Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Political Discourse

So, here's an interesting question posed to my Environmental Policy class, and then my answer:

To what extent is the public more susceptible to misleading narratives and metaphors than policy makers? Should policy makers or interest groups use narratives to influence the agenda?

Discussing the susceptibility of the public to misleading narratives / metaphors is a tricky question.  Clearly, this presupposes that we, as the objective observer, are able to discern truth from fiction.  More frequently, we are not objective observers, but instead have an agenda.  Therefore, we will disagree with those political narratives that incite opposition to our stated policy agenda.  In other words, given our frame of reference, we will label narratives “misleading” by the degree to which we disagree with them.  Further, we can assume that (at the outset of the debate) there are some people who will oppose our agenda, and therefore call our narratives misleading.

The initial question, then, could be re-stated: “to what extent are those who have no initial strong feelings about a policy or agenda more susceptible to misleading narratives?”  Rabin (1998) discusses this question at length.  An individual’s decision-making is often influenced by their point of reference – most notably if a debate or policy question can be framed in terms of loss or gain.  Rabin’s research showed that, as a rule, individuals are significantly less willing to gamble on a loss than they are on a gain.  (Essentially, if I offered a person $50 now, or a ticket in a lottery with a 50% chance of getting $100 or 50% chance of getting zero, they would more likely take the lottery.  Conversely, if I gave a person $100, and then asked if they would rather lose $50 for sure, or take a lottery with 50% chance they lose it all, and 50% chance they lose nothing, they will more likely take the guaranteed $50 loss.)  If a new policy is a gamble and existing policy a guarantee, then the political implications are evident.

As we demonstrated in class discussion, environmental regulation is easily framed in terms of losses and gains, dependent upon a political agenda.  Environmentalists can couch their argument in terms of “increasing air quality” or “decreasing rainfall”, while their opponents might discuss “losing freedoms” or “paying more taxes”.  The public’s susceptibility to debate framing (or what one side might call a “misleading narrative”) is dependent upon one party’s ability to successfully appeal to the public’s preferences.

Debate framing is not, however, a foolproof political strategy.  Significant behavioral research has demonstrated that, given sufficient information and interest, the public will re-frame the debate for themselves (individually) and make a rational decision – based upon their unique set of preferences.  The key weakness in the “flood them with information” strategy, however, is generating sufficient interest.  Public interest, in general, depends upon a perceived threat, which can be easily framed by politically motivated parties.  It is this logic loop that contributes, in part, to Lindblom's theory of incrementalism, and Baumgartner’s punctuated policy equilibrium.  Large policy changes occur within an environment of "crisis" or (less severely) "elevated threat" - when the public or policy makers feel their interests are in danger.  These moments - in theory - generate sufficient interest for the public to seek greater information.

Clearly, there are many instances in our public discourse where this is not the case - where elevated threat seems to incite only elevated rhetoric.  I would argue, however, that increased public anxiety and political discourse indicate the higher stakes associated with a policy window - an opportunity to make large changes to the policy landscape.  And, to return to Lindblom / Baumgartner, this policy window exists because the public perceives a greater threat to their interests.

Therefore, policy makers and interest groups have great incentive to use narratives to influence the agenda.  Their incentive, however, is not necessarily to educate the public, but rather increase the perceived threat level, and thereby force open the policy window for more significant change. 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Holy Crap, if this is real then... wow.

Seriously.  Makes lemons taste like candy? Come again?

ThinkGeek has the most incredible item for sale.  Perhaps you've seen it, but it's these tablets of a chemical that alters your tastebuds for a while, making sour foods taste sweet.  Apparently the chemical reacts with acids, altering their chemical structure just enough to fool your tongue.  One must remember, however, that the tasting experience does not mean that the acid has been neutralized.  Your normal perception of "how much acid did I just ingest" sensor will be ... malfunctioning for a while.  In other words, try not to rip the crap out of your mouth.

Life-changing.  I mean, if it's real.

