Of particular note in this clip:
- Link's wink and slight vanity
- Seaweed's switchblade while serenading Penny
- Link licking Tracy's picture. Ewwwww.
- Link's freaky change in facial expressions
- Seaweed, Seaweed, did I mention Seaweed?
Friday, February 27, 2009
I ain't lyin'
Bringing joy into your world, one musical at a time.
Of particular note in this clip:
Of particular note in this clip:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Big picture
There's an elderly professor emeritus in the biology department. His name is Arthur and he's infamous for asking off-the-wall, crazy questions at seminars. They're things like "What came first, chicken or the egg?", "If everyone on the planet died tomorrow....", or like he asked my friend Sarah a few weeks ago "What would happen if a turtle was infected with that bacteria?"** And he's not trying to stump you, he's totally sincere. It's always pretty amusing. Everyone in the department knows him so they all take it in stride and answer the best they can, anxious to move on to the next question. I always feel bad for visiting seminar speakers though; they either end up looking like deer in the headlights or pause with there eyes closed, and hand to their chin really trying to think through the implications of the question. Yesterday, when I gave my talk he didn't ask me anything (but did give me a nice complement); I found myself to be 70% thankful and 30% disappointed. He made up for it though with the visiting seminar speaker in the afternoon; I heard him say, "If I lived on a deserted island..."
On one hand, everyone thinks he's a bit eccentric and maybe a tad senile. On the other hand though, I wonder if he's got something that we're all missing. He always thinks 'big picture.' In the grand scheme of things, how would this mechanism work? or would it? or does it depend on other factors that we haven't thought about? I think that's something that we micro and molecular biologists lose sight of from time to time, even though we try our best to hold onto how things work in vivo. Maybe that bacteria would function differently in a turtle or a human than it does on a petri dish. Maybe those are questions that we should be asking, even if they're impossible to test. I think it's ok (and necessary, as a biologist) to focus on details, but we always need that big picture view to keep everything in context.
**Sometimes he shares facts too. Apparently he also likes to make sure that people know that arachidonic acid was first isolated in SPIDERS!
On one hand, everyone thinks he's a bit eccentric and maybe a tad senile. On the other hand though, I wonder if he's got something that we're all missing. He always thinks 'big picture.' In the grand scheme of things, how would this mechanism work? or would it? or does it depend on other factors that we haven't thought about? I think that's something that we micro and molecular biologists lose sight of from time to time, even though we try our best to hold onto how things work in vivo. Maybe that bacteria would function differently in a turtle or a human than it does on a petri dish. Maybe those are questions that we should be asking, even if they're impossible to test. I think it's ok (and necessary, as a biologist) to focus on details, but we always need that big picture view to keep everything in context.
**Sometimes he shares facts too. Apparently he also likes to make sure that people know that arachidonic acid was first isolated in SPIDERS!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Google is watching me...
Today, in the recommendations box on my google reader it suggested the "Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report." I guess that tells you what my google searches have been about lately: viruses and death as a result. Kind of depressing, eh? I don't think the CDC's mortality report will make it on my list of blogs.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
6 reasons why I'm happy that the HSM III Dvd release was this week
Don't judge, just read. :)
1. It's silly. Yeah, we know it and we own it. The silliness is half of the charm of HSM. The other half is equal parts Ryan's voice (give him more songs!), Troy's face (See #2), and choreographed musical dance numbers in response to life events. Sometimes you just need something that entertains without delving too far into analytical thought.
2. Zac Efron's facial expressions. The boy had me at laryngitis (min 2:32-2:36). I'm amazed at the speed at which he can change his facial expressions. His skill holds through to HSM. And he may even teach you how to be a super he-ro.
3. Cheesy pop tunes. You know you love them. They're catchy and make me sing along every time. What's life without some power ballads and cheesy lyrics from the Backstreet Boys, Michelle Branch, Jesse McCartney, aaaaaaaaand the HSM soundtracks. I'd say it'd probably be like life without love or getting your big break and laryngitis (just can't help the Hairspray references now.)
4. Happy Disney endings. Teenage angst followed by a happy ending. Does that ever actually happen, or do we just grow out of it without resolution? I don't know, but it's always more fun to watch teen angst than to be involved in it. Forget your former high school teenage drama and laugh at theirs. And you can watch the angst occur via music; it's always better when expressed through song... on a bridge, on a desert golf course, in the school hallway that starts spinning, during the basketball game...
