of the book as we prepare to publish. I opened the drawer, in the space which we laughingly refer to as my desk. The copyrights are there so my kids can find them when I die. I fished out and unfolded the certificate. Then I saw it—”

June 21 is the first Day of Summer! Put Chasing Mercury on Your Summer Reading List with These Two Book Giveaways.

June 13, 2018 in Ballet, Bioethics, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Cold War, Echo Boomers, Environmental Justice, Eco-Fiction, Human Rights

THURSDAY JUNE 21st is the first day of Summer! There is a body of water and a beach chair waiting for you to show up with a good book? But do you know where your summer books are?

Line up your summer books. Here is a giveaway of author signed print copies of Chasing Mercury being run on Good Reads https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/281125-chasing-mercury

And for ebook readers— https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/77a39bad80ca11

September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury Supports Marin City's Performing Stars & performingartstars/national-memorial-for-peace-and-justice-and-the-legacy-museum

April 16, 2018 in ART EXHIBITION, Bioethics, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Echo Boomers, Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Librarians, Peace, Resistance, Social Justice

This project is directly related to themes in Chasing Mercury. I can't begin to express the admiration I have for the founder/executive director of the Performing Stars Youth Program -- Felecia Gaston. She is truly a woman who knows "What plot of ground she has been given to till," As Ralph Waldo Emerson would say. And thanks to my dear friend Ola Bonds for flagging Performing Stars and it's director. PS is onto a new venture after taking children on driving tours across the USA to historically significant sights of contribution to the world of African American figure the program's right place is being honored. Performing Stars' youth ( http://performingstars.org) from Marin City are invited to attend the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Legacy Museum From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery, Alabama.

September Williams’ CHASING MERCURY Print Edition Promotion: International Women's Day #PRESSFORPROGRESS

February 23, 2018 in Bioethics, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Echo Boomers, Eco-Fiction, Environmental Justice, Human Rights, mercury pollution, Memoir Environmentalist, Occupational Disease, Minamata disease, Peace, Resistance, Romance Novels, Social Justice, Victor Hugo

International Women's Day is March 8, 2018. http://www.un.org/en/events/womensday/history.shtml. Can I count you in again? I need my "Street Team" of Chasing Mercury supporters to mobilize and buy copies of Chasing Mercury (print edition) on Amazon this Sunday 2/25/2017 (12:01AM to 12 Midnight). If you have any questions shoot me a note. The timing will help assure the now available print version of CM’s success. Go to the Print Edition at https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Mercury-Toxic-Trilogy/dp/0692059660/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Why should you care about Chasing Mercury's success for International Women's Day-- besides your affection for, well, me?

September Williams notes for "Chasing Mercury: The Narrative Roots of Medical Altruism" 3/2/2018 University of Illinois College of Medicine

February 21, 2018 in Ballet, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Cold War, Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Minamata disease, Peace, Romance Suspense Saga

On March 2, 2018 I will be at the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical College. We are going to do some exercises looking at narrative, creativity, enhance the capacity to be good clinicians by being healthy creative people who listen actively and understand and are fed by stories. It should be fun. The notes for the reading and screening are here.

September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury: “The Narrative Roots of Medical Altruism”

February 12, 2018 in Bioethics, Chasing Mercury the Novel, Eco-Fiction, Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Memoir Environmentalist, Peace

We will be celebrating the launch of the print edition of Chasing Mercury

Copy of September Williams Author of Chasing Mercury + Wave Power and Women's March

January 19, 2018 in Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Peace

What makes waves have power? Wind speed, Wind duration, Wind distance traveled determined-- wave height, wave length, wave time interval (sets -- come in 3 to 20) -- all of this makes power -- every bit has it's role.Women's rights are human rights - has declared in the Declaration of Human Rights, the emancipation proclamation, the founding documents of the French Revolution -- the all come to this point.

Everyone has a role in this movement for change that advances the humanitarian and environmental justice — on the street or not. But for all the women who will be on the streets marching in tomorrow, Saturday, and all the other work that women do — I wish you Peace, I thank you, and above all TELL YOUR STORIES BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE. See https://www.womensmarch.com