Erica

One day, she saw a stray cat in her porch. The cat was so pretty Erica Eriksdotter decided to paint her.

Erica went without saying goodbye.

Diamond rings and pendants set in 18-karat gold glitter in the showcases of Erica Jewellery Company Limited at a recent Hong Kong jewelry trade show.

Erica is a rich and beautiful young woman.

Erica got degrees in sociology and psychology, and now works as a market researcher.

But Erica Mann Jong is, alas, just as patriarchal as Erica Jong. When Thomas Mann's daughter, Erika, was alive, the confusion of names bothered me. My parents had met and admired Thomas Mann. They loved his daughter's name and wished creativity upon me. Erica means white flower in German, and queen in old Scandinavian, but to them, it meant writer.

There are, of course, many ethical reasons to use nonviolent strategies. But compelling research by Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist at Harvard University, confirms that civil disobedience is not only the moral choice; it is also the most powerful way of shaping world politics – by a long way.

I have now arrived at the third year since the ericas were seedlings and cuttings; and, as much can be said in this stage of their growth applicable to future years, it is my intention to do so.