Monday, July 12, 2010

And now we get serious

It's hard to know what to think about the political life of our country.  I think it's all too easy for those of us who celebrated the results of the last major election cycle to be complacent, especially since it's hard to find any coherent or "compelling" narrative within the right-wing that might galvanize or spur us into action.  At the same time, it's easy to contemplate the relative fragility of our nation, economically, politically, socially, internationally, et cetera.  So while our preference would be for more aggressive policy-making, especially in the realms of energy, climate change, environmental protection, and especially civil rights, I think we also need to remember what is at stake this fall.  To be frank, the stakes are more Michele Bachmanns and John Larsons.  Last week, she claimed that Obama is turning America into a nation of slaves.  Meanwhile, Rep. Larson famously apologized to BP for being shaken-down by the Congress after they succeeded in (to quote Wait Wait) "turning the Gulf into the world's largest Jiffy Lube."  And a large win also means more wind in the sails of Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and the gang.

The Republican Party, a party who have, in the aggregate, drifted so far from their founding principles that it's hard to think of today's Neo-Conservatives as true Eisenhower or Lincoln Republicans (a heritage they readily claim, by the way), is highly volatile.  Their Chairman, Michael Steele, is under siege - most recently for claiming that the war in Afghanistan was a war of Obama's choosing.  Many right-wing congressmen are torn between historical allegiances (to big banks, big oil, and big business) and the recent, and rather obvious, revelations of largess, excess, and appallingly little concern for the societies in which these companies operate (Rep. Larson?). 

So, as the Tea Party and the Grizzly Moms and the Restoring Honor Rally folks make more noise, I feel some concern about the things they're saying.  It is clearly easier to dismiss Glenn and Sean and Rush and Sarah and the rest, rather than listen to what they preach.  But then I read a column today that pulled-together a large collection of some particularly horrifying propaganda from some of the right-wing media and political leaders.

It was written by Tim Wise, who is an author, most recently of Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity.  And his blog post at the The Red Room is simply amazing.

Black Power's Gonna Get You Sucka: Right-Wing Paranoia and the Rhetoric of Modern Racism

Adjectives to describe my reaction to this article are at once plentiful and inadequate.  It's appalling and sobering and infuriating and depressing.  But, perhaps you'll find it inspiring?  Read, please.  Then share.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Irony in Sustainability, Friday Edition

[Ed. Note: This is like the 5th time I've posted this. Sorry. Technical difficulties. Please enjoy your regularly scheduled programming.]

Clearly I love food, and sustainability.  Equally clearly, I feel pretty strongly that making food expensive is not a great way to make it sustainable.  So, then, you can understand the mixed emotions I have over the following totally awesome if it weren't $1,000 per seat event this fall.

The Heirloom Vegetable Auction at Sothebys:

"Just in time for the 2010 harvest season, Sothebys New York will host the inaugural Tri-State Heirloom Vegetable auction, The Art of Farming, on September 23, 2010. This first-of-its-kind event will celebrate edible heirlooms and the art involved in their creation."

Now, I'll admit, there's not much use in a starting a movement without wealthy patrons.  Just ask GAVI, Michelangelo or the Catholic Church.  And there's no better way to hook those patrons than with an exclusive event, just for them, that auctions off equally exclusive activities for their children.  It's just too bad that it's so expensive that the demographic that need a food revolution the most can't afford to think about going to this event.  In other words, those who can afford a seat at this event already buy hormone- and pesticide-free, locally grown food, and shop exclusively at Whole Foods.  Meanwhile, the people who have to travel 50 blocks for healthy food options get another McDonalds.

What redeems this event - and I sound more negative than I feel, I'm sure - is the following:

"The Art of Farming will coincide with and kick-off the 2010 Eat Drink Local week in New York City, the annual celebration of the local food chain, co-produced by Edible magazines and GrowNYC. All proceeds from the event will benefit the GrowNYC New Farmers Development Project, which identifies, educates and supports immigrants with agricultural experience to become local producers and establish farms in the region, and The Sylvia Center, a program that inspires and teaches children to eat well through hands-on experiences at Katchkie Farm and in school and community centers all over New York City."

GrowNYC is way cool.  They're the people who bring us the NYC Greenmarket. And the NYC Greenmarket kicks serious ass.  Why?  It provides locally grown, healthy food options smack in the middle of neighborhoods where produce is only available at the corner store.  Further, you can use food stamps to purchase foods at the Greenmarket.  So, again, super cool.

