So in reading one of my fabulous work related papers (The Chronicle of Higher Education) I came across an article about a new law passed in Ohio in April 2006. It's their very own Patriot Act, with some startling (read: disturbing) items. The one discussed is that all state agencies (including professors & employees at public universities) have to answer a list of questions about the organizations they support and swear that none of them are on the US Department of State Terrorist Exclusion List. If the person applying for the job, license, etc. does not answer or answers that yes, they do support one of these organizations, then that person will not get the job. And will probably be unable to get a job anywhere, in Ohio at least.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but we now learn in high school that McCarthyism wasn't really all that great. So how is it that a state can get away with doing essentially the exact same thing now, in 2006? There is a lot about the current political climate that scares me, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. But I am. More than that, I'm wondering just how long it will take for one of our lovely senators to pick this up and run with it on the national level.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Good-Bye
It's weird, growing up, how you start losing the people in your life. Sometimes it's death, like lately. In the last few years I've lost my grandma (the only one I ever knew), my cousin and my grandpa. With each I felt like I lost something specific. My grandma loved to travel, and would tell me about going around the world in her 20s. My favorite conversation with her was when I was traveling in Singapore. We were talking and she asked how I liked it. I said it was nice, but very clean. She answered (this 80-something year old woman) that it was indeed clean, and very sterile. She preferred Beijing, where there are tons more people, pollution and, in her opinion, more life. That was my grandma.
Next was my cousin, just recently. I didn't know him well. For most of my life he lived 3,000 miles away. But I saw him in summers and he was young and left two daughters behind. It was one of those deaths that shocks everyone and doesn't have any explanation. Literally. There are no results in on what actually happened. One day he was here, the next he wasn't. It was the first funeral I ever went to. For my grandma we just had a memorial service. When my stepfather died I was in Asia, and it was expected, so I didn't come home. But for my cousin, I went to be with family.
And finally, the latest, my grandpa. For some reason this hit me hardest of all, even though he was 95 and it was expected. Maybe after the year we've had it just didn't seem real. I went for his funeral too. And was a pallbearer, which might be the single best way to say good-bye to someone that I've experienced. You get to take them out of the church, away from the crowd of people, and send them on their way to the cemetary.
Next was my cousin, just recently. I didn't know him well. For most of my life he lived 3,000 miles away. But I saw him in summers and he was young and left two daughters behind. It was one of those deaths that shocks everyone and doesn't have any explanation. Literally. There are no results in on what actually happened. One day he was here, the next he wasn't. It was the first funeral I ever went to. For my grandma we just had a memorial service. When my stepfather died I was in Asia, and it was expected, so I didn't come home. But for my cousin, I went to be with family.
And finally, the latest, my grandpa. For some reason this hit me hardest of all, even though he was 95 and it was expected. Maybe after the year we've had it just didn't seem real. I went for his funeral too. And was a pallbearer, which might be the single best way to say good-bye to someone that I've experienced. You get to take them out of the church, away from the crowd of people, and send them on their way to the cemetary.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Observation
Griffith Observatory opens up again Friday, after 5 years of being closed. Since I won't be there to see it right away I'm enjoying this list - Griffith Observatory by the Numbers:
2 Number of planetariums built in the U.S. before Griffith. (Chicago and Philadelphia came first in the early 1930s.)
Nearly 70 million Estimated number of observatory visitors since its 1935 opening.
7 million Estimated number of visitors who have looked through the 12-inch Zeiss telescope on the roof.
75 Feet in diameter of the planetarium's dome.
1,134 Observatory's height in feet above sea level.
30,000 Cubic yards of dirt dug up to make way for the new bottom level.
3 Number of projectors that have served in the planetarium since opening (one from 1935 to 1964, another from 1964 to 2002, and the current one).
4 Number of directors who have served in the observatory's top job since opening (one from 1935 to 1958, another from 1958 to 1969, another from 1969 to 1974, and the current one).
50 Estimated number of astronomically themed ties owned by director Edwin Krupp.
200 Number of leaks in the building before renovation, as estimated by Krupp.
26 million Number of non-government dollars raised by the Friends of the Observatory toward the $93-million renovation.
8,000 to 10,000 The building's daily visitor capacity, depending on hours.
0 Observatory-adjacent parking spaces during opening months.
For other Observatory info go to the LA Times section here.
2 Number of planetariums built in the U.S. before Griffith. (Chicago and Philadelphia came first in the early 1930s.)
Nearly 70 million Estimated number of observatory visitors since its 1935 opening.
7 million Estimated number of visitors who have looked through the 12-inch Zeiss telescope on the roof.