5. They just keep getting better. HSM I is mediocre at best, cut it some slack and remember it was a made-for-Disney-channel, low-budget film. HSM II is better, as long as you don't include that extra Hawaiian headdress Sharpay song on the extras. HSM III--great.
6. It's a good excuse (as if we need one) to get a group of good friends together for a night of marathon fun. We laugh, we cry (mostly from the laughter, not movie-inflicted distraught), we get annoyed at Gabriella's whiny voice (if she calls him 'Wildcat' one more time...).
What's that? You don't dance? ...I know you can. High School Musical. Who says we have to let it go? :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Beyond potlucks and tea parties
I admit it, when it comes to women's ministry I'm pretty cynical. All you have to do is mention potlucks, tea parties, or party planning and then sit back and watch steam roll out of my ears. Those are the tell-tale signs of the women's ministries that I've been witness to. Don't get me wrong, I like potluck dinners just as much as the next person and I will never turn down a good cup of tea, but there's got to be more to women's ministry. Just thinking about the women I'm friends with, we're a diverse group. We are (or soon to be) scientists, librarians, business women, lawyers, health advocates, musicians, teachers, artists, optometrists. Funny, athletic, bold, girly, gentle, nuturing, tom boys, adventurous, quiet, intellectual. We study, read, bake, run, laugh, dance, hike, love, play sports, travel, play instruments, even wield swords on occasion, like dogs and cats, like kids, want to be successful, want to follow and obey, want to find a special someone, the list goes on. While there is, of course, a place for potlucks, shouldn't women's ministry be as diverse as the women involved? I don't have a clear idea of what a women's ministry should look like, but I think a good place to start is to look at what we're called to be as women of God. At times like these, I always want to whip out some obscure piece of scripture with amazing insight into the topic of choice (this is similar to claiming a random indie band in your favorites, just because you know you'll be judged for admitting to owning every DMB album made). But to be honest, I think the classic Proverbs 31 is the best place to start; it's referenced so much for a reason. Here are a few things that I think, as women, we're called to be.
1. Trustworthy. She earns her husband's confidence, provides for her family, and gives faithful instruction. We're called to be true to our word and worthy of trust. Without trustworthiness, character falls awfully quickly. Relationships are built on trust. Our trust in God, our trust in each other.
2. Diligent and hardworking. She is not idle and works vigorously with eager hands. Laziness is hard to combat sometimes, but it's definitely something to be fought against. It does nothing to glorify God, and everything to serve myself. This is not to be confused with rest; it's important to work, in whatever sense of the word, but we're also commanded to rest.
3. Devoted to service. She sees to the needs of her family, and offers open arms and extended hands to the poor and needy. Service is one of those things that, at times, we don't even notice until we're smack dab in the middle of it. It doesn't always have to be feeding the homeless (while there certainly is a need there). At one point last week when we were baking cookies and divying up racecars and disc-shooters, we realized that this was a way of serving, so to speak. Trying to show the fellas that we appreciate them with a little surprise. We got so much joy out of thinking about the joy that they would (hopefully) get when they found our surprises. I want to find/recognize more ways to purposely serve.
4. Wise. She is a business woman, considering fields for sale and trading profitably. We're called to use our minds in whatever capacity he has blessed us. From analyzing biological pathways to reading treble clef, from organizing information in a useful format to arguing for the rights of others. Making good decisions for ourselves and our families is one of those lifelong lessons, but an incredibly important one.
5. Fears the Lord. She has no fear of things in this world and she laughs at the days to come. Ok, this one should really be top of the list, right? She trusts that God is in control of what is going to happen, but she also prepares as best she can (ie clothes for her family in prepartion for snow.) Trust and respect for God has got to come first as the foundation of our relationship with him.
So there are a few things I think we're all called to be as women of God; so now how does that translate into a women's ministry?
1. Trustworthy. She earns her husband's confidence, provides for her family, and gives faithful instruction. We're called to be true to our word and worthy of trust. Without trustworthiness, character falls awfully quickly. Relationships are built on trust. Our trust in God, our trust in each other.
2. Diligent and hardworking. She is not idle and works vigorously with eager hands. Laziness is hard to combat sometimes, but it's definitely something to be fought against. It does nothing to glorify God, and everything to serve myself. This is not to be confused with rest; it's important to work, in whatever sense of the word, but we're also commanded to rest.
3. Devoted to service. She sees to the needs of her family, and offers open arms and extended hands to the poor and needy. Service is one of those things that, at times, we don't even notice until we're smack dab in the middle of it. It doesn't always have to be feeding the homeless (while there certainly is a need there). At one point last week when we were baking cookies and divying up racecars and disc-shooters, we realized that this was a way of serving, so to speak. Trying to show the fellas that we appreciate them with a little surprise. We got so much joy out of thinking about the joy that they would (hopefully) get when they found our surprises. I want to find/recognize more ways to purposely serve.
4. Wise. She is a business woman, considering fields for sale and trading profitably. We're called to use our minds in whatever capacity he has blessed us. From analyzing biological pathways to reading treble clef, from organizing information in a useful format to arguing for the rights of others. Making good decisions for ourselves and our families is one of those lifelong lessons, but an incredibly important one.
5. Fears the Lord. She has no fear of things in this world and she laughs at the days to come. Ok, this one should really be top of the list, right? She trusts that God is in control of what is going to happen, but she also prepares as best she can (ie clothes for her family in prepartion for snow.) Trust and respect for God has got to come first as the foundation of our relationship with him.
So there are a few things I think we're all called to be as women of God; so now how does that translate into a women's ministry?
Monday, February 9, 2009
The laboratory mission field
Tonight at Cgroup, I mentioned that I get discouraged at times, being a Christian in the science community. It's definitely true and I think a normal part of living in a secular society, especially in a scientific one that outwardly scoffs at Christ. As I think about it though, I think actual discouragement is only part of it. The other part is sadness because these people around me, people I care about and spend time with and share my week with, don't see what they're missing. I wish they did, it makes me sad.
On the other, not-so-depressing side, I have been getting little postcards from God lately. A couple weeks ago, another scientist in the Hardy/Tuli/Danthi superlab group was wearing a tshirt that had a verse from Psalms on the back. She actually goes to ECC which is awesome; we haven't really talked about it, but we have this sort of new, unspoken camaraderie. Anyway, I was totally encouraged by her that day. She was boldly wearing scripture on her sleeve. Just another little message from God saying that I'm not alone. He's here on this campus, in this science building, in this lab. And I know that. It's truth and I've been blessed with great friends who are both scientists and Christians. I take heart in that fellowship and shared love of both Christ and science. But sometimes it's a tough place to be, so it's nice to have those little God reminders.
I love the song 'Hosanna,' especially the bridge:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
I want to dwell on it in this situation-- that God would continue to break my heart for my friends and colleagues who don't know him and would teach me to love them like He does.
On the other, not-so-depressing side, I have been getting little postcards from God lately. A couple weeks ago, another scientist in the Hardy/Tuli/Danthi superlab group was wearing a tshirt that had a verse from Psalms on the back. She actually goes to ECC which is awesome; we haven't really talked about it, but we have this sort of new, unspoken camaraderie. Anyway, I was totally encouraged by her that day. She was boldly wearing scripture on her sleeve. Just another little message from God saying that I'm not alone. He's here on this campus, in this science building, in this lab. And I know that. It's truth and I've been blessed with great friends who are both scientists and Christians. I take heart in that fellowship and shared love of both Christ and science. But sometimes it's a tough place to be, so it's nice to have those little God reminders.
I love the song 'Hosanna,' especially the bridge:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
I want to dwell on it in this situation-- that God would continue to break my heart for my friends and colleagues who don't know him and would teach me to love them like He does.
Scientists, don't forget to label your samples...
Uni sorry for lizard dung blunder
In the Uni's defense, if you left an unmarked bag of ancient lizard feces laying around my lab, I'd throw it away too.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Smashing my music habits in one fell swoop
I just downloaded the Who You Are (Live) album by the Desperation band, and in doing so broke almost every music listening/buying habit I have.
1. I don't usually buy full albums unless I'm sure that I will enjoy at least 30% of the tracks (ie either I've heard the songs or love the artist.) I only knew 2 songs (14% of the album) on WYA.
2. I don't usually buy/listen to live albums. There's always some annoying person in the crowd screaming at inappropriate times during the song. Or the band stops singing and lets the audience sing a verse, which let's face it, is awesome during the concert, but just not as cool on the album. The one exception to my no-live-album habit is DMB. Odds are every song on a Dave live album is going to sound different than the original--change up the jam in the middle, a little extra Carter or Boyd. You also get the bonus of hearing Dave live without a headache from all the fumes at the concert, but you'll miss seeing him dance around with his guitar--and that's 34% of the charm of Dave Matthews. The two songs I love on WYA (Who You Are and Endlessly) were only available on the live album.
3. I'm really bad at finding new music on my own. I just don't do it; I end up listening to the same stuff until someone says "Here, you have to listen to this." One of my best friends from HS, Nicole, was always my music supplier. It would come in the form of a mix every 6 mths or so. Probably half of the songs on my iTunes could be attributed to her influence. Now, Kendal and Ben typically play the part of music dealer. I didn't technically find Who You Are and Endlessly on my own, but I did download a band I'd never heard of--progress.
So the verdict: After the first listen-through, I'm pretty happy with the album overall. Probably worth overcoming my strange habits. I was a little disappointed with the first three tracks. They're a little too upbeat-pop-y for my current worship music taste. I'm in more of a laid-back, rock kinda mood--which is what the rest of the album is more like, post track 3. If John Mayer made a worship album, that would be awesome... But I should probably be concerned for his salvation for the sake of his soul, not just in hopes of a worship album. :)
1. I don't usually buy full albums unless I'm sure that I will enjoy at least 30% of the tracks (ie either I've heard the songs or love the artist.) I only knew 2 songs (14% of the album) on WYA.
2. I don't usually buy/listen to live albums. There's always some annoying person in the crowd screaming at inappropriate times during the song. Or the band stops singing and lets the audience sing a verse, which let's face it, is awesome during the concert, but just not as cool on the album. The one exception to my no-live-album habit is DMB. Odds are every song on a Dave live album is going to sound different than the original--change up the jam in the middle, a little extra Carter or Boyd. You also get the bonus of hearing Dave live without a headache from all the fumes at the concert, but you'll miss seeing him dance around with his guitar--and that's 34% of the charm of Dave Matthews. The two songs I love on WYA (Who You Are and Endlessly) were only available on the live album.
3. I'm really bad at finding new music on my own. I just don't do it; I end up listening to the same stuff until someone says "Here, you have to listen to this." One of my best friends from HS, Nicole, was always my music supplier. It would come in the form of a mix every 6 mths or so. Probably half of the songs on my iTunes could be attributed to her influence. Now, Kendal and Ben typically play the part of music dealer. I didn't technically find Who You Are and Endlessly on my own, but I did download a band I'd never heard of--progress.
So the verdict: After the first listen-through, I'm pretty happy with the album overall. Probably worth overcoming my strange habits. I was a little disappointed with the first three tracks. They're a little too upbeat-pop-y for my current worship music taste. I'm in more of a laid-back, rock kinda mood--which is what the rest of the album is more like, post track 3. If John Mayer made a worship album, that would be awesome... But I should probably be concerned for his salvation for the sake of his soul, not just in hopes of a worship album. :)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Part of me is the prodigal
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
This is a cheesy, Christian pop song, but I don't even care. The lyrics are just too good.
"Always have, always will"--Avalon
Part of me is the prodigal, part of me is the other brother
But I think the heart of me is really somewhere between them
Some days I'm running wild, Some days I'm reconciled
And I wonder all the while why you put up with me
When I wrestle most days to find ways to do as I please
I was born with a wayward heart, still I live with a restless spirit
My soul is so well worn, you'd think I'd have arrived by now
I'm caught in the trappings of, my search for lasting love
I've made mistakes enough to last me a lifetime
I still slip, I still fall, but I'll always run back to you
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
This is a cheesy, Christian pop song, but I don't even care. The lyrics are just too good.
"Always have, always will"--Avalon
Part of me is the prodigal, part of me is the other brother
But I think the heart of me is really somewhere between them
Some days I'm running wild, Some days I'm reconciled
And I wonder all the while why you put up with me
When I wrestle most days to find ways to do as I please
I was born with a wayward heart, still I live with a restless spirit
My soul is so well worn, you'd think I'd have arrived by now
I'm caught in the trappings of, my search for lasting love
I've made mistakes enough to last me a lifetime
I still slip, I still fall, but I'll always run back to you
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