So, if this is how we fund THAT initiative, then I think this $1,000 per seat auction is a great idea.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Inspired by Spring

I'm a fan of good bourbon.  Further, I'm a fan of Maker's Mark bourbon, as I visited their distillery a couple of years ago and enjoyed their hospitality.  The brief story:

I was moving across country from Seattle to Providence, RI with my father, and friends Carly and Brandon.  We had my trusty old Volvo and the bright yellow Penske 16' moving van.  Woo hoo!  The drive from Seattle to Providence, however, was interrupted by a southern sojourn to the glorious state of Kentucky, in which we sampled Bon Tiki Mini Mart fried chicken (known to be the best in America), the famous Lexington Hot Brown sandwhich, and a distillery tour at Maker's Mark.  Unfortunately, when on a tight schedule, one has little time for summer road construction.  So when repairs to the Kentucky interstate made us miss the last tour of the day, we were so sad.  So sad.  And yet, upon hearing of our plight (and our great pilgrimage), we were taken on our own little tour, after hours, gratis.  What hospitality!  Well, anyway, since then I've had a bit of a soft spot for the ol' Maker's Mark.

Well, I was thinking about Maker's Mark, pilgrimages, and my not-so-secret desire to grow my own bourbon ingreedients some day, I felt compelled to write the following short piece:
 
A reading from Ryan's Letter to the Kentuckians:

And I did go unto the Makers and make known to them my skill. Unto them, I did say: "Go forth into the land, you men and women,and gather in thine arms the golden wheat and barley of thy fields, discard the chaff, and add to it the wheat that grows red in Winter.
Mark me well when I say unto thee that ye shall add no rye to thine grains, for it is the mark of inferiority and tool of a shoddy craftsman. Instead add these grains, I tell you, to the the cool, sweet spring waters that flow forth, by the grace of Dixie, from the ground in this land. Into a large Vat shall ye pour this Holy elixir. Heat it, I say, slowly, for many days and nights. Drain ye the liquid, and pass it through yon copper tubes and pipes, heated with purifying flame. Visit the cooper, and have made a barrel of such quality, toasted to perfection, and made ready to be filled with thine Spirits. Wait now children, for the Still waters must becalm, for 10 summers. Great patience will be rewarded, I tell you.

If you do this, if you heed my words, and heed them well and true, unto thee shall be delivered the greatest of gifts: a golden ambrosia so Healthful and Right, that all shall know its power, even by scent. You shall call it: Bourbon. See ye this Mark? Affix it to thine vessels, o Makers of Dixie, that all shall know its power. In time, the people of distant lands shall hear, and perchance, even partake of your Bourbon. When they do, they will feel compelled to embark upon a Great Journey, across the mountains, from whence your sweet water flows; across the plains upon which your grains grow. To thine door, shall they Journey. And ye shall welcome them, these weary travelers, with arms and doors flung wide. Unto them shall ye say: 'Behold, road-worn traveler, the Mark of the Makers. Ye have traveled long and well, and thine deliverance is at hand. But take heed: to step through these doors and to partake of the Bourbon is to be transformed. If ye stay with us this night, on the morrow shall ye depart an agent of the Makers, burdened to spread the Gospel of the Bourbon through the land. Aye, cross this threshold and ye shall become an Ambassador.'"

And the Makers made the Bourbon, affixed their mark to the vessels, welcomed the travelers, and spread the Good News of the Bourbon far and wide.  And it is good.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

It's April... Let's talk gardens

I've run into a few interesting gardening and growing articles in the NYT from the past few months.  Here's a sampler:

There's this fascinating article on the history (and uses) of horseradish.

Also this from last month on the "future of food growing" through aquatic gardening. 

And, finally, this piece of interesting news.  Apparently, the Vertical Farming idea (pitched, among other places, here by a professor at Mailman School of Public Health) is taking off in some new federal construction.  Super exciting!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Can YOU Find the Incongruity? – Federal Student Loan Program Edition


It's a favorite past-time for many, I'm sure. Finding fallacies in the recent arguments made by Republican congressmen and women about these CRAZY Democrats taking over the country...well, it's like shooting fish in a barrel: "death panels", out of control debt (apparently the debt was under control until now), and my personal favorite "Keep the Government out of my Medicare".

