Look, here's a NYT columnist who thinks he's both courageous and original for suggesting that women aren't as good as men at math and science:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/science/08tier.html?src=me&ref=homepage
Brilliant! To that I say -- great. Thanks a lot, you brave, original douchebag.
But in earnest, why does this one small section of science & technology legislation deserve such thorough discussion, in two separate columns from one writer? What is so troubling about requiring Federal science agencies to hold workshops to raise awareness about gender bias in research grant awards? Heavens, no! Not workshops!!
If other countries can be highly competitive in math and science while maintaining less of a gender gap, then surely our country can, too. Dude, there is an institutional bias in these areas. If all you can come up with is to contest the existence of a bias, with no thoughts on how to remedy, don't write the column. It's not helping.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
belated holiday cheer
I know it's a little late, but maybe I'll come back and read this next year and enjoy it.
The Saturday before Christmas Kevin and I were running errands like mad before we headed out to his parents' house for dinner. When we got to the post office where I needed to buy various denominations of postage stamps, there was a line just to park. Kevin left me there so he could dash off to do some more shopping while I waited to buy stamps.
After about 45 minutes of standing in line, I finally entered the actual office part of the stuffy P.O. and was feeling a little hopeful to be able to see the clerks. A few minutes later, a woman several places in line behind me began humming loudly - the tune of What Child Is This? - with her eyes closed. It was a little odd, I thought, and it made me feel kind of uncomfortable. Her humming grew louder.
I wasn't sure what to think of this lady. On the one hand, there were all sorts of people at the post office who may not be celebrating Christmas like she was, and maybe they just wanted to mail something in peace. But on the other hand, when I considered how long I'd been waiting, it seemed unlikely that people might be so patient if they weren't sending cards and gifts to loved ones. So maybe I was just being too sensitive. But another part of me also thought she might be armed and dangerous.
Anyway, she then started to sing Silent Night out loud, and shortly thereafter a woman and her daughter joined in harmony with the first woman -- loudly, clearly, and perfectly tuned. It was lovely, actually. They laughed at the end, and continued with Jingle Bells, inviting others to join in.
And the next thing I knew, the 40 or so people crammed in the room with me were all singing and laughing together as we waited. The clerks seemed happy enough with it, and finally I reached the desk. The woman helping me said that she'd never seen anything like it happen before, but yelled out to the crowd that she'd been waiting for something like this!! I wanted to stay and listen for a while, since it had started to feel kind of like a Capra film, but needed to send out my greetings and hurry off. Outside people were honking horns and fighting over parking spots (I actually saw a woman get out of her car and bang on the driver-side window of someone who was blocking other drivers). But inside people were happy, singing, and enjoying something beautiful.
The Saturday before Christmas Kevin and I were running errands like mad before we headed out to his parents' house for dinner. When we got to the post office where I needed to buy various denominations of postage stamps, there was a line just to park. Kevin left me there so he could dash off to do some more shopping while I waited to buy stamps.
After about 45 minutes of standing in line, I finally entered the actual office part of the stuffy P.O. and was feeling a little hopeful to be able to see the clerks. A few minutes later, a woman several places in line behind me began humming loudly - the tune of What Child Is This? - with her eyes closed. It was a little odd, I thought, and it made me feel kind of uncomfortable. Her humming grew louder.
I wasn't sure what to think of this lady. On the one hand, there were all sorts of people at the post office who may not be celebrating Christmas like she was, and maybe they just wanted to mail something in peace. But on the other hand, when I considered how long I'd been waiting, it seemed unlikely that people might be so patient if they weren't sending cards and gifts to loved ones. So maybe I was just being too sensitive. But another part of me also thought she might be armed and dangerous.
Anyway, she then started to sing Silent Night out loud, and shortly thereafter a woman and her daughter joined in harmony with the first woman -- loudly, clearly, and perfectly tuned. It was lovely, actually. They laughed at the end, and continued with Jingle Bells, inviting others to join in.