75 Feet in diameter of the planetarium's dome.
1,134 Observatory's height in feet above sea level.
30,000 Cubic yards of dirt dug up to make way for the new bottom level.
3 Number of projectors that have served in the planetarium since opening (one from 1935 to 1964, another from 1964 to 2002, and the current one).
4 Number of directors who have served in the observatory's top job since opening (one from 1935 to 1958, another from 1958 to 1969, another from 1969 to 1974, and the current one).
50 Estimated number of astronomically themed ties owned by director Edwin Krupp.
200 Number of leaks in the building before renovation, as estimated by Krupp.
26 million Number of non-government dollars raised by the Friends of the Observatory toward the $93-million renovation.
8,000 to 10,000 The building's daily visitor capacity, depending on hours.
0 Observatory-adjacent parking spaces during opening months.
For other Observatory info go to the LA Times section here.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Let's Go Mets!
Sara took me to Game 6 last night of the Mets v Cardinals playoffs...and we won!! Just one game to go.
Mr. Met came out to greet the fans and make everyone smile.
There were even some brave Cardinals fans in the section next to us - they had some words with the Mets boys above them.
Jose jose jose...
Reyes hit the first homer of the night so we got to sing his song all night long!
Mr. Met came out to greet the fans and make everyone smile.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Meet the Mets
So on Friday Kat, Maria & Sara got me to go to my first ever Mets baseball game. Now, I haven't been to a baseball game in years - no, probably decades. So I was a little bit hesitant to go. But I have to say, we had a great time! Even though the Mets lost it was a fun game, a great time with good friends and plenty of beer. Thanks girls!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Happy 90th Birthday Grandpa!
Finally, some pictures from my (quick) trip home last weekend. Really, 3 days to go from NYC to LA and back again is just not enough. Especially when 12 hours of that is spent on a plane. Ugh!
But the party was great with a live band and lots of family and friends.
But the party was great with a live band and lots of family and friends.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Travel Sense
I love DailyCandy. Aside from being the perfect distraction from work and providing great deals each and every week, they send out fabulous lists like this one: all about traveling and the tips that will make it easier (or at least reminds you to keep your cool if something crazy happens).
Do as We Say, Not as We Did
We’ve lost luggage, overspent on almonds, been arrested in Puerto Rico, and offended our foreign hosts — all so you don’t have to. Herewith, DailyCandy’s travel commandments.
Don’t pay for luggage carts. Walk outside and grab one that someone left curbside.
Wear socks or be forced to walk through the metal detector barefoot.
If you pack your “personal massager” in your carry-on bag, it will most certainly get searched.
Remember, Europe’s on the metric system so calories don’t count.
The time spent at a cultural event should be inversely proportional to the time spent at the cafe next door.
Tip well. If you’re American, tip even better.
You’re not a traveler if you can’t haggle; you’re a tourist. But you’re also not a traveler if you haggle for six hours; you’re a cheap bastard.
When disaster strikes — and it will — relax. Remember: It’s all part of the adventure and will make for a great story later.
You are far more likely to get in an accident while driving a rented car. Get the insurance.
When in Rome, go topless. But when in Puerto Rico, wear a shirt. Trust us. (It’s illegal.)
A language barrier is not an obstacle; it’s an excuse to avoid small talk and gesticulate wildly.
Learn some local geography: Sweden and Norway are not “real close.”
Learn some local slang: One country’s tobacco is another country’s hash.
You call it a romantic three-day weekend; the airlines call your Friday night departure a sitting duck. Keep a plan B at point A just in case a jauntily named storm comes between you and paradise.
If you order coffee in your hotel room, ask for it in a to-go cup. It’s a much bigger serving, especially if cappuccino or latte.
Buy your own water at the nearest convenience store. You’re a true sucker if you pay for the bottles in the room.
Step. Away. From. The minibar. Have it locked if you cannot restrain yourself.
The Eiffel Tower is great and all, but it’s not officially a vacation unless there’s a beach and an umbrella drink. (I do disagree with this commandment - I think a beach & umbrella is great, but I would say it's not a vacation without a little adventure and a big backpack).
Do as We Say, Not as We Did
We’ve lost luggage, overspent on almonds, been arrested in Puerto Rico, and offended our foreign hosts — all so you don’t have to. Herewith, DailyCandy’s travel commandments.
Don’t pay for luggage carts. Walk outside and grab one that someone left curbside.
Wear socks or be forced to walk through the metal detector barefoot.
If you pack your “personal massager” in your carry-on bag, it will most certainly get searched.