Therefore, in what I'm sure will be a regular series (if I spent the time), let's play Find the Logical Fallacy!

I'm sure you are readily aware that a rather major piece of legislation was passed and signed into law this week. Well, as an added bonus, the Democrats added student loan reform to the bill. Well, the Republicans can't let this slide, can they? I mean, Big Banking is completely OPPOSED to any overhaul of the Federal Student Loan system. Is it possible that the Insurance Industry AND Big Banking might get hit with the same bill? Yes. Cue sputtering lawmaker. 

"The Democratic majority decided, well look, while we're at it, let's have another Washington takeover," said Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee and a former federal education secretary. "Let's take over the federal student loan program." 

Darn Democrats! What right does the government have getting itself involved in the Federal student loan program? I mean, really?! The absolute GALL. I'll bet they've got their eyes on food stamps next.
Let's take a peek at the, apparently, non-government run, privatized Federal Student Loan Program…

Background:

Interest Rates. The Federal Funds rate is at, what, 0.25%? My savings account is paying me less than half a percent. My long-term savings rate was just lowered to 1.2%. Hell, I got an email this week offering 3.25% mortgage from ING. I heard a lecture from a man at the NY Federal Reserve last week in which he noted that some economic indicators suggest a negative interest rate might be needed to correct our current situation. 

Yet student loans are capped at an astonishing 6.8%! And that's for the low-priced Stafford loan! If you need to borrow more than $20,000 per year – which, in case you're curious, is less than half the TUITION at Columbia this year (forget food, books, rent…) – you'll need a Federal PLUS loan, whose interest rate is, depending on your financial institution, around 8-9% interest, which starts accruing immediately. The math is astonishing.

Commercial banks and Student Loans: Essentially the Feds provide subsidies to commercial banks to get them to loan to students. In fact, the Feds ALSO assume the RISK of the loan. So the commercial bank is subsidized to (a) find students who need loans, (b) offer them a loan at 6-9% interest, (c) collect that interest, PLUS the Federal subsidy, and – finally – (d) should the student default, these banks then turn to the Feds, who reimburse them for the loan amount. Apparently this system is more efficient because it takes the overwhelming task of marketing and customer service from the Feds and gives it to these banks. If my tone isn't clear enough, I don't agree. Neither does Rep. George Miller, (D-CA), "Why are we paying people to lend the government's money and then the government guarantees the loan and the government takes back the loan?" Good question, Congressman.

When Obama signs this health care reconciliation package student loan reform becomes law. And it will become law without any support from Republicans. This may be attributed to the fact that it's tacked onto the reconciliation package for health care… which is the political equivalent to a basketball team comfortably leading a game, late, whose opponent insists on a full-court press with less than a minute. What do you do? Beat the press, toss the ball above the rim, and flush home a nice two-handed jam for ESPN, just in this case you make the NYT. 

The GOOD news about this reform is that it saves money (CBO says $61 billion), gets the profiteering out of paying for education (at least from the banks; school tuition is another ball-game), expands the Pell Grant program and makes it easier to pay back loans. In a move of shocking simplicity, students will no take out loans through the colleges' financial aid offices, instead of using a private bank. 

The bad news: it doesn't start to affect students until 2014. Nonetheless, I'd call this a net win.

As a parting thought, look at this little gem in the same article: "In lobbying fiercely against the overhaul, the private banks argued that it would eliminate jobs, even though the government will hire many of the same banks on a contract basis to service the loans and perform other back-office administration. Furthermore, the banks said that with the government as the only lender, students would not get the same level of service." 

Have they ever tried calling themselves?  Perhaps they have and are just still on hold.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Gummy Glory

It's an intriguing title for an exponentially more intriguing subject. Vague enough? First, points to Nicole for exposing me to the latest glory of teh intarwebs. This is not only mind-blowing, but crazy. We could also use the title: "When is a gummy bear actually a gummy Megatron?"

