My Two Cents

With the election fast approaching, I am more and more shocked at what political campaigns will do and how much they will lie in order to try to win (ever seen Election?). The McCain campaign continues to awe me in the sheer stupidity of all the things they do. The latest thing is our dear friend Sarah Palin, the (good god, does she know ANYTHING?) VP candidate for the Republican party. She was recently talking about "earmarks" which politicians tack on to bills to get their special interests taken care of. She happened to screech over into my territory (research) and she really made a misstep. She claimed that earmarks had been going to "Fruit Fly Research in Paris, France". She then said, "I kid you not, this is where money is going and it's not benefiting all Americans".
Here you go, Sarah, straight from my heart.

As scientists, we're a plucky group. We're unable to do research on human beings (that whole unethical thing) so we tend to use "model systems". These are well studied, generally genetically similar or identical animal models which we can use to model disease states, try to figure out how stuff works, etc. One of the model systems we use is the "fruit fly", otherwise known as Drosophila, and it was originally used in breeding experiments. Work on Drosophila by Thomas Hunt Morgan led to some major advancements in modern genetics as well as its use in modern labs today. Drosophila is a little powerhouse. They are really amazing creatures and we can study everything from early development to cell movement, biochemistry, adult behavior, stem cell maintenance and self renewal, aging, life extension, diabetes, alzheimers, as well as a plethora of other things. And do you wanna know a secret. Lean in close, because it's a doozy! Lots of the things the Drosophila have, you have too! Drosophila have many, many genes that are conserved right up to human. And you know what else is amazing? These gene products behave similarly too! Can you believe it? So, essentially, we can study processes that occur in a whole organism, generate many, many, many of these organisms, and try to make predictions on how things will behave in humans. We can then translate our findings in Drosophila and try them out in, say, mice. They're vertebrates, mammalian, so a little closer to what humans might be like. Because of evolution, so many things, including which genes you have and how they function are conserved from a tiny little fruit fly to human beings! Isn't that amazing? But, of course, I can't expect the VP candidate to understand this. I can't expect her to condone things that might further support evolution, can I? The funny thing is that she was talking about trying to get money for kids with disabilities and kids with special needs. She didn't even realize that perhaps some of the "Fruit fly research" could eventually lead to some treatments for diseases that kids with special needs have! Her son has Down's syndrome, which is caused by trisomy 21, meaning individuals with this have three copies of chromosome 21 (instead of 2 - usually have two from their mother and one from their father) - a genetic disease which is being studied in these "model systems" which the government's money supports.
The government supports medical based research through the National Institutes of Health, a part of the federal gov't supported with taxpayer money. If we did not support research, how would we come up with the causes and treatments for diseases or try to understand how stem cell work for therapeutic work? How would we study the causes of breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter) which involves genome instability, errant development, and (possibly) cells adopting a "stem cell-like" fate? Sadly, all of us will, at one point, be touched very closely by disease. For me, my Uncle Dennis died at a very young age from prostate cancer. This research is necessary, it is vital to the health of our country and our world. It is not something to make fun of, just because you don't understand the value of research done on model organism. I like Obama's approach best - let the scientists figure it out and base policies on their findings. Smart man.

Let's talk about "Clean Coal"

Random Snippets

• Yes, it's still raining. And the wind chill is below freezing. It's snowing already in the Poke-her-nose. Yuck!
• Whenever I think of the word "blustery", I think of Winnie the Pooh. And then it makes me think of my favorite poem by A. A. Milne (words to live by, fer shure):

"Now we are Six"

When I was one,
I had just begun,
When I was two,
I was nearly new,
When I was three,
I was hardly me,
When I was four,
I was not much more,
When I was five,
I was barely alive,
Now that I'm six,
I'm as clever as clever,
I think I'll stay six now
forever and ever.

• The more I hear about Sarah Palin, the more I just despise her. She misspeaks so much it drives me mad. Maybe I'll blog about that more sometime.
  
• Wish I could just curl up with a good book today instead of working. But I do get to try out my new snow boots (which are quite snuggy, thank you very much!
• Cod reminded me of something that happened to me a while ago. I was getting ready to leave for Philly to start my PhD. I ran into our old English teacher from high school while I was at the mall with Randi. Instead of asking how we were and what we were up to, she promptly laid into me for a paper I never turned in (which, by the was was due AFTER graduation! - who turns in a paper after grad? I had already gotten into UCSB and was headed there in the fall - why bother?). Anyways, I managed to tell her I was starting my PhD at Penn in a couple weeks. The look on her face was priceless :)
  

Phillies Phever

If you haven't heard, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the World Series. I've been hesitant to write about this since Randi is such a big Dodgers fan and the Phillies beat the Dodgers, but it's a subject I've just got to talk about. The Phillies are beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3 games to 1 and tonight could be the last game of the Series if the Phils win. Since the Phillies have been in the playoffs, this city has been insane. Everywhere you turn, people are wearing Phillies shirts, hats, shoes, sweatshirts, jerseys, etc. The entire city has turned red, including all the buildings downtown (which are normally pink this time of year for breast cancer awareness). Everyone's talking about it, everyone's house is displaying Phillies signs and gear. Kids have hung up "Go Phillies!" signs in their front windows (see, we don't have front yards here, just sidewalks, so you can see them everywhere). Of course, the Phillies signs are next to the "Got Hope? Obama for President" signs as well. This city is just crazy about their sports teams. And I gotta admit, I can't think of another city more desrving of a World Series win. This city exists on the eastern seaboard between NYC and Washington DC and as long as I have lived here has had an inferiority complex. We've got crime stats that will blow your mind, high unemployment, a disproportionate number of poor people, failing schools, failing infrastructure, a blue collar / union class that's seeing their jobs shipped overseas or out of the state, low retention rate of students and professionals who come here for education, corrupt government, and many, many other problems that are highlighted with some frequency on the national news. We do have wonderful things like arts and sciences and performances (which, if you've read my blog before, are generally pretty good) plus lots of history and great areas to walk, bike, hike, etc. It's a good city with a heart of gold and a pulse that beats with every game of the Phils, the Eagles, the Flyers or the Sixers. People here aren't just "sports fans". They're SPORTS FANS. Everyone knows stats, who played for whom during what season, where the old and the new stadiums were, when the last championships were and what McNabb ate for lunch yesterday. This city breathes sports, pulsates sports and watches sports fanatically. Every sport. All the time. We're notorious for boo-ing Santa Claus, for boo-ing our own teams when they're doing poorly, because we know they're so much better than that. (Hell, we scream "Eva" every time Evan Longoria comes up to bat - I think we've really got in his head lately!) And we come back every year, hoping, wishing, bearing talismans and charms, buying beers and rooting for the home team. That's the kind of city we are. This love crosses lines, crosses neighborhoods, barriers, rich and poor, black or white - it's all over the city. So, I think Philly deserves a little bit of good news, a little bit of good press, and a whole lotta love. This team has gone from our hometown favorite to the national news and we couldn't be prouder. And you can bet that rain delay, wind, cold weather - nothing- will stop the millions of fans in the area from being glued to the game tonight. Go Phils!