And the next thing I knew, the 40 or so people crammed in the room with me were all singing and laughing together as we waited. The clerks seemed happy enough with it, and finally I reached the desk. The woman helping me said that she'd never seen anything like it happen before, but yelled out to the crowd that she'd been waiting for something like this!! I wanted to stay and listen for a while, since it had started to feel kind of like a Capra film, but needed to send out my greetings and hurry off. Outside people were honking horns and fighting over parking spots (I actually saw a woman get out of her car and bang on the driver-side window of someone who was blocking other drivers). But inside people were happy, singing, and enjoying something beautiful.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Oh, the carnage!
When Olivia doesn't like a toy we've humbly presented to her, she won't play with it. Billie, however, not wanting us to mistake her rage for simple indifference, takes a more direct approach...
Exhibit A - The orange pom-pom ball:
Exhibit B - Billie looking plainly self-satisfied:
Exhibit A - The orange pom-pom ball:
Exhibit B - Billie looking plainly self-satisfied:
Monday, February 16, 2009
clumsy on a good day.
I shouldn't have been offended when a wii fit on loan from a coworker asked "Do you trip a lot when you walk?"
Only a few days later on a friday night at 1 am, I painfully introduced my face to the corner of the living room wall. I was not intoxicated, only tired.
Only a few days later on a friday night at 1 am, I painfully introduced my face to the corner of the living room wall. I was not intoxicated, only tired.
Friday, January 30, 2009
I'll have what she's having.
There's a new gym on the ground floor of our apartment building, occupying the space that was once one-half of the music store, before they downsized. I like to hit the treadmill fairly late in the evenings to avoid the after-work rush. I also prefer to avoid the grunters, those who are looking for a date, and even the gym employees - they're a little annoying as well.
I finished tonight's run around 8:45 or so, and grabbed a mat to stretch on. I looked around and noticed there was one person remaining - an older lady on the elliptical machine. I went about my routine over in a corner on the floor. The lady gradually increased her speed after a few minutes, and began to grunt a little..... then moan a little. She was muttering a few things that I couldn't quite understand, but it sounded like either she had a bad cramp, or else maybe she was having a really good time.
I realized she probably figured that she was alone. So I thought about clearing my throat or coughing - loud enough so that she'd hear it over the television, the radio, and her headphones. But to do that when you're carefully balanced on one elbow and one knee could only end in disaster. So I continued stretching. And the lady became a little louder... a little louder.... and then, out of breath, she stopped the machine and got down.
Then she saw me and started explaining away - that she didn't think anyone was left, and that she wouldn't have been huffing and puffing quite so loudly otherwise. I told her not to worry, and we briefly chatted about how great it is to get through a really tough workout. But the whole time I was thinking, "did she just... ?", and "is that even possible... just from the elliptical machine?". And finally the only thing I could say was "at least you know you'll sleep well tonight!" And we parted ways.
But seriously - I salute you, elliptical machine-orgasm-enabled lady. When in just one hour of your Friday night you can get in a solid workout, watch some television, and take care of business, I say you're probably doing better than most of us.
I finished tonight's run around 8:45 or so, and grabbed a mat to stretch on. I looked around and noticed there was one person remaining - an older lady on the elliptical machine. I went about my routine over in a corner on the floor. The lady gradually increased her speed after a few minutes, and began to grunt a little..... then moan a little. She was muttering a few things that I couldn't quite understand, but it sounded like either she had a bad cramp, or else maybe she was having a really good time.
I realized she probably figured that she was alone. So I thought about clearing my throat or coughing - loud enough so that she'd hear it over the television, the radio, and her headphones. But to do that when you're carefully balanced on one elbow and one knee could only end in disaster. So I continued stretching. And the lady became a little louder... a little louder.... and then, out of breath, she stopped the machine and got down.