Next, cue deep-voiced movie announcer guy: In a land, where snack food is king… One man is on a journey to reshape the chewy, fruit-based candy industry.

Over at the website Pimp That Snack (oh yes, that's its title), there is a magical tale. A tale of ingenuity, of dedication and of too much free time.

I implore you to read it. Now. Right here.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

When Statistics Blow Your Mind

I am an apologist for statistics. It's time for everyone to accept that. I have.

I love stats. I also fear stats. Statistics are easily manipulated – indeed, in this post-modern world one could argue that all statistics, by virtue of being measured, are manipulated. I'm sure that I'm not the first person to wonder about Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle as it relates to social indicators. Concepts like "teaching to the test" and "gaming the statistics" exist because people attempt to achieve a statistical gain – in, let's say, student intelligence as measured by a test – at the expense of meaningful advancement. It's what happens when the numbers become more important than what they try to describe.

I think the power of statistics, though, is when they help us to understand a particular dimension of a difficult or complex problem. Hidden complicating variables can obscure a seemingly obvious connection between simple events. The challenge to consider all the complicating factors is a thrilling mental puzzle. Using 14th Century England as an example – because, why not? – it would seem that the significant decline in exports witnessed in the middle of the century might be attributed to the outbreak of the Hundred Year's War. But with regression analysis, one can see that other factors include poor harvests from a changing climate and -- quite significantly -- over-taxation by the English Kings (Marriott, 1999, pg. 30).

Mostly what I love about statistics (and numbers and indicators and regressions and all of the rest of it) is that it is so interesting to find multi-dimensional connections between events or actions that seem, perhaps, intuitively related but are not proven to be related in that way. Then, with an intelligent model and some good data, suddenly everything becomes clear! It's that move -- from intuition to illustration – is where the magic is for me. It's where people have epiphanies that lead to brand-new research.

[Of course, when one suspects an intuitive link, and goes hunting for results, one will invariably suffer from confirmation bias and a myriad of other statistical ailments. Let us put those aside for another post.]

The reason I'm writing today [instead of studying for my macroeconomics midterm] is that I was recently reminded of Hans Rosling, a Swedish MD/MPH who does some pretty cool stuff at his site Gapminder. He speaks regularly to TED (the "Ideas Worth Spreading" people) about a number of global issues. In this particular video, he's discussing the relationship between HIV/AIDS prevalence and Income. I think it's a pretty good example of what happens when a compelling speaker finds persuasive data and develops a simple, elegant way to demonstrate an outcome. Essentially, this is the highest and best use of statistics, to my mind:

So carve out 10 minutes, and enjoy Hans Rosling.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Claudia’s Visit - With Pictures!


Amity's mother, Claudia, visited us this past weekend. During her visit, we toured Chinatown, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, The Cathedral of St. John the Devine, Rockefeller Plaza, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Fairway Market, the Cloisters, Queens (without Ryan), and beautiful Inwood.

Of course, there was significant Olympics-watching, tea-drinking, and cousin-visiting. In fact, Claudia was able to visit BOTH of her grand-nieces!

Here are some pictures:


The gang at Columbia University, all hail Her hallowed name.   Behind us is Low Library, which bears a certain resemblance to the Library of Congress, especially on the inside. The face of the building, directly about the Corinthian columns, reads
King's College Founded in the Province of New York, By Royal Charter in the Reign of George II, Perpetuated as Columbia College by the People of the State of New York, When they became Free and Independent - Maintained and Cherished from Generation to Generation.  For the Advancement of the Public Good and the Glory of Almighty God.
 Amen.
Rockefeller Center.  Can you detect the wistful look in their eyes? We had just walked past the ice skating rink (below Prometheus there in the background--he's hard to miss, what with the gold).  Still plenty of holiday cheer in this plaza to keep me going until next December. 

Directly after this stop, we crossed the street to check out St. Patrick's Cathedral. Our impromptu visit to St. Patty's was inspired by our earlier visit to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, up by Columbia. What a nice segue....

/sighs.  Oh St. John the Divine....  Look at the stained glass inside this Cathedral!  This is in my favorite chapel, which is the one directly behind the High Altar.  I really want those lamps.  This picture doesn't do them justice, either.  Although, they probably don't look so good without true "cathedral ceilings" to go with.  Sad.


Claudia and Amity are really only in this picture to provide scale.


Each of the chapels is equally stunning, and should appeal to a variety of tastes in neo-gothic cathedral connoisseurs.

We still have yet to swing by and hear Evensong on (I think) Wednesdays.  Popping into this Cathedral in a rainstorm or otherwise unpleasant day is really an excellent way to center oneself in a quiet, reflective, art-filled, beautiful space--which leads me to (wow, I'm on a roll!)...

While not visible in this picture, the Cloisters are simply stunning.  Amity and I ran past here on Sunday (part of a 5.5 mile jog).  Here are Claudia and Amity, right after leaving the museum.  Behind them is the rest of Fort Tryon park, the drop-off into the Dykman Street valley, and then back up to Inwood Hill.  Just over Amity's right (our left) ear is the Hudson River and then New Jersey.

Aren't they sweet?

Pomology

Not just the study of hands, it would appear. ;)

As a native Washingtonian, I am particularly in love with Apples--tasty, crispy, and truly one of the most important foods in anyone's diet. Grown the world over, the apple is a native of (are you ready to be shocked?) Kazakhstan. Years and years (millennia) of careful cultivation took what was a tiny, tart, bitter fruit into the glorious apples we know today.

Of course, as a child, the only apples I remember in the store were the Granny Smith, Golden and Red Delicious (poorly named in my opinion). Then came the Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, and more. And, of course, today, there's the Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Cortland, McIntosh, Crispin, Macoun and more. Did you know, though, that the science of fruit studies (pomology) led to some beautiful artwork, funded by the American taxpayers. Regardez:

Ever eaten a Lilly of Kent? Neither have I. But I want to now.

And that's the point! The USDA's pomology archive in the National Agricultural Library is full of beautiful watercolors, detailing the variety of apples grown around the country. And that's not all. Pears, apricots, citrus, berries…
Thank GOD no one had a camera 100 years ago! Now I want to grow something.

In case you want to check out the USDA archive of watercolors, click here.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

George Washington Carver

We all know about the Land Grant University system (enabled by the forward thinking Senator Morrill of New York in 1862) that provided Federal funding to the states to allow for agricultural research. It turns out that there were three rounds of Federal funding. The first, in 1862, was to all states. The second, in 189?, was to provide an opportunity for former African-American slaves to gain higher-education. The third, in 1994, was for Native Americans. Check out the map:

In the second round of grants, it's clear that the vast majority of these universities are in the southeastern US. One of these is the famous Tuskegee Institute (later of the famous Tuskegee Airmen and the infamous Tuskegee public health scandal), championed by Booker T. Washington. One particularly interesting professor and researcher there was George Washington Carver. He spent his time investigating new ways to use agricultural production, so as to help farmers increase profitability. What is interesting (FINALLY we get to the point, right?) is the list of inventions ascribed to him and his research. (NB: he didn't necessarily invent each of these for the first time, but found a way to make them with current agricultural products in the South.)

Attributed to Carver
Adhesives
Axle Grease
Bleach
Buttermilk,
Cheese
Chili Sauce
Cream
Creosote
Dyes
Flour
Fuel Briquettes
Ink. Instant Coffee
Insulating Board
Linoleum
Mayonnaise
Meal
Meat Tenderizer
Metal Polish
Milk Flakes
Mucilage
Paper
Rubbing Oils
Salve
Soil Conditioner
Shampoo
Shoe Polish
Shaving Cream
Sugar
Synthetic Marble
Synthetic Rubber
Talcum Powder
Vanishing Cream
Wood Stains
Wood Filler
Worcestershire Sauce
From Tjossem, Sara F. Struggles for Sustainability, February 15, 2010.

I feel lazy.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Oh Maui...

Not sure how this guy got the picture Amity and I tried to take over and over…  Look at this, from the top of Haleakela.