Parsons Dance Co.

Over the summer, Alex and I visited his Aunt and Uncle in western MA. We hade the chance to attend a performance by the Ballet Boyz at the historic Jacob's Pillow, a dance retreat where gifted individuals come to retreat and learn dance by a myriad of artists who visit the Pillow over the summer. The artists perform at the festival, a wonderful small theatre that looks like a barn on the inside and seats a very small number of people. Alex's Aunt and Uncle are members, and his Aunt described her experience over the years at the Pillow as enriching and feeding her soul. She was right, the performances (as well as the atmosphere) was amazing. Kind of like summer camp because of the setting in the Berkshires, but then also serious, because of the many many professional and talented dancers and performers walking around. It was a wonderful experience - one I'd like to repeat! So, occasionally, Alex and I try to take advantage of the discounts and free stuff associated with being a student here at Penn. A few weeks ago, I saw a promotion for $5 tickets for the Dance Celebration happening at the Annenberg Center here on campus. We rushed to the box office and bought a series of tickets for upcoming dance performaces ($5!! can you believe it??). Our first one was last night, the Parsons Dance Co. The performance was amazingly beautiful, with simple costumes that showed off the dancer's movements and the amazing abilities they have. The music was uplifting and energy-filled and the dancing was breathtaking. I wish I could move that way! I have no idea what it is about dance that really inspires me and lifts my soul. I love everything about it, the athletic ability, the amazing flexibility, the feats of movement, the gymnastics, even the running about on stage, puts a stupid grin across my face every time! They are best known for the performance of "Caught", a dance somewhat highlighted in the Youtube post below this one. The house lights go to completely dark, and the only thing you see is a dancer in the spotlight on the stage. When she begins to move around, the spotlight goes out and a strobe light comes on. At each strobe, she was in a different position on the stage, usually jumping in the air, making it look like she was literally flying around the stage - it was amazing! All of the performances were interesting and provocative. I loved every minute of it and did not want it to end! While I am no dance expert (and perhaps this is only one of the first dance shows I have been to) this company was wonderful. Their mission as a company is to "deliver positive, affirming and life-enriching experiences to audiences worldwide, through the medium of dance/movement". Well, they certainly accomplished that for this viewer! If they are coming to your area, or if you are in NYC, stop by to see them. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Caught!

When did it get to be OCTOBER?

Seriously, where has the time gone? I have no idea when and how it got to be October. All of a sudden I'm thinking about buying tickets home (which, BTW are ATROCIOUSLY priced) for the holidays and all the shit I should buy for people. And realistically? I'd just like to stay here. I have been to CA a total of 3 times this year and I feel it's a bit much. I'd much rather stay here and get to kinda relax and hang out at my house than travel all the way across the country in the craptastic holiday season. Jaded, much? Perhaps I just traveled too much this year. The weather is slowly starting to change around here and the leaves on the trees are almost at peak color right now. The weather has been gloriously warm and inviting, but will soon change to a high of 55 this weekend. I like fall and all, but, man, do I hate winter. Apparently, this has turned into a bitching blog all of a sudden. (Ha! like I don't bitch, like, every day!). Oh well, so here's some bullets about stuff I'm thinking about...

• one of my friends works at an architecture firm here in Philly. He just had to lay off 2 workers because of the downturn in the economy. Scary, eh?
• My labmate is gone to Europe for two more glorious days. I love it! I can listen to whatever crackheaded music I want!
• More and more, I wish I had a car to get out of the city and check out the surroundings. I think I'm missing out on a lot of stuff by not being able to leave the city. But then parking's a bitch and I can't afford it...blech.
• Jeez, my birthday's coming up! Can't believe I'm gonna be a year older! And wiser, too, right?

All right, that's all I got (not much). Have a lover-ly day!

Curiosity?

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a symposium on evolution. Penn is putting together a year -long celebration of the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, and this symposium was part of that celebration. I was able to hear talks by incredibly famous scientists from all over the country on topics such as the Big Bang, Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands and baboon behavior in the wild. It was a really great day. The last talk, however, was the one that really got me thinking. It was given by Judge John E. Jones III who is the Federal Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He ruled in a landmark case Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District in late 2005 on the teaching of Intelligent Design (ID) in public classrooms. He found that ID is thinly veiled New Earth Creationism and that teaching that alongside the well tested and widely accepted scientific theory of evolution would be violating the First Amendment of the Constitution. Judge Jones gave a really intriguing and thought-provoking speech that got me thinking about our society as a whole and what on earth we're trying to do with it. His speech mainly focused on education, both in civics and science, and that we are really doing a disservice to our children by not emphasizing these subjects in schools. He noted that only 15% of people polled could name on judge on the Supreme Court, but most could readily name the judges on American Idol. I find this really sad and completely unacceptable. And I just wonder if I'm in the minority, having a natural curiousity for the world around me and what's going on in it? When I didn't understand how the Electoral College works, I looked it up. When the Judge talked about the "Establishment Clause" and I wasn't sure what that was about, I looked it up. I have so much curiousity about the elections coming up, I can't stop myself reading the NYTimes every day (especially the Opinion section, I eat that UP!). I listen to NPR most afternoons and sometimes in the mornings. I realize that perhaps I am somewhat of an extremist, and there are sometimes when the election and the rhetoric and the slinging of lies gets to me and I just have to shut it down. But, I must admit, I am fascinated by how our government works. And I'm so unbelievably thankful for some of the rights that the Constitution is afforded me. The right to vote? Thank you very much! Separation of church and state? Thank you very much! Freedom of the press? Yes, please. Abolish Slavery? Yeah, that's a good idea. When Sarah Palin could not name one Supreme Court decision other than Roe v. Wade - that really gets to me! I think that our elected officials should be experts at government. I think they should know the Constitution and the rights afforded us in this way. For a governor of a state to not know this stuff is ridiculous. But I think what irks me the most is that people in the US want to shove their values on me. They want my kids to learn their fucked up religion based idea of how the world came about, they want my friends to not be able to marry each other, they want women to be unable to choose what they do with their bodies....and on and on and on. I'm all for beliefs, religion, what ever you like. Have at it. Wear a burka, for all I care. But don't try to pass off your fucked up religious "values" as law. And just so my little history lesson doesn't stop there...as a reminder, the preamble to the constitution states:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

If you don't know what your rights are, then you are going to lose them. Vote No on Prop 8. Oh, and for good measure, vote Yes on Prop 2. Animals need protection, too.