Then she saw me and started explaining away - that she didn't think anyone was left, and that she wouldn't have been huffing and puffing quite so loudly otherwise. I told her not to worry, and we briefly chatted about how great it is to get through a really tough workout. But the whole time I was thinking, "did she just... ?", and "is that even possible... just from the elliptical machine?". And finally the only thing I could say was "at least you know you'll sleep well tonight!" And we parted ways.
But seriously - I salute you, elliptical machine-orgasm-enabled lady. When in just one hour of your Friday night you can get in a solid workout, watch some television, and take care of business, I say you're probably doing better than most of us.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A few things I appreciate...
- A great recipe for pumpkin cake, recommended by a fellow blogger and baker. Not so good for you, but it calls for homemade caramel, which is really fun to make. And it's really, seriously delicious.
- A very odd, very warm front that made its way through yesterday, melting about a third of the snow on our balcony. Now we can almost pretend that there has only been a moderate amount of snowfall this month.
- A really nice day with the in-laws yesterday. And 3a) their new Wii. Much extra gratitude for their new Wii.
- The big mess on my desk which serves as evidence of having written Christmas cards to almost everyone I'd wanted to, almost in time for the holidays. That's right, Kevin. I appreciate my own mess - let me know if you are able to make sense of that.
- Not having had time to put up our Christmas tree. And therefore not having to take it down again.
- Our new best friend, the television.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Don't forget to take out the junk first...
Hi there, blog. I'm sorry about the ongoing neglect. Anyway...
I cooked a whole turkey for the first time this Thanksgiving. When I mentioned my plans to a coworker on Wednesday, he told me to "just remember to take out the junk first." And I did remember, kind of.
While prepping the bird I found a meaty neck tucked into the cavity, and I put it in a container for future soup purposes. But the cavity was otherwise empty, unlike those of chicken I'm used to cooking, which would contain a variety of small visceral organs. Doubting that there were none included with this turkey, I asked Kevin to shine a flashlight up the bird's butt so I could have a better look, but still we found nothing.
So, feeling safe, I went ahead with roasting, and it came out really well. Then I started to carve. I cut right into a neat little pocket of neck skin that they'd tucked the organs into, wrapped in paper. Dammit. Was it safe to eat? Kevin's mom hurried over to say that the meat should be fine, but we just shouldn't eat the organs. I wondered who would have turned down a leg for, say, a nice chewy heart... but I didn't ask. So we ate it anyway, and it tasted fine, and no one got sick. I still don't fully understand why it's dangerous to leave the junk in, but it would be nice if they didn't hide it so well. At least now I know where to look.
I cooked a whole turkey for the first time this Thanksgiving. When I mentioned my plans to a coworker on Wednesday, he told me to "just remember to take out the junk first." And I did remember, kind of.
While prepping the bird I found a meaty neck tucked into the cavity, and I put it in a container for future soup purposes. But the cavity was otherwise empty, unlike those of chicken I'm used to cooking, which would contain a variety of small visceral organs. Doubting that there were none included with this turkey, I asked Kevin to shine a flashlight up the bird's butt so I could have a better look, but still we found nothing.
So, feeling safe, I went ahead with roasting, and it came out really well. Then I started to carve. I cut right into a neat little pocket of neck skin that they'd tucked the organs into, wrapped in paper. Dammit. Was it safe to eat? Kevin's mom hurried over to say that the meat should be fine, but we just shouldn't eat the organs. I wondered who would have turned down a leg for, say, a nice chewy heart... but I didn't ask. So we ate it anyway, and it tasted fine, and no one got sick. I still don't fully understand why it's dangerous to leave the junk in, but it would be nice if they didn't hide it so well. At least now I know where to look.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Moutarde
Yesterday we went for a drive to Mount Horeb & New Glarus, just to get out a bit while the weather still feels nice on the skin. The Mustard Museum was pretty cool. I wish we hadn't been so stuffed when we got there, since there were lots of things to taste in the gift shop. We did come away with a nice Poupon U souvenir mug.