Tuesday, February 16, 2010

From the Department of Zoonotic Transmission Vectors

If only the Gates Foundation had a time machine.  Then who knows what might have happened in Egyptian history.  King Tutankhamun, the boy king who died mysteriously at the tender age of 19, was felled by a mosquito.  King "Tut", as he is colloquially known, is most famous for having the most complete tomb in the Valley of the Kings.  Tutankhamun was, apparently, also born with a cleft lip and a congenital bone disease - which may be ascribed to his parentage.  Until recently people considered him the son of Amenhotep III.  New DNA findings released in Febraury, however, point to Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) and his sister.

Tutankhamun was also the first Pharoah to be worshiped as a god in his own time - as much good as that did him.

Either way, it's interesting that malaria has been lethal (and just as "equal opportunity" in who it kills) for millennia.  Other famous people taken down by malaria:

Emperors/Kings
Titus Ceasar
Otto II
Charles V
Edward IV
Oliver Cromwell

Popes
Gregory V
Sixtus V
Damasus II
Pius
Leo X
Urban VII

Conquerors
Alexander the Great
Genghis Khan

and many more!!

So add King Tutankhamun to the list!

His arms and legs flail as if independent from his body!

Of course I'm refering to Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance.  Or, as he's known around here, "Lionel". 

While our graduate student budget does not allow for the purchase of kitty tap shoes, I'm sure our tenancy in this building would be significantly shortened were we to outfit Lionel with his own pair of stomps.

Think I'm kidding?  You be the judge:

First: Michael Flatley - (as a side note: "Part Two?! On DVD?!)
And...

Just sayin'....

Monday, February 15, 2010

Quote of the month

True, I first posted this on Google Buzz…  but it bears repeating:

“Wall street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. The great common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master.” -- Mary Elizabeth Lease ~1890

This, as a part of agrarian revolts in response to falling agricultural prices, and subsequent increasing indebtedness of American farmers.  While not deemed "too big to fail", farmers did get a hand from the government - in the form of increased research funding and a more aggressive USDA - one that ultimately fell into the hands of a growing agro-business industry (funded by Wall Street!).

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Dispatches?

So clearly I chose the (new) title of this blog with aesthetics as my primarily focus.  "The Indian Road Dispatches" seemed the right mix of geography and kitsch.  A title that, to me, is reminiscent of telegrams, the Pony Express, and a hint of Walden Pond.  Then I looked up the word "dispatch" on Google.  Little did I know that when I invoked the Pony Express and telegrams, what I was truly invoking was the O-K Coral, and the lawless West.  Check out the following definitions:
  • dispatch - send away towards a designated goal
  • dispatch - complete or carry out; "discharge one's duties"
  • dispatch - an official report (usually sent in haste)
  • dispatch - murder: kill intentionally and with premeditation;
  • dispatch - the act of sending off something
  • dispatch - dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently
  • dispatch - the property of being prompt and efficient; "it was done with dispatch"
  • dispatch - kill without delay; "the traitor was dispatched by the conspirators"
  • dispatch - killing a person or animal 
Kill, Kill, Kill? If I read these definitions properly, this blog is not only rather violent (see definitions 4, 8, 9 and possibly 6), but also a bit....impersonal? (6 and 7). I mean, these definitions don't come right out and say it, but "rapid" and "efficient" paired with "murder" and "kill" doesn't exactly conjure the Walden Pond imagery I was hoping for.

Alas.

I suppose we'll just focus on definitions 1,2,3 and 5.  And, if things get a little dull, well we've got all the fun definitions up our sleeves.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

....and We're Back

Take two.  A new blog, a new home, a new life.  Let's see how we do?!

I feel like I should be writing "dear diary...  I can't wait to write in you every day..."

How does one write a meta-blog post?  You know, the existential, why-I'm-blogging message that justifies and ultimately sets the stage for a future series of blog posts for an audience that does not (yet) exist?  God only knows... 

In all honesty, I wanted to have a blog that would allow me to post things that are interesting to me.  As great as g-chat status messages are, I'm looking for something more permanent.  And perhaps more sophisticated?
Because Amity and I are both doing some really interesting stuff, and being exposed to a wide array of cutting-edge research and ideas, it seems appropriate that we share! 

So The Dispatches are that vehicle.  Public Health, