Category Archives: Commentary

Favorite Reads of 2023

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Jennie Spotila

Listen, I know that everyone posted their favorite books of 2023 already. I wanted to as well, but my recovery from breast cancer surgery took longer than I anticipated, and now I’m getting radiation treatment. However, I still really want … Continue reading →

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Ed Yong Made Me Cry

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Jennie Spotila

There I was, reading Ed Yong’s latest newsletter, and wondering if I had the energy to go downstairs for a cup of coffee. Near the end, Yong listed his upcoming appearances along with an invitation: Come say hi; please wear … Continue reading →

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Favorite Reads of 2022

Posted on December 30, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

Books are one of my favorite things, and I love to talk about them. Every reader is unique, of course, and we each have a wheelhouse–characteristics that will make us love (or hate) a book. Maybe you love stories about … Continue reading →

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New York Magazine Article Biased and Riddled with Errors

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

Today I sent the following email to the Editor of New York Magazine: As a reader of New York Magazine, I have come to expect your articles to be accurate, well-researched, and fair. Unfortunately your recent piece, “Has Long COVID … Continue reading →

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In The World

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

I have spent more time in public in the last month than I have in two-and-a-half years. We were having some work done on the house, and I could not stay there in the midst of the noise, dust, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Ten Years of Unreal Time

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

Ten years ago today, I tapped the internet microphone and published the very first post on this blog, then known as Occupy CFS. My intention was to step into the light, to bring attention to the disease by writing openly … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Pandemic Low

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

I hit a new pandemic low last week. CDC Director Walensky’s comments about the “encouraging” news that most vaccinated people dying of COVID had multiple comorbidities was the catalyst (see my op ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer), but my despair … Continue reading →

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Not NICE

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

Last week, the ME community was expecting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK to publish new guidelines for the treatment of people with ME/CFS. Based on the draft guidelines published in November 2020, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

David Tuller: Crowdfunding for Us All

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

I have supported David Tuller’s investigative journalism since he first began his crowdfunding campaigns,* but it has never been more important than right now. I urge you to join me in supporting his current fundraiser not only for yourself, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Death Threat Myth Exposed

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

Update April 7, 2021: Further comment from Dr. Vicky Whittemore added to the end of this post. Last week, an old story was recounted to a new audience. During the March 30, 2021 NIH telebriefing with the ME/CFS community, Dr. … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary, Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments