Laurel A. Rockefeller's Blog, page 14

Women and Money. Excerpt from “American Patriarchy”

As the 2024 campaign for president heats up, it’s time to take a look at “American Patriarchy” from the Life in America series. Here is topic six from the book entitled “Patriarchy and Money.”

Topic Six: Patriarchy and Money

Money makes the world go round – the song from the musical “Cabaret” remains infectious. Money is a vital tool for our lives, allowing us to convert our professional labors into the tangible products and services of life. From basic needs like food and shelter to ...

Changes to Walmart Delivery, Walmart + Take Away Key Benefits from Customers

Four years ago I joined Walmart + and started using Walmart Delivery as a practical matter. In my area we had just one grocery store, a place so small it was barely more than a convenience store. Just as you expect from a convenience store, the prices were high – a problem in rural and semi-rural areas. With delivery service, I could get Walmart selection and prices and save money. The subscription + service offered a reduced rate on delivery fees. I’m sure I’m not alone in taking on Walmar...

A place for music: Johnstown’s Locust Park

Downtown Johnstown Pennsylvania is undergoing a badly needed renaissance. After decades moldering from the decline of the area steel mills and coal mining (which still leaves our water barely safe to drink), the town center is finally starting a period of renewal and regrowth. In 2023 plans to renovate “Central Park” were approved to transform the town square from a memorial focused park to a much more family friendly space with play areas for children, a better fountain, and other improveme...

Living for Another: the Problem of Patriarchy

Women are human beings. We hold value as people because we are people. We are not objects to be used by others. We are not toys for the amusement of others. We exist. We have inalienable rights, the same inalienable rights as men, regardless of our family backgrounds or where we were born or what languages we speak, and so forth. Our value rests independently of anyone else.

Recently I’ve considered the life of my kinswoman Anne Rochefeuille, especially in her relationship with the ...

First Lines: Novels by Laurel A. Rockefeller

Good morning! I hope you are have a great day so far. Earlier this year a twitter discussion about how to end a book inspired me to write two blog posts featuring the last lines of my books. After continuing the discussion I realized that it would be good to offer each book’s opening lines, starting with the biographies. Today would like to post the first lines for my fiction work. Most of these are from the Peers of Beinan series, but not all of them. I start with the books not in the Peers of ...

The Apostle Paul: Views on Women

Women are human beings. We are equals to men. Yet the Bible doesn’t see women this way. In the New Testament in particular, Paul expresses a particular disdain for women I briefly mentioned while writing “Hypatia of Alexandria.” As I think about Patriarchy and in particular how my life, along with the women I’ve written about, are shaped by the effects of patriarchy in our daily life, I am reminded specifically about how Paul has influenced views towards women and the historical consequences...

Excerpt: Prologue to Show Me the Pretty Bird

Cockatiels are the love of my life. When I feel down they give me joy. Their antics also keep me grounded, something every creative person needs. This winter I decided to take my experiences over the last few years and put them into a comedy play. It’s a glimpse into my world as a bird person and is completely autobiographical. I hope you will enjoy it and if you want to produce this play as a show at your school or community theater, by all means email at the address provided in the front m...

Summer update: The Sweet Spot Remains the Best restaurant in downtown Johnstown Pennsylania

Good morning everyone. I hope your summer is going well and starting off smoothly.

A new sign at 145 Franklin Street welcomes patrons.

Back in March I dined at The Sweet Spot in downtown Johnstown Pennsylvania. Located at 145 Franklin Street, the Sweet Spot replaces the series of pizzerias that tried and failed to thrive in the space. Specializing in burgers, bubble tea, and now milkshakes, the Sweet Spot offers very high quality food at a middle range price. On 7 June 2024 I stoppe...

China’s Last Emperor and the Importance of Asylum

One hundred years ago civil war was raging in China. After mass killings of Manchu ethnic Chinese, the Guo Ming Dang party (aka “Nationalists”) overthrew the Qing dynasty in 1912. The last emperor is officially known as the “Xuan Tong” for his reign title. But most people refer to him by his given name (unheard of for every other Chinese emperor in history) Aisin-gioro Pu Yi – or simply as “Pu Yi” which is his generational name followed by his personal name.

Born in February 7, 1906 and cr...

Requiem for Mithril, an update on “Mithril and Me: A Love Story.”

It is with great sadness that I announce that at 741 am EDT on Monday, 10 June 2024 Mithril died. She was born 15 June 2003.

Mithril was the heart of the entire Life with Cockatiels series. Right now I am not certain if there will be another book (as planned) for the series. It’s too soon for me. 21 years is a long time and I met Mithril when she was just 3 weeks old, taking her home at 6 weeks. She was a huge part of my life.

Part of my shock and grief right now is that I expected h...