Wild Week Haiku Friday

Gotta admit that
game was good. Both teams should be
very proud. So glad.

***

Stress at home. Moue the
dictator has a sicky face.
At the vet all day.

***

Trying to salvage
what's left of the week. Gotta
get some stuff done, dude!

Book Review Thursday

I just had the pleasure of completing a book recommended several months ago by Cod. She recommended Personal History by Katherine Graham, an autobiography written by the Washington Post publisher near the end of her life. I checked this book out of the library right before my trip to Germany. At over 600 pages, I figured I couldn't go wrong by taking it with me for the long flight. The truth is that I've been reading it ever since (shows you how much time I have to read for pleasure, eh?). This book was really phenomenal and something that, towards the end, I just could not put down. As one of the first women in business during the 60s (not really by choice, either), Kay Graham made a way for herself and her family to still own and manage the Washington Post Company and all that it entails. She is very modest and honest in her book, even though she was able to essentially break that glass ceiling that women were unable to do back then (oh, yeah, and she knew all the presidents personally!). She was involved in Watergate, publishing of the Pentagon Papers as well as a pressmen's strike that led to some very interesting stories about a business I am not very familiar with. It was a touching and lovely story of a life well lived and a very interesting read, especially for women trying to crack that glass ceiling or trying to move up in a man's world. I second Cod's recommendation!

My new favorite song

My Favorite Quote

from tonight's debate?
"The Straight Talk Express lost a wheel on that one..." when referring to McCain's description of Obama's economic plans.

Politics as usual Tuesday

Dudes, I don't even know where to start today. It seems like overnight all the problems of the world are coming to a head and nobody seems to know what's going on or where to go. The economy is in a shambles and more and more people keep thinking that this will not only be a recession (which I have lived through), but a depression (which I have not lived through, but I've heard enough about that I don't want to!). The global nature of our economy had led to the tanking of banks around the globe, especially in Europe, where they have a centralized monetary system, but not yet a centralized banking system, leading to questions of where money will come from to back up failing banks and investments. This situation calls for obvious leadership, small goals, baby steps, if you will, at getting our economy to recover. I have not yet found a satisfying answer as to what the bailout plan is and why it's needed (they tell me I need it, but nobody can explain it!) and even WITH the bailout plan, Wall St is still tanking and more and more people are claiming that there will be more bank failures and more investment funds failures. I really thought that Bear Stearns failure was the culmination of laziness, lax investments, poor choices and then the running up of the rumor mill, but it's become obvious that it was merely the tip of the iceberg. And what about "Joe Sixpack"? What about the rest of us who make middle class incomes who live on "Main St" and who are taking a hit every which way for things we have no control over? What about the rest of us, who have been resposible with our money, who carry student loans, but not home loans? Who can barely afford food and clothes for the upcoming winter? What about our parents who are retired and on a fixed income?What about my cousin who's a new mother and a teacher who's now considering taking a SECOND job because her and her husband can't afford the basic needs for their kid? I know that a lot of us have parents or siblings or friends who might be able to help us out in a rough patch when we need a hand. I know that I am far better off than a lot of other Americans. But I am really hoping the polls are right going into this election. We can't have more of the same. We can't have more republican failed economic policies!
PS: Yes, we can.
PPS: if you want to watch an interesting documentary on the types of failed economic policies John McCain supports and would presumably enact during his presidency, go here.

At loggerheads

Dude, now what am I supposed to do? My two favorite teams are playing each other FOR THE CHANCE TO GO TO THE WORLD SERIES? I can't choose. And I can't get involved in why one or another should win. Because I want them both to win. I grew up with the Dodgers, loving the games, memorizing the players, listening to Doug scream and yell. It's great. But I love this city and I love what good sports does for this city - I love the positive attention, the good press, the coming together of all parts, all sides of the city that are normally at odds. I love that it's the top story on the news, that the ball players are all over the news, promoting their causes and going to the local schools and hospitals. I think I love it because I am witnessing it firsthand, and while I grew up close to LA, I was never in the neighborhood of the stadium. I've been to Phillies games this year, whereas my last Dodgers game was last year (when they played the Phils!). Oh, in conflict, I have no idea where to go with this. I suppose the upside is that one of my favorite teams will go to the World Series. That's gotta mean something. (And I have to say, it's still a little weird to see Manny and Nomar and Joe Torre in Dodgers uniforms!)

Yup, I was there

free concert on the parkway for obama. vote for change!

Haiku What a Mess Friday

Seriously could
not get through it without booze.
Paying the price now.

***

Economy in
a rut and getting deeper
Wars, aid, policies.

***

Never have I watched
so intently the polls
and the election.


Man, I hope Obama wins....

Just a Reminder...

Busy Week

Man, you guys! Has this week been crazy. Let's review.

• how about that debate, eh? I thought Obama did well, but McCain can be such a pain sometimes. We think he's coming down with dementia because he keeps saying the same things over and over again.
• Dear people who drive, Hi, I;m a pedestrian. We walk on these things called "sidewalks" which are generally exclusively for pedestrians. You should look for us when you drive through them. Thanks.....
  
• Seen those interviews with Sarah Palin? Scary, eh? I can't believe she can't name any other Supreme Court decisions other than Roe v. Wade. I also can't believe she has no idea what the Bush Doctrine is.
  
• Dear Sarah Palin, golly gee, gosh darn it, I am AN INTELLIGENT WOMAN WHO IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS INTELLIGENT TO LEAD THE COUNTRY. Not you. You know what, you don't have to talk down to me, or wink at me, or act all cutesy at me during your debate. You can actually just tell me how you feel about the issues you are concerned with. You don't have to use your sex as a tool to get people to listen to you.
  
• Ummm...hello? Both the Phillies and the Dodgers in the playoffs? OMG...I am in heaven! Unless they play each other....oh, that's gonna be a tough one....
• I kid you not, I went to a seminar today. The boss introduced his student as having recently practiced "reproductive biology" because she just had a kid in July. Are you kidding me? Can you say "sexism" in front of 50 people? When is this OK? NEVER.
• This is the first time in my 30 years of being alive that I am actually considering living outside of the US. Really, is it that bad? Yes, it is. Funding for professors is the lowest it's been in years. The gov't no longer wants to fund basic science research and if McCain is elected then this trend will continue. And no jobs will be found for me and my boyfriend leading me to leave the country. Nice, right?
• BTW, in case you are wondering, DRILLING OFFSHORE WILL RUIN OUR ECOLOGY AND OUR COASTLINE. Just in case you were wondering.
  
