soapbox

This year’s snow sculpture is just a pile of snow…called Mt. Moosilauke.

Most of the stuff in this article is probably common knowledge to us grad-students, however it is refreshing to hear in the main stream media that people are being made aware of how things work in science land. As a self proclaimed worry-wart, and a person approaching graduation, things like post-docing, tenure track jobs, research funding (and even ideas too!) are constantly on the brain. With the current survival of the fittest (or most conservative as the article speaks to) approach to science we seem to be taking these days, it is a bit concerning that there are way more scientists than proper science jobs and funding for their ideas and research. And though the article is quite good, many of the comments appended at the end are similarly good. I suppose it’s really just a bitch-fest, but what the hell. It’s worth a read.

Guest Column: Letting Scientists Off the Leash

I don’t have a clever headline or link for this post; I just wanted to say that I feel really bad for Phelps having his pot-smoking caught on tape and distributed across the world. Firstly, the guy has proven how hard-core he is – with that kind of training regimen, don’t you think he’s earned a little bit of relaxation? Secondly, this is a sad example of how America is (still) tight-ass about the wrong stuff. We have no problem with 12-year-old watching ultra-graphic movies or TV shows, no problem with the glorification of alcohol and cigarettes in pop culture, and no problem with a tyrannical interpretation of the 2nd amendment, but ohmygod, marijuana is the drug of the devil and must be classified right next to heroin even though medically it’s pretty chill.

I think I’m allowed to lobby for decriminalization – not for myself mind you, but just on general principle – given that the “worst” thing I’ve ever done in terms of restricted substances was to try smoking a marlboro when I was 9. No? what’s that? I’m an evil pothead and probably a baby-killer? fine then. As Tina Fey says, suck it.

Happy Chinese New Year! In lunar calendar, spring festival is to celebrate the beginning of spring. I hope spring is really coming, this winter is just too cold…..

Also a clip from China’s annual celebration live show. When I was very young, I liked this show very very much. Watching the show together with my family on lunar new year eve is one of the best memories of my childhood. My father used to record it for me and I would watch it over and over again till the next new year. Anyways, this year’s show is not bad, I especially like the way they used the big big screen.

It seems I can’t embed any video, so here’s the link for the clip.
City Variation.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Lebanon Opera House, Thursday, January 29, 2009 7:30 PM.

For those not familiar, most will recall the song “Diamonds on the souls of her shoes,” by Paul Simon and his Graceland album/tour. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a Grammy winning Zulu male choral group, that does a bit of traditional Zulu and several other things.

Cool stuff. Check it out.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back, Feb. 11, 2009 at 07:30PM at the Lebanon Opera House. Advance tix $18, students $15.

Always a good time. Plus, there are lots of freebies (this year everyone gets a free lift ticket to Ascutney)!

Blurb from Lebanon Opera House listing:

If you have a passion for adventure, come and experience the exhilarating beauty of mountain landscapes, sports, and culture! Some of the best films from the 33rd annual Banff Mountain Film Festival will thrill and inspire you with their amazing big-screen stories and adventures when the World Tour visiting 305 cities in 20 countries returns to the Lebanon Opera House to another sell out audience.

Stunning cinematography on mountain themes ranging from climbing, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking and extreme sports to mountain cultural and environmental issues. From adrenaline fuelled action to fascinating mountain culture this is always guaranteed to be a night of thrilling entertainment … it’s the benchmark of all outdoor film festivals.

Don’t be disappointed, the Banff show sells out.

All who attend the Banff Mountain Film Festival on Feb 11 will receive a free One Day Lift voucher from Ascutney Mountain Resort valid though the 2009 season.

For those interested in sustainable and socially responsible business, and its impact on / role in capitalism, make sure to check out the Business and Society Conference, at the Tuck School of Business. Jan. 15-16, 2009.

MBH and I attended a couple years ago, and it was pretty interesting. Certainly worth swinging by the few best sessions (but get there early, since some fill up fast). It’s free, but you do have to register ahead of time through the “registration” link.