Remember, Europe’s on the metric system so calories don’t count.
The time spent at a cultural event should be inversely proportional to the time spent at the cafe next door.
Tip well. If you’re American, tip even better.
You’re not a traveler if you can’t haggle; you’re a tourist. But you’re also not a traveler if you haggle for six hours; you’re a cheap bastard.
When disaster strikes — and it will — relax. Remember: It’s all part of the adventure and will make for a great story later.
You are far more likely to get in an accident while driving a rented car. Get the insurance.
When in Rome, go topless. But when in Puerto Rico, wear a shirt. Trust us. (It’s illegal.)
A language barrier is not an obstacle; it’s an excuse to avoid small talk and gesticulate wildly.
Learn some local geography: Sweden and Norway are not “real close.”
Learn some local slang: One country’s tobacco is another country’s hash.
You call it a romantic three-day weekend; the airlines call your Friday night departure a sitting duck. Keep a plan B at point A just in case a jauntily named storm comes between you and paradise.
If you order coffee in your hotel room, ask for it in a to-go cup. It’s a much bigger serving, especially if cappuccino or latte.
Buy your own water at the nearest convenience store. You’re a true sucker if you pay for the bottles in the room.
Step. Away. From. The minibar. Have it locked if you cannot restrain yourself.
The Eiffel Tower is great and all, but it’s not officially a vacation unless there’s a beach and an umbrella drink. (I do disagree with this commandment - I think a beach & umbrella is great, but I would say it's not a vacation without a little adventure and a big backpack).
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Happy Birthday to Meeeee!!
Well, coming off a singularly horrid weekend this birthday is going to be pretty mellow. No plans tonight, and tomorrow is just karaoke with work people to say farewell to a few who are leaving.
On an up-note, I got a gorgeous bouquet of roses - all colors - for my birthday (thanks J), along with a happy birthday balloon with a train on it. Pictures will be up tomorrow - didn't bring my connection cord today.
And Sara moves in this weekend (Monday) which gives me enough free time to enjoy it and also clean up a little.
I guess with every bit of bad comes some good.
On an up-note, I got a gorgeous bouquet of roses - all colors - for my birthday (thanks J), along with a happy birthday balloon with a train on it. Pictures will be up tomorrow - didn't bring my connection cord today.
And Sara moves in this weekend (Monday) which gives me enough free time to enjoy it and also clean up a little.
I guess with every bit of bad comes some good.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Farewell Pluto
It looks like all of the science books just went out of date...way to go scientist guys.
Can they really just do that? I mean, Pluto has been a planet for as long as I remember (actually, since it was discovered in 1930). How can they just decide that it's not anymore? So weird. Here's the story at BBC.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Mexico!!
Well, I just found an internet cafe in Guatemala that can read my memory card (I´ve already filled my 1 GB and started on my 2 GB) so they put them on disc for me. Here are a few pictures from my trip so far...
sara & I in chitchen itza - our first ruins and great ones at that! 
Local girls in Merida performing traditional dances.
Heidi - a couple of local kids for you. They were asking for pesos and running around the hillside like it was nothing, while we were all out of breath and scared of...
this suspension bridge! It shook a lot, especially when the kids ran across it and around us!
And finally, a kid rowing a ¨boat¨
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Farewell
It is a sad, sad day today. Jeff & Kathleen are leaving NYC for Oregon tonight (actually, right about now), and they won't be coming back. We went out for a farewell last night to El Rey del Sol & then the Coffee Shop in Union Square.
I was feeling so grown-up, and not really sure why. And then I realized that it's just because they decided to leave all on their own, no parents moving them across the country or anything. They just left. It sucks to be grown-up. I don't want to do it anymore.
Mexican food, margaritas and great friends are so great!
Goodbyes are sad.
I was feeling so grown-up, and not really sure why. And then I realized that it's just because they decided to leave all on their own, no parents moving them across the country or anything. They just left. It sucks to be grown-up. I don't want to do it anymore.
Mexican food, margaritas and great friends are so great!
Goodbyes are sad.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Ohio Family
Ohio was great last week! I was there with my mom, and it was fun to see the family, lay out by the pool and just relax a little.
Mom & Aunt Peg looking for seeds
An old shed that belonged to family. The house stood behind this, where all those trees are now!
Aunt Linda & mom on top of the Indian Mound.
Me, mom, Uncle Phil & Aunt Linda on Shrum Mound.
Brennon, Sara & I at the 4th of July fireworks (on July 3)!
Mom & Aunt Cathy at mom's cocktail night before Reunion.
Brennon & I at Knotty Pine, while spying on mom & Aunt Cathy.
Grandpa!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Educate Me
There have been an avalanche of articles lately about the LAUSD and how it should be run in the future. After trying to get absolute control, L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa came to a compromise with the teachers' union. He gets veto power over the superintendent, teachers and principles get more authority in how they teach the material they need to cover, and the LAUSD board would lose most of it's budget power. This LA Times article discusses the deal, and reactions to it, in depth.
I get why some people are pissed about the takeover. It's not being done Democratically (Villaraigosa went straight to the Legislature - no voting by the districts) and it takes all the power away from the board, which they can't be happy about. But when you look at the issues LAUSD is facing, you can't blame Villaraigosa for wanting to try something new. In this wonderful article the LA Times discusses how the exit exam all high-schoolers have to take can be failed, and the student will still graduate!! The entire point of the exit exam is to make sure they're prepared. Passing them anyway WILL NOT HELP THEM!!! If the schools are not preparing students for the test, it won't help to remove the test itself. Maybe we should look at improving the schools. Just a thought.
And finally, I have never heard about this program before today. Apparently there's a program called Educational Options, which is aimed at getting dropouts back into school and through graduation. This article focuses on how it's been mostly ignored by both Villaraigosa and Romer (the superintendent), but how it really is working. An interesting program that could really work if promoted and funded correctly.
I'll leave you with this. In the December Educational Options newsletter there was this fabulous little story:
The Teacher
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued: "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided the best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminded the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about teachers: "Those who can: do. Those who can't: teach." To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a teacher, Susan," he said. "Be honest. What do you make?"
"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like they've just been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and an A- feel like a slap in the face if the student did not do his or her very best."
"I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."
"I can make parents tremble in fear when I call home."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids wonder."
"I make them question."
"I make them criticize."
"I make them apologize and mean it."
"I make them write."
"I make them read, read, read."
"I make them spell 'definitely & beautiful' over and over again, until they will never misspell either one of those words again."
"I make them show all their work in math and hide it in their final drafts in English."
"I elevate them to experience music and art and the joy in performance, so their lives are rich, full of kindness and culture, and they take pride in themselves and their accomplishments."
"I make them understand that if you have brains, then follow your heart...and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you pay them no attention."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make a difference."
"What do you make?"
Contributed by Mark Leos, AP, Fairfax HS, to Educational Options Newsletter.
I get why some people are pissed about the takeover. It's not being done Democratically (Villaraigosa went straight to the Legislature - no voting by the districts) and it takes all the power away from the board, which they can't be happy about. But when you look at the issues LAUSD is facing, you can't blame Villaraigosa for wanting to try something new. In this wonderful article the LA Times discusses how the exit exam all high-schoolers have to take can be failed, and the student will still graduate!! The entire point of the exit exam is to make sure they're prepared. Passing them anyway WILL NOT HELP THEM!!! If the schools are not preparing students for the test, it won't help to remove the test itself. Maybe we should look at improving the schools. Just a thought.
And finally, I have never heard about this program before today. Apparently there's a program called Educational Options, which is aimed at getting dropouts back into school and through graduation. This article focuses on how it's been mostly ignored by both Villaraigosa and Romer (the superintendent), but how it really is working. An interesting program that could really work if promoted and funded correctly.
I'll leave you with this. In the December Educational Options newsletter there was this fabulous little story:
The Teacher
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued: "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided the best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminded the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about teachers: "Those who can: do. Those who can't: teach." To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a teacher, Susan," he said. "Be honest. What do you make?"
"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like they've just been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and an A- feel like a slap in the face if the student did not do his or her very best."
"I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."
"I can make parents tremble in fear when I call home."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids wonder."
"I make them question."
"I make them criticize."
"I make them apologize and mean it."
"I make them write."
"I make them read, read, read."
"I make them spell 'definitely & beautiful' over and over again, until they will never misspell either one of those words again."
"I make them show all their work in math and hide it in their final drafts in English."
"I elevate them to experience music and art and the joy in performance, so their lives are rich, full of kindness and culture, and they take pride in themselves and their accomplishments."
"I make them understand that if you have brains, then follow your heart...and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you pay them no attention."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make a difference."
"What do you make?"
Contributed by Mark Leos, AP, Fairfax HS, to Educational Options Newsletter.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
La Copa de la Vida
That's right, I'm quoting a Ricki Martin song. And that is because it's World Cup time!! I have been completely obsessed and engrossed since June 9 with who is playing, winning and going to the next round. I'm happy to report that Sweden secured a spot in the second round yesterday with a tie against England (go family homeland). And I am currently jumping out of my seat hoping that Mexico gets through. They're down right now, but could still pull it off.
