The Honors Institute:
I’ve been asked to speak at a Wright State University forum; their Honors Institute is having a symposium on Chinese-American relations called “Connecting With China”, and I’m to talk on “Exploring Issues in Cross-Cultural Adoptions” from 2-4 pm, February 17th.
The event is free to the public, but you have to register in advance to get in due to space limitations, etc. If you’re going to be in the area, come by!
I’d like to see the James Fallows talk the night before; have to figure out how to balance out my schedule to see old friends and family in Dayton around that trip, so I’m trying to see what will fit in regard to a schedule. If you want to have a chat while I’m down there, drop me a line or call. Originally, I was thinking about coming down on Tuesday night, but it’s been pointed out that that Monday is a Federal Holiday, and I wouldn’t have to take off as much time from work if I used it for bopping around Dayton and seeing people then! Wednesday looks pretty shot otherwise…
I also have to submit a bio to them; short and to the point. I made a stab at it earlier, and have to turn it in with a picture on Friday to the organizers. Here’s the draft I have:
Jim Rittenhouse (born 1957 in Dayton) is a writer and editor who is also a Webmaster for the U.S. EPA in Chicago. He has a BA in political science and history from the University of Dayton, and a Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University’s School of Law. His long interest in writing, history and cultures led him to found POINT OF DIVERGENCE, a bi-monthly small press magazine on historical alternatives, and he serves as a judge for the Sidewise Award for Alternate History Fiction. He also has a 10-year old daughter, Meredith, adopted from China as a baby, and been involved with serious study of Chinese language, history and culture since she came into the family.
It doesn’t grab me much, really. It’s sometimes HARD for me to write about myself; I don’t want to come across too pompous. Any suggestions on how to improve it (and quickly!) gratefully accepted.
And yes, I’m aware that APAs aren’t exactly small-press as such, but it’s the best approximation I can get that someone would understand. Also, I’m trying to slant the CV of it towards my ‘able to talk about other cultures, history and China’ direction.
I’m looking forward to the trip; it’s an honor to talk on the subject in my hometown, and it will be really wonderful to see people back in the area. And I don’t have the time or energy to do a lot of sidetrips, really.