Here were a couple that reminded me of home:
We also walked through the Mt Horeb Fall Festival and I tried to befriend some llamas... but they weren't having any of it. I love the cool rocker-llama hairdo, though.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Random Parade
From our balcony this afternoon we watched an impromptu celebration (of something that remains unknown) marching along the bike path across the street. The music was actually pretty catchy. Part of me felt like running out to join them.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Like a Tree Frog
When asked to describe her aunty's appearance, my 3-year-old niece listed the following physical characteristics:
- black hair
- boobies
- a nose
- no teeth
- red eyes, like a tree frog
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Newly Discovered
- Jogging. I've been going for roughly 2 months... 1/2 hour a day, every other day. Feeling awesome, but having trouble keeping my hands off fried food and ice cream since I started.
- Another Lol-ish blog. I particularly enjoy the Cate Blanchett, Javier Bardem, Cindy McCain, and Posh Spice look-alikes.
- And another blog
- Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which was awesome. I haven't enjoyed a Woody Allen film this much in years. In fact, I'm going to see it again this weekend.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Fasten your seatbelt, slutpuppy, this ain't gonna be no cakewalk!
A fond farewell to Estelle Getty. As much as I love Bea Arthur, Sophia was always my favorite Golden Girl. It's never a bad time, though, to stop and appreciate how awesome a television show The Golden Girls was. So go ahead - take a moment...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
f-r-e-e-d-u-m-b
Yay for late Spring! We joined a CSA this year for our veggies. Our second box came today with lots of greens, plus a few herb seedlings to grow on our own:
I stopped at the Co-op to get some mushrooms & sat outside for a few minutes with a smoothie to enjoy the sunshine while it lasted. Across from me sat an aging hippy wearing a bright orange safety vest. He kind of just started talking, and I took note of the following points from the conversation, though I was only rarely able to get a word in edgewise.
I stopped at the Co-op to get some mushrooms & sat outside for a few minutes with a smoothie to enjoy the sunshine while it lasted. Across from me sat an aging hippy wearing a bright orange safety vest. He kind of just started talking, and I took note of the following points from the conversation, though I was only rarely able to get a word in edgewise.
- He was an ex-con back in the seventies
- Upon his release from prison, he was immediately drafted. Essentially, he could go to war or go back to prison.
- He had trouble getting a job when he returned from Vietnam, "because all the veterans were treated like criminals!!" [I thought, "all the veterans? Or just the ex-con veterans?" Though I know that was generally true back then. ]
- In this country, we have no rights. And, "freedom is spelled f-r-e-e-d-u-m-b"!!
- He was once married by common-law without realizing it and was later ordered to pay child support for a child who may or may not be his.
- His wife left him for a woman, and his son, at age 16, escaped from a mental institution and came straight to Madison to find his dad. The young fellow had a tatoo that said "I kill hippies", as well as a nazi symbol tatoo and some metal spikes embedded in his head. He wanted his father to buy him beer.
- He appends "the Bike" to the end of his name (which rhymes with bike), because he fixes people's bicycles. In fact, his bicycle has a large wagon hitched to the back containing other bicycles that he's working on.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
No really, I'm fine.
Not to say that it's an excuse, but I'm having a relatively sleepless oncall week, and had time to make a travel mug full of strong coffee this morning, but not lunch.
So, starving and jittery, I bought a cheeseburger and fries at the cafeteria at work, and I'd made it up the first flight of stairs on my way back towards my desk. Then the door to the first floor opened behind me and distracted me enough to trip on the next step. The next thing I knew I was on all fours on the steps, surrounded by crinkle fries and my upside-down cheeseburger. A couple of alarmed people entered the stairwell, and as I turned around to tell them I was okay, I realized my face was covered in ketchup. One of them handed me a napkin she happened to be holding, and I mopped up my face while scrambling to pick up my fries and excusing myself repeatedly. Miraculously, nothing got on my clothes, but I was told a few minutes later by a coworker that I had a small glob still on my eye.