So far I haven't actually taken any days off of work for matches - just gone to bars for lunchtime to see the games! Tomorrow is the US, so my lunchtime will be 11-12 to see the second half. Go US!!
Other than World Cup madness, not much to report. I have a new roommate, Joanna (I'm still trying to get in touch with the one who skipped out on May 31) and she is fabulous. Totally cool and laid-back. Plans for tonight: trivia at Pete's Candy Shop with Joanna. We came in 13th overall last week, but we've got plans for pumping up our trivia knowledge and placing better this week. Basically, the plan is to read the NY Post - which they referred to an unhealthy amount of times last week. That's not real news people. But if it gets us a better spot in trivia night, I'll sacrifice and read it once a week.
So far I haven't actually taken any days off of work for matches - just gone to bars for lunchtime to see the games! Tomorrow is the US, so my lunchtime will be 11-12 to see the second half. Go US!!
Other than World Cup madness, not much to report. I have a new roommate, Joanna (I'm still trying to get in touch with the one who skipped out on May 31) and she is fabulous. Totally cool and laid-back. Plans for tonight: trivia at Pete's Candy Shop with Joanna. We came in 13th overall last week, but we've got plans for pumping up our trivia knowledge and placing better this week. Basically, the plan is to read the NY Post - which they referred to an unhealthy amount of times last week. That's not real news people. But if it gets us a better spot in trivia night, I'll sacrifice and read it once a week.
Friday, June 09, 2006
MOMA
Last night was the AICP annual party at MOMA. A fun night for everyone to get together and celebrate the commercials that were great throughout the year. The show ran a little long (we didn't get out of there until 10) but it was a fun night. Gay & Sara went with me and we had a blast.
Here we are starting out the night...
and the huge crowd of people from above.
Checking out the art in MOMA...they opened up a couple of floors to explore.
And really, should they have been letting us go look at great art when they had open bars? I think not...
Here we are starting out the night...
and the huge crowd of people from above.
Checking out the art in MOMA...they opened up a couple of floors to explore.
And really, should they have been letting us go look at great art when they had open bars? I think not...
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Find Out
There's a search engine (powered by Yahoo!) that is called Good Search. You can choose a charity you like, and each time you do a search through them they give $0.01 to that charity. I know, it sounds like so little. But honestly, I do tons of searches every day for the stupidest things, so even that will add up. So check out their website and see if they can find what you're looking for.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Modern
Well I had the best graduation celebration last night. Gay took me to The Modern - that nice restaurant at MOMA. 4 hours and 7 courses later (plus petits fours and a special graduation dessert) we were stuffed!
It was great. They brought out a special pistacio chocolate concoction on a plate that had "Congratulations" written on it in chocolate and it was just all wonderful. And can I just say "chocolate tart." I highly recommend it.
We had a table looking out on the sculpture garden and the restaurant itself is fabulous. The best part was that when we sat down Gay knew the man who would be serving us (she apparently goes there enough to know people). Then, another guy came out and she knew him too! He had helped her get the table last minute. She is so connected!
It was great. They brought out a special pistacio chocolate concoction on a plate that had "Congratulations" written on it in chocolate and it was just all wonderful. And can I just say "chocolate tart." I highly recommend it.
We had a table looking out on the sculpture garden and the restaurant itself is fabulous. The best part was that when we sat down Gay knew the man who would be serving us (she apparently goes there enough to know people). Then, another guy came out and she knew him too! He had helped her get the table last minute. She is so connected!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Down Dog
My sister Heidi is giving away the fabulous Mommy & Baby Yoga DVD she produced. That's right. If you see "An Inconvienient Truth" and send the ticket stub to her all you pay is shipping. Sound too good to be true? Well check it out at the Down Dog Productions website. This offer only lasts through May 2006 - so hurry!
And don't you just love the logo!
Friday, May 12, 2006
Tassles
And finally (a week later) here are some pictures from graduation. They let me walk even though my thesis isn't due until August 1 (the fools). And Kathleen went to Washington Square Park with me yesterday to take some nice pictures of me with my hood and the whole outfit. Very fun.
me and the arch in Washington Square Park
Felicia snapping her fingers at me in line
Me in the park (again)
The Three Graduates - Alicia, Alex & I at Grad Alley
Sheetal & I at Lincoln Center for graduationThursday, May 11, 2006
Art City
In Florida I also spent some time exploring the Art Deco in South Beach. Lots of places to see and great design.
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