• Sorry this post is so schitzo, but I've been drinking in order to deal with the whole debate and the election coming up. Anxiety much? Yes, absolutely.
  

From Planned Parenthood on why Sarah Palin is not my candidate

Dear Sarah Palin,

You are not our candidate.

You are not our candidate because you required women in Wasilla to pay for their own medical examinations after being raped.

You are not our candidate because you do not support a woman's right to choose, even in the case of rape or incest.

You are not our candidate because you've cut funding for teen moms and comprehensive sex education, while promoting failed abstinence-only programs.

You are not our candidate because, as vice president — a heartbeat away from the presidency — you would jeopardize health care for women everywhere.

We are teachers, doctors, athletes, programmers, artists, lawyers, secretaries, CEOs, students, designers, nurses, factory workers, mothers, and fathers. We are conservatives and liberals, Democrats and Republicans, country and city people. We are women and men. We are voters. We are the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

We believe in a woman's right to choose and the right of every person to have access to complete reproductive health care. We are hundreds of thousands strong, and we are doing everything we can to make sure you are not elected.

You are not our candidate.

Sincerely,
ceedee

If you want to sign this letter to be delivered to Sarah Palin at her vice-presidentail debate next week, go here.

Katie, I'd like to use a lifeline...

Haiku WTF Friday

more economic
woes for us to bear. when will it
stop? help us, barak!

***

the debate is on!
get me some alcohol, I
can't watch it without.

***

is it just me or
is Palin an idiot
in all interviews?

The many faces of my friend Randi

so pretty! happy for her brother and sister in law...

who is screaming "mine" in the middle of the ceremony making auntie laugh?

the minute brother cries, sister cries too. I called that, I might add.

two old friends reunited. so good to see you. and still can't believe I held your baby brother in my arms as a kid and now he's married with a kid of his own....

so sleepy....time to go to bed, papa bear.

hope you get some rest before the madness ensues again. great to see you, my best friend. hope we get to do it again soon. LYLAS!

Politico.

your new favorite t-shirt...can't help it, I think it's funny :)

My Trip to Germany

This is the view from my room. Pretty? Absolutely!

Yay! I love science! And wine!

My boss and I discussing science (with alcohol - always a good conversation!)

Yes, I did actually present a poster and do some science :)

But, I also found time to dance with some famous scientists! LOL! (notice the conga line behind us? Yah, it was a fun, fun time!)

This pretty much sums it up...

What is Feminism?

With all the brou-ha-ha surrounding the election, it's got me thinking about feminism and what exactly it is. You see, I'm a 30-year old woman and I never really experienced the "feminist movement" - or maybe I did, but just to a lesser extent. My mom was a radical in her time. She entered a program in the early 60s which allowed her to go to school for free in return for several years working for the government. My mom obtained a master's in mathematics and entered a world dominated by men and the "old boys network" when she worked for 40 years in the Dept of the Navy. She is a very meek person, one who would rather not "cause problems" than speak up against her superiors and because of that, she endured ridiculous sexism, condescention, and all-together bad attitudes by men who had no idea how to work with or treat a woman outside of the home. My mom was a ground-breaker, fer shure, and I am super proud of her contribution to women in the workplace, equality and an end (fingers crossed) to blatant sexism. By the time I came along, I had most every opportunity given to me. As far as I know, I have never been paid differently based on my sex, I have experienced little in terms of sexual harassment (normal joking aside), and my ablilities have not been questioned because I have a vagina. There has been a huge amout of progress in the last 40 years towards a positive solution for sexism. I realize there are still glass ceilings, and I realize there are still areas where women make up a very small percentage of the workforce (engineering and mathematics). I see the women who came before me in science - they have a different type of persona in order to adjust to the "old boys network" stillprevalent at Ivy League Schools. Some of the profs are bitches, through and through, putting up a tough, thick wall around them which no one can penetrate. I don't blame them after hearing some of my mom's and other women's stories. Others are very nice, but brusque, more open and friendly, but below this is a serious "don't fuck with me AT ALL" type of attitude. The younger profs have a sweeter demeanor, may be much more approachable, but also have some sort of protective, thick skin underneath. And none of these women are afraid to use their intelligence and their abilities to basically defend themselves, their research or their point of view. I must say, I admire all of these women, if for different reasons. To be successful with the best of the best of the old boys club takes balls, excuse the term. I admire alot of different types of women, even those who have decided they want to take time off and be a full time mom. I think it takes a lot of courage to make that decision, and I cannot understand how people would view this choice as a cop-out. Raising the next generation is an admirable job, in my book.
I believe that women deserve equal pay for equal work. I believe women are just as qualified to do any job a man can do. I also belive that there are some jobs ONLY a woman can do, such as birth a child. I think this situation needs to be acknowledged and that women leaving the workforce to have children should not be punished or passed by for jobs because they chose to raise kids for a few years. I think that women can make diverse choices, and that ultimately, in a perfect world, any woman can do any job she wants to do. Including, and not limited to, President of the Unites States, Pope, preist, doctor, lawyer, Speaker of the House, Mayor, and the list goes on and on. I think Hillary Clinton did a fantastic job and ran a decent campaign. I really think she did make 18million cracks in that glass ceiling. And Hillary was battered, let me tell you. She was knocked around, poked fun of, her wardrobe was judged over and over again. She didn't seem to bat an eyelash and she often reminded me of my father telling me to let things roll off my back. As soon as they get a rise out of you, as soon as they know the button to push, they're off and running with it. And, how many buttons did they push? Quite a few - so much so that a few journalists were fired over remarks they made that were over the line (I don't think they were policed well enough tho!). Anyways, where is my rambling headed? Of course, to Sarah Palin. You see, Sarah, as a feminist, I belive that women have lots of rights in this country. I don't believe that we just need to "prove ourselves better and work harder" - we deserve equal pay for equal work. I believe that women (and men, actually) have the right to know and understand our bodies. I believe children have the right to sex education, to knowing what the hell is going on with their bodies during puberty and to make smart choices when it comes to sex. It's clear to me that hiding information from kids, as in abstinence only education (which you support) is detrimental to the lives of teens because they end up knocked up (as your daughter is) or with a plethora of incurable diseases (which your daughter may or may not have...). I find it disturbing and disgusting that your daughter is being forced into marriage at 17 in order to "keep up appearances". It reminds me of the "non-denominational school I attended my freshman year of high school. The algebra teacher was banging one of the juniors, knocked her up, left his wife and married the 16 year old girl. Another teacher was molesting at least one girl, if not more. He was quitely moved to work in the office, still on campus, still close enough to the young girls. And my favorite, when the "promise keepers" contract came around pledging virginity until marriage, everyone signed it with their parents. And then all the girls went behind the dumpster at school to give their boyfriends blow-jobs. Hypocritical much? I belive that science should be taught in the public schools, not some made-up religious story about creation that has no basis in scientific fact. I believe you are actually reversing the course of technology by supporting creationism in the publich classroom. If you want your kids to learn religion, send them to Sunday School. I am not viting for you because your values and your ideas do not align with mine. Don't cry sexism when people ask you the tough questions. What IS your foreign policy experience? Why did you support the "Bridge to Nowhere" yet lie and say you did not? Why did you say you sold the Alaska governor's private jet on Ebay when, in fact, you did not? Why did you repeatedly try to figure out how to ban books from the local library? Why did your tiny little town in Alaska with a population of 5,000 people get nearly 27 million in federal government money through earmarks, when cities such as Boise, Idaho, with nearly 40 times the population don't even get that much money? What, exactly, is your experience? Why on God's green earth did you name your kids Track and Trig and Beluga? What the hell?
I am clearly voting for Obama, and I am waiting patiently for Palin to be taken down. Not because she's a woman. More power to her for that. But because she's a terrible politician whose views, as far as I can see, would take us back in time to the early 20th century.

Haiku Headin' Out Friday

All the kids return
to campus. Get back to school.
Crowded walkways, halls.

***

New people, different
perspectives, making new friends.
I've done this a lot.

***

Heading out to my
European Xenopus
meeting. See you soon!

the best so far...

So far,

My favorite thing about the elections is the Daily Show. If you don't watch it, you should.

In case you were wondering...

I find the nomination of Sarah Palin and insult to all women everywhere. Any woman who does not believe in equal pay for equal work, does not believe that a woman has a right to choose what she does with her body, not the government, is not a groundbreaking person to me. I think McCain nominated her to "shake things up" and to try to appeal to those of us who voted for Hillary Clinton. Know what? I think we're smarter than that. I also think he chose her to get more areas in Alaska to drill. No McCain, more of the same, fer shure.
I also feel bad for her daughter, who will be forced to have a child at a young age (I am sure she was given no choice) and will be forced to marry the boy who knocked her up. If that's not evidence that abstinece only education does not work, I don't know what is. Her life is screwed now because I am sure she won't be allowed to go to school or college. What the hell is the republican party stuck in? 1880?
man, I hope Obama wins....get out the vote!

Historic Friday Haiku

What an historic
week we've had! Celebrating
women's right to vote.

***

Watch the first female
Speaker of the House call for
the nomination.

***

The first African
American in the run
to the big white house.

***

The first woman to
go so far. Eighteen million
cracks indeed, Mrs. C.

***

I hope he wins it!
I have a dream that we
can do better. Hope!

Don't wait, appreciate.

I've been slacking on the appreciating of my life lately. I've had a great summer, a few bumps in the road to get over, but who doesn't? I got to see one of my closest friends get married, and my best friend get engaged to a guy who seems like exactly the kind of guy I would have chosen for her. I've been there as my Uncle passed from this life into another and I've grown closer to my family than ever before. I've made better friends here and opened myself up to more and more people, reserving judgment and trying (as hard as it is...) to go with the flow. I participated in a major international meeting here at Penn and got to show it off (and the meeting went very very well!) I've made some progress in my work and I'm on schedule to graduate someday, so that's good news. And I'll have the opportunity to meet with and hang out with some of the premier scientists in my field in a couple weeks in this tiny tiny town in Germany. I've got a great house, great job, great boyfriend, great family, great pets and great friends. And I just wanted to acknowledge that because it feels like I don't do that enough.

Didja see this? Amazing.

Dramer

Went for a bike ride this morning with my boyfriend. It was a nice morning, kinda chilly, but once we got going, it was really pretty out. Went along the loop and Alex got a little overzealous and tried to pass someone on a blind corner. Ended up in an accident with the biggest asshole on the planet. The first thing Alex did was ask the guy if he was all right. The guy didn't respond for several minutes and then just started talking about how his bike was brand new and that it was broken (it was not broken). They guy never asked if Alex was OK, never even said anything to us and started riding his bike away after Alex tried to help him straighten out the handlebars. So, we decided to leave, not really knowing what to do, and the guy let loose a tirade of ridiculousness. He started calling Alex every name in the book, started yelling at him for riding they way he did. Alex was not hurt, he was over the line a tad, but this guy was also going too fast to make it around the corner. He didn't even brake! So, clearly, from an observer's perspective, both were at fault. Alex admitted fault at first and made sure the guy was all right (isn't that what you're supposed to do?) but the guy couldn't get over his new bike being broken (it was not broken). It was clear he has bought some fancy - schmancy bike for $5000 and didn't know how to ride it or how to maneuver it. And it just so happened that we were in the same place at the same time. Figures. Anyways, as far as I could tell, both were fine, a little shaken up, but fine. And the experience could have been so much better if the guy hadn't been such an asshole.

Ode to the Olympics

Dude, I loved the Olympics. For the last two weeks, I've been a couch potato, watching all the events I can see. I never get to watch them all, but I did manage to catch a lot of them. Isn't it amazing what you can do with your body? Isn't it inspiring? I LOVE IT!

Ode to Amoeba Haiku Friday

Amoeba Records
a really great place to buy
used movies and CDs.

***

Only three in CA
Should be more across the US
'Least one in Philly.

***

ABBA Gold. Stranger
Than Fiction. Dead Kennedys.
So much to find there.

Did you know?

Our hometown had an Olympian? Troy Dumais, a springboard diver, competed last night in China for the gold. He didn't win a medal, but he rocked the dives. AND? He currently lives in Ventura. Go Troy!

Happy Birthday, Moozipoo!

Happy birthday, kitty Moue! You are so silly and I am so glad I've had you for 8 years! You make me laugh every day, even if you do wake me up at 5am bringing me a kitty toy.

Is my childhood haunting me?

Observe, my caterpillar friend from a few days ago, eating his way through my garden.
Doesn't he bear a resemblance to one of my favorite books from my childhood?

And, of course, I can't forget about Heimlich, my favorite caterpillar...

Oh no! What did I do?!? I killed my childhood friend!