Fortunately, perhaps because I'm so tired, I am more entertained than embarrassed. At least I got to hear a good spell of trademark Kevin-Laughter upon relating the story. Totally worth it.
So, starving and jittery, I bought a cheeseburger and fries at the cafeteria at work, and I'd made it up the first flight of stairs on my way back towards my desk. Then the door to the first floor opened behind me and distracted me enough to trip on the next step. The next thing I knew I was on all fours on the steps, surrounded by crinkle fries and my upside-down cheeseburger. A couple of alarmed people entered the stairwell, and as I turned around to tell them I was okay, I realized my face was covered in ketchup. One of them handed me a napkin she happened to be holding, and I mopped up my face while scrambling to pick up my fries and excusing myself repeatedly. Miraculously, nothing got on my clothes, but I was told a few minutes later by a coworker that I had a small glob still on my eye.
Fortunately, perhaps because I'm so tired, I am more entertained than embarrassed. At least I got to hear a good spell of trademark Kevin-Laughter upon relating the story. Totally worth it.
Monday, April 14, 2008
new toy!
One of my favorite takeaways from having gotten married is my new (or, sorry - our new) kick-ass camera. While I'm busy writing thank-you notes, here are some of my first pictures for your enjoyment. What's that you're demanding? Wedding photos? All in good time. Perhaps even by next week.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Poor Julie...
As I was leaving for work this morning the phone rang. I had the following conversation - not kidding:
And it was the awesomest wrong number ever.
Me: Hello?
Caller: Heeeey, what's uuuup!
Me: Who's this?
Caller: It's Jack! I got your panties!!
Me (glancing downward briefly): Huh. I think you might have the wrong number.
Jack: Oh. Uh, I was calling for Julie.
Me: Nope, not Julie.
Jack: Oh... I got her pink panties!!!
Me: ....
Me: That's great! Well, bye!
And it was the awesomest wrong number ever.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Building my vocabulary
A few new words and terms I've picked up this week:
Heavy freezing spray
Local ground blizzards
Thundersnow
Blowing snow advisory
Is it just me, or does a local ground blizzard sound way worse than the normal kind of blizzard?
Heavy freezing spray
Local ground blizzards
Thundersnow
Blowing snow advisory
Is it just me, or does a local ground blizzard sound way worse than the normal kind of blizzard?
Friday, February 08, 2008
Ok, ok...
Here, Kevin. Here's how much snow was on our balcony by Wednesday night, and also a shot of the yahara river, which was pretty:
And in other news, I have a new nephew whom I'll be meeting at the end of this month. He looks very small and sleepy from his photos. Happy birthday to Gavin!
Around Christmas I taught myself to crochet, which is fun so far. I have about a third of a blanket that is just long enough to keep me warm while I'm working on it... so I guess I don't really care what it looks like when I'm done. I can also make coasters!
Whatever. To be honest, I have such awful winter blues right now. I hate February. Did you hear that 2000 vehicles were stuck overnight on the interstate like, 20 minutes from Madison?? Anyway, I'm going to zumba classes with Gwen and I made an appointment with a therapist. I can't wait until the snow starts melting.
And in other news, I have a new nephew whom I'll be meeting at the end of this month. He looks very small and sleepy from his photos. Happy birthday to Gavin!
Around Christmas I taught myself to crochet, which is fun so far. I have about a third of a blanket that is just long enough to keep me warm while I'm working on it... so I guess I don't really care what it looks like when I'm done. I can also make coasters!
Whatever. To be honest, I have such awful winter blues right now. I hate February. Did you hear that 2000 vehicles were stuck overnight on the interstate like, 20 minutes from Madison?? Anyway, I'm going to zumba classes with Gwen and I made an appointment with a therapist. I can't wait until the snow starts melting.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Ode to Soldier Bear
Here's to the brave and noble Soldier Bear, who fought in WWII. "He drank a bottle of beer like any man". Be sure to watch the archival footage of him wrestling with his fellow soldiers. You think he's trying to eat the guy, but he's just playin' around.
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