Sunday, May 26, 2013

Wikipedia as a scholarly source?

As you may know, I am completing my Masters degree in nursing leadership and management. If you have ever completed any post-high school education you know that performing research and writing papers is a HUGE part of this. One of the first thing my institution made very clear was the Wikipedia was NOT a credible source to use in this research. As I had already come to this conclusion myself, it as not a hardship for me to refrain from citing this site in my graduate level papers. 

The premise that just anyone can edit an entry and still claim it to be an expert entry is ludicrous. Now, it has come to light that there is an individual who appears to have a vendetta against pagan authors that has been getting the entries for these authors deleted. This person, writer Robert Clark Young or “Qworty” as he was known, has succeeded in getting quite a few entries deleted. It is for reasons such as this that I have never regarded Wikipedia as a site worthy of even my most mundane searches. For all I know, the entry I am using to expand my knowledge of a subject could have been written by some kid with an overactive imagination and a bone to pick with someone. 



Saturday, May 4, 2013

Coming into the home stretch

Ha, ha.  I could not resist a reference to Derby Day.  But, I am talking about my degree.  I have one class and then my practicum.  I am not sure when I will be able to tart my practicum as I have run into a few difficulties obtaining the required forms.  But, I will prevail and I will have my Masters degree before the end of the year!  I have worked hard for my 3.65 GPA and I am not about to give up now.  Besides, I have to have something to show for the amount of money I will have to pay back.   LOL

The reason I mention this ties into the reason for this post.  I have been so busy with work and getting my homework completed that I have neglected my blog and my spirituality.  I had been trying to get back to following my path and that is still a desire.  I have a feeling deep inside that is telling me to get back on the broomstick, I just cannot find the time.  I still talk to deity, I am just horrible about doing ritual.  A lot of this stems from being solitary, if I have someone depending on my presence I am compulsive about being there. 

Living in northern New Hampshire is wonderful and I love it.  The mountains and streams so close by are beautiful.  But, there are times when I long for being closer to others who believe as I do.  I miss the camaraderie of getting together and performing a ritual.  Even the closest Pagan Pride Day does not claim those of us in the north country.  When I recently mentioned them doing some events in the north country, I was told they are for southern New Hampshire only and I would have to find a group closer.  Yeah, easier said than done. 

Bling sig