Out of Control

Remember this post? In which I talked about how great it was to have a nice little garden in our backyard and that my boyfriend is turning into a regular farmer? Well, our little garden has quite taken off, as evidenced by the photo below. This pic does not even do it justice, since it's hard to show off the sheer volume of plant mass in the tiny, tiny space we have. We decided to plant 3 (!) squash type plants and they are slowly but surely taking over the yard - pretty soon we won't be able to BBQ! It's pretty funny this adventure this whole gardening thing has turned into. Every morning and evening, we are in the backyard and on the balcony checking out what changes have occurred with the plants. We've been harvesting tomatoes and peppers and can see the first squashes coming up. Our basil is out of control and our flowers and going nuts. It's so fun!If you can tell, there is a vine climbing up the downspout - it's now almost to the balcony on the 2nd floor!

These things (!), whatever they are, will strip a plant of it's leaves overnight. And, they are HUGE!!! That's my hand next to it in the pic. They are a bitch to get off the stem, we had to cut the stem off the plant to get it off. We're still afraid to squish them (too huge!) so we toss 'em over the fence. Blech!

Haiku for the Girls

Way back in the day
Met my six girls in the dorm
We got on real swell.

***

Fast forward ten (!) years
We're still the bestest of buds
Cheering each on.

***

Unique endeavors,
opinions, ideas. Still, the
silliness ensues!

***

Wish we lived closer,
Could talk every day. I'm so
proud to know us all!

Weekend Wrap Up (Yes, I'm a little slow)

This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to a wedding of one of my college roommates. The best things about this wedding were (in no particular order):
a) it was in the Bay, so I got to show my boyfriend around SF and try to convince him it's a great place to live
b) all 6 of my college roommates attended the wedding weekend and I got to catch up with all of them
c) I got to meet lots of my friend's family and friends from other walks of her life, which was great (and they were all great!)
d) the weather was awesomely beautiful and we spent most of our time outdoors
e) the hotel was really nice and we were greeted with a huge basket of goodies upon our arrival
f) Alex got to meet all of said roommates and their significant others. He got to hang with the boys and he got along great with everyone.
g) the wedding was at a winery and went off without a hitch. I am hoping the three future weddings I have on my calendar go off in a similar manner.
h) they played Jimmy Buffett and "I Will Survive" at the wedding, which got all of us roomies singing at the top of our lungs and dancing around.
i) The photographer told me I was alot of fun to photograph since I was constantly dancing with someone - isn't that what a wedding is supposed to be?
j) We flew Northwest airlines and every flight was on time or early. Minneapolis is a great place to stop because they have lots of moose-related paraphernalia.
k) Public transportation in SF and throughout the Bay is amazing - on time, clean, stops are well pronounced - they even tell you where the cars will stop and people line up to get on the cars! The bus drivers are friendly and helpful and the bus system is so easy to figure out.
l) I got a lovely new ring from a street vendor making them right there!
m) We flew into San Jose which is a little tiny airport, but no lines for security or checking in!
n) I actually sat next to some pretty interesting people on the flight out. Had interesting conversations and learned some new things.
o) I got to rent a cute little yellow car that was super fun to drive (Chevy Cobalt, maybe?)

Very few things went wrong, but since they all went wrong at once, I feel a letter is needed:

Dear PHL,
I fly out of you on a fairly regular basis and I've been to many, many airports. I just can't figure out why things constantly go wrong at your particular airport. I have sat on the ground waiting to take off for hours and I can't figure out if you just are dumb and you schedule too many flights or if you genuinely get backed up every day for various reasons. We arrived early on Sunday night - landed at 11pm (instead of 11:20pm) and there was no place for our plane to park and deplane people. We then proceeded to wait for 2.5 hours on the tarmac for a place to park. We did not get off the plane until 1:30am, at which time all the restrooms are closed. Northwest is handing us vouchers or $25 off our next flight because we had to wait so long. I don't feel like this is Northwest's fault. I think it's PHL's fault and they should have to pay for it. The restroom that was open had no soap and there was a huge line for taxis since the train was no longer running (because, why would public transportation run after midnight?). I think the entire scenario was highly unorganized and not well planned. There should be an area where people can pull up a stairwell and get off the goddamn plane. I have no problem getting off a plane and walking or taking a shuttle. I understand this scenario might involve planning and some form of intelligence, but I think you can handle it. Oh, and while you're at it, could you ask people to be a little bit nicer? I've been to other airports where the TSA is actually nice to you, the people checking your luggage do not grunt at you and the people boarding you are friendly and nice. Think about changing your attitude a bit. It might make situations like this more bearable.
Thanks for your consideration,
ceedee

Movie Review: Encounters at the End of the World

This movie is the first movie Werner Herzog has done since Grizzly Man, and let me tell you, it's a great documentary. I think I liked it most because it talked to the people who live at the End of the Earth, Antarctica. What an amazing place. No, this is not March of the Penguins (although, another amazing movie). This movie follows the mostly scientists and their support staff who live at the End of the Earth. Amazing photography, witty observances, Herzog's wonderfully dry sense of humor are throughout the movie. The personalities of the people who live in Antarctica 6 months out of the year are fascinating and enjoyable. It's a must see movie - I wish there were more of them like that. Thank you, Discovery Channel Films, for finding making such a wonderful film.

Hello August Haiku Friday

Good morning sunshine
August is my fav'rite month
So sunny and warm.

***

Vox Populi art
opening tonight
for that girl's sweetie.

***

Almost time for my
sweetie's birthday. Getting old
is always funnest!

this haiku was brought to you by world's worst haikus, courtesy of ceedee. Enjoy! LOL!

Get on!

Man, am I exhausted. I was at a conference here at Penn for the Society for Developmental Biology annual meeting. It was pretty much non-stop from Sat to Tues 9am-11ish, sometimes later. I got to catch up with a few old friends, have some beers with my boss, present two posters, talk to some cool PIs, become a little more comfortable chatting with those PIs I've met before and see some really great talks. The event ended with a reception at the Mutter Museum. If you haven't checked that place out, please do! It's such an amazing collection of historical medical artifacts, like some human skeletons comparing dwarfism, gigantism and a regular size human. There's the skeleton of Harry, who had a disease called FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) which causes your connective tissue to turn into bone. Interestingly, the mutation that causes this disease was recently identified by some labs here at Penn. Such a super cool story, since one of my friends is working on some experiments on teasing out the causes of the disease. The museum also contains lots of developmental anomalies, such as conjoined twins, babies lacking proper skull formation or proper gut formation, etc. I know these things sound horrifying, but you really leave with an appreciation for medicine and the advances that have been coming over the years. The meeting ended and we headed to Nodding Head, the only brewery here in Center City and we kept the party going. I had some nice chats with some people from Canada and Germany and met some new colleagues and friends. Altogether, it was a great meeting and I really just crashed yesterday, doing mostly nothing but venturing out for some sustenance and a mani/pedi for some relaxation. I'm back at work today, trying to remember what it is I am supposed to be doing and willing my brain to work on science. Information overload! Next week, I leave for CA for a wedding in the Bay Area. It will be a quick trip but hopefully fun. In Sept, it's off to Germany for another meeting and then to CA for another wedding. Whew....I'm ready for vacation from vacation :)

Up Your Nose Wednesday

Like the title? Thought you would. What kid has not shoved something up their nose? I was talking to my Mom last night and she reminded me of one of my first puns. I was eating some peas and managed to shove them up my nose (of course). My Mom had quite a time getting them back out, imagining me inhaling them into my lungs, choking to death, etc. We had a tussle, crying hysterically while my Mom shoved her fingers up my nose until we go them all out (phew!). I then went over to my little desk, pulled out the green letter "P" and shoved that up my nose. Haha! I made a funny!
When I was in college, I lived with a girl named Kelly. When she was a kid, a little boy shoved a rock up her nose and told her not to tell anyone. When she began having sinus and nose problems months later, the doctor noticed this rock up her nose and pulled it out. She had lived like that for months! Needless to say, her rock in her nose is still in her baby book and I am sure, when the time comes, she will tell her kids all about that story.
Do YOU have any shoved up the nose stories?

Tuesday Review

Since I was on vacation, I got to read a lot, which I really, really enjoyed. I bought The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri at the bookstore a few weeks ago. It's a book I've been meaning to read for a long time and it came highly recommended by some friends of mine. This novel was also made into a movie by the same name directed by Mira Nair. I actually dragged Alex to the movie a couple years ago, dying to see what Mira Nair had done. I adored the movie and have been meaning to read the book ever since. It did not disappoint. Lahiri has a style of writing all her own. Soothing and calm, heartbreaking and truthful, observant and touching. This book follows the Ganguli family, a first generation Indian-American family as they start a family and go on to live in the Boston area, raising children and making an "American" life. The novel begins with the Ashoke and Ashima meeting and how their arranged marriage came about. It follows the struggles of Ashima to assimilate into American culture and to learn how to do things so far from their families in India. Ashima has two children, Gogol and Sonia. The Namesake essentially follows the life of Gogol, named for his father's favorite author and a tragic accident he was in at a young age. From the beginning, Lahiri shows the struggles a first generation family would face here in the US. Customs for raising children, schooling, dating, everything, are so different here than in India. Ashoke and Ashima seem to do very well watching their children grow in such a different world. But Gogol is constantly troubled by things: his name, his heritage, his parents' understanding of American culture or the English language. Everything pains him, so much so, that he ends up rejecting much of the Indian culture and identity given to him by his parents. Only as he gets older does he realize how important his family is to him and how much he needs them in his life. He begins to realize the sacrifices his parents made for him and the distances they traveled to give him a better life that they had back in India. This story is one of family, of father-son relations, and also one about growing up and realizing how much your parenst have sacrificed for your well-being. It's a beautifully written novel, enchanting, truthful, engaging, and harsh.

If you don't already read this....

you should!

Book Review Monday

I stumbled across Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison in a used book store a few months back I'm not sure what drew me to the book, per se, but the title sounded familiar and the book has won accolade and was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1992. This book was heartbreaking, amazing, shocking, touching and difficult. The book is about a little girl named Bone (actually named Ruth Ann, but nicknamed "Bone" shortly after birth). She is born to an unwed teenage mother and thus labelled "Bastard" on her birth certificate. The book follows Bone's growing up and "coming of age" of sorts in a rural South Carolina back-country town in what most likely would be described as a poor white trash family. Bone is raised by her Mama, and is close to several of her Mama's siblings, such as Aunt Raylene, Uncle Earle and Aunt Ruth. She has myriad cousins and a little sister named Reese, by her Mama's first marriage. Her Mama's second marriage, to Daddy Glen, causes Bone to experience a lifetime of horrible things in a few short years. Mama is looking for familial stability, and someone to love her unconditionally and, as such, turns a blind eye to Daddy Glen's physical, emotional, and sexual abuses of Bone. Mama, instead, tries to keep Bone away from Daddy Glen by sending her to her siblings' houses for as much time as she can. This book addresses many, many things, including childhood abuse (obviously), the role of family, however f-ed up it may be, self hatred, familial hatred, anger, resentment of society. Bone has to make her own way in the world from a very young age and does so with such an insight as to what is going on in the world and in her life. The book is narrated by Bone in such a youthful way, non-judgmental, yet forming opinions as she explores some of the experiences she goes through. This book was heartbreaking yet exuberant, shocking, yet expected. I could not put it down and I could not pick it up. It addresses some of the darkest secrets of families, society and tells such truths, it makes your jaw clench. The author writes in an almost poetic fashion, comparing things you've never thought to compare before. This is a beautifully written, tragic novel. As an example, I've copied one of my more memorable passages in the book.
"Little Earle would lope like a crippled crawfish, angling to the side, swaying unsteadily, and giggling his own wet croupy babble. The boys would laugh at him, Granny would just smile. Oblivious and happy, Little Earle would pound his fists on Grey's shoulders and then twirl himself around to run all out toward Granny, Temple and Patsy Ruth. Naked, dimpled all over, fat and brown and wide, his stubborn little body bulged with determination, his little-boy prick bounced like a rubber toy between his bowlegged thighs as he whooped and ran, bumping his head on Granny's hip. He was like a windup toy spinning itself out, and his delight only increased when everyone started laughing at him as he jumped up again after falling plop on is behind next to the tub of snap beans."

Back with a Vengeance

I made it back home in one piece, with no fewer than 50 mosquito bites covering my entire body (on the palms of my hands? are you kidding me?). The vacation was wonderful and I may post some pics to come. It was just what I needed. Alex's Aunt and Uncle are just peachy-keen. They have the most gorgeous old house on some beautiful grounds with ponies wandering around on some of their land. The live in this tiny little town that literally has four stores and no stoplights. It was brilliant. We slept every night with the windows flung wide open to let in the cool breeze. We woke each morning to birds chirping outside our window, nesting in a huge 100 year old maple tree. We took some time to explore Great Barrington, MA. We headed out to The Mount, the home of famed author Edith Wharton. We checked out the Choate "cottage" called Naumkeag. Beautiful old mansions built during the end of the 1800s or so. So interesting to see how places were built as well as to get an idea of what society was like way back when. I am a true voyeur at heart, I constantly look in peoples' windows to see what their houses look like inside, so this was wonderful for me. The Choate place was kept exactly as it was when it was given to the preservation group in the 1950s - how cool to see! The landscape around the Berkshires is breathtaking, and the weather could not have been more perfect. We took a day to hike around Bartholomew's Cobble this amazing area near the Housatonic River with forest, wetlands, open fields and summit views. It was really breathtaking, I must admit. We capped off the stay with a trip to Harney Teas, one of my personal favorites and headed back to Philly on Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, I've contracted some sort of illness, complete with high fever and sore throat and swollen tonsils, so I am hoping to get better soon. I must, however, highly recommend a trip to the Berkshires. A wonderful place!

