Dear alias eliot readers,

I've really tried hard to keep this wonderful website up as my school load increases, but this spring semester has proven just about my limit. Classes are interesting of course, but the reading, writing, analyzing, group projects, problem sets, etc. are taxing, tiring, and altogether time-consuming. I barely have a minute in the morning to scan the NY Times headlines, much less comb dozens of newspapers and journals for unique perspectives from around the world. I'm writing this note to you of course, but it's really just as much for me. You see, I love this site, truly believe in its goal and message. But I figure it's better to do a whole-hearted job than one that's half-asleep. I also realized that I was being a bit of a hypocrite. You see, while I encourage and try to practice empathy, I realized I was being the reverse of empathetic to at least one person: myself. By allowing this website a brief hiatus, I am recognizing my humanity (I have limits too!), while allowing myself to concentrate on the business of graduation - with a mind, always, toward what alias eliot has taught me about the world and each person's place in it.

I hope that some people will continue to visit periodically. Maybe to scan back blog entries, or to read in-depth some of the parts of the Guide currently posted. I'm still going to finish the Guide, come hell or what have you. There are three chapters left, and I've got the bulk, they just need about two weeks of tender loving care (translation: edits, augments, html-headaches, etc). Also, I'm still thinking about how this website can evolve, focusing equally on the active part of active empathy. As always, I am eager for your comments, suggestions, critiques. Although Found Bytes will be temporarily discontinued, I'm still here, so you can contact me at any time.

Well, that leaves me the hardest task - saying goodbye to a project that's shaped and motivated my thoughts for many months. Fortunately, it's a brief parting, 'cause I know this semester will whip by and summer will arrive and I'll be full to bursting with new ideas just scrambling for a chance to be blogged and byted into action.

Take care everyone, and don't forget to check up on us every once in a while. Who knows? The teachers might all go on strike in mid-March and then I'll have ample time to alias eliot away!

Cheers,

Andreana