Goodbye 9 to 5 Grind Haiku Friday

Slacking off this week.

Can't wait for my vacation;

It starts on Sunday.

***

Need to recharge and

relax. Play with water guns,

hike, bike, read and eat.

***

Family, fun and sun-

Reconnect with life and me.

Too much work, sooo bad!

***

Sleep in, lounge around

Appreciate each day

more than the last one.

***

Love to travel, see

the country. Massachusetts,

Here we come! Yay! Yay!

On Failure

I was thinking this morning about failure and what it means. I think science is an especially trying field to be in because failure is ubiquitous. I fail at most things every day and that's normal. Hard to believe, right? It's hard enough to work with some samples (usually 20 or so) for several days, carefully labeling them and making sure you treat each sample the same and then to find out a week later that something went wrong and your experiment did not work. Usually, things just don't work and there's nothing to can glean from them - occasionally things will partially work and you can get some bit of information from the experiment. It's those glorious, few and far-between experiments that work beautifully that are the cornerstone for working in science. If that good result every few weeks or so cannot sustain you, you are in the wrong business. I often think about other jobs I've had over the years. There was never this much failure involved. Sure, there was a learning curve: everyone fails early on; but once you get the hang of the job, there's not too much you can't do, right? In science, failure is so pervasive that things you do on a routine basis can easily fail. Sometimes it's unbelievable. Sometimes it's funny. Sometimes it makes you cry or bang your head against the wall or want to kill your boss. And sometimes you get so angry you can't see straight because you can't imagine ever being able to get the laundry list of experiments you have planned out accomplished with good results. I've seen people graduate, and I know it can be done, but I just can't picture myself there yet. I know I'll get there, it just takes time. So, when people ask why on earth it takes so long to finish a doctorate in biology or medical sciences, the truth is this: you have to learn how to fail. You have to learn how to fail beautifully and elegantly and to keep working and have faith that you will eventually find the answers you for which you are looking. Grad school is all about failure and learning to deal with it and learning to get over it and learning to move on. Essentially, it's a lesson in life.

Gardenin'

As I mentioned earlier, we've been gardening a lot lately. We decided to try our hand at it and it's amazing how much nicer our tiny little city yard looks with veggies and plants. We has our first "harvest" this past weekend and have already eaten our first veggie from our garden. We've planted zucchini, squash, peppers, cukes, tomatoes, basil, and some pretty flowers. Thought I'd give you a little tour of our garden...

These flowers are right outside the kitchen window - so nice to see in the morning!

Our squashes, plus some peppers and cucumbers. They've grown so much even since I took this pic!

Out balcony with the basil and tomatoes plus some geraniums and a hanging basket. I love the way the plants make our yard look livable! Plus, some birdseed to keep the birds happy so they don't eat our plants!

Our first harvest! Sweet peppers - so good we ate them right off the vine! And more on the way!

Oh Woobbie!

Oh Freedom...

I've been thinking about this whole "freedom" thing. It's an interesting idea, right? Freedom to be anything you want to be, to do anything you want to do, to set your goal as the highest goal and go for it, right? But I've been thinking that it's not really that true here in America. We're the Land of the Free, but what does that mean exactly? We are guaranteed Freedom of Religion, which is essentially one of the reasons our country was founded. We are granted Freedom of Speech, and for the most part, I can publish, or say or speak whatever it is I want to say, right? We have the right to privacy, but then the government can listen in on conversations we have over the phone. Some states are requiring ID cards to vote (which takes away our guarantee to vote as US citizens) and now there's going to be a "national ID card" to track our movements all over the country. Seems like less freedom, right? And are we free to get the best education we can get? What if you're born in a poor neighborhood or a region without money? Are you getting the best possible education? Some schools in Philly don't have books. Are you kidding me? An education without books? No computers? No interactive education? What do you think the teachers are like in this area? Not that great because the students are threatening and teachers won't stay for very long. It's usually the green ones that come in and work for a year and then get the hell out. Are we free to marry who we want to? Can my gay friend marry his boyfriend? Only in CA and I am sure that will get challenged over and over and over again. What about the freedom to have a clean environment, clean water and clean air? What about the freedom to afford a house or basic necessities or a car or gas? I realize that even the poorest of the poor here in our country are thousands of times richer than the poor in other countries. But I do know there are people who live without basic needs like running water, electricity, gas, heat on a daily basis right here in Philadelphia. And those numbers are not decreasing, they are increasing. Jobs are being lost left and right, our economy is in the shitter. If even "professional" people like Alex and I cannot afford some things, how are other people handling it? And we're firmly in the middle class when we combine our two incomes. I guess what I am trying to say, in the most patriotic way, is that things need to change. And it needs to start here. At home. In your own backyard. We need to freedom to be who we are and to be able to achieve the dreams we all have. I was lucky to be born where I was when I was to my parents who supported my every step of the way. I've been lucky that I've never been poor, I've never went without a meal, and I've never lived without water or heat or electricity. I've never had to face the challenges a lot of people are facing today. And I wonder....is anyone really free?

Philadelphia Freedom

I love this time of year. I've decided that 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. No presents to buy, no trips to make, lovely weather, no work! The 4th on Philly is the best I've ever experienced. Of course, there's the whole history thing: that our nation was birthed right on the steps of Independence Hall. There's lots of people dressed up in funny old-fashioned clothes and frequent spottings of Ben Franklin. Everything's open and busy, with lots of tourists in town to check out the festivities. And the party goes on for a week! There's this big celebration called Welcome America! which has a TON of stuff for free going on all over the city. It's such a great way to celebrate the holiday and the summer. We're planning on BBQing on Fri and then checking out all the fun stuff going on on Sat and Sun. I mean, can you top a free concert by John Legend, another free concert with Boyz II Men (you know you still have their tape!), an ice cream festival for all you can eat ice cream for $5, a free Philly Pops concert in front of Independence Mall, a Fiesta on the Parkway in front of the Art Museum and a Taste of Philadelphia down at Penn's Landing. Top this all off with fireworks every night at the Art Museum or at Penn's Landing and you have one fun weekend ahead of you. And I think I'll need that detox yoga class on Monday. Y'all enjoy the holiday!
Happy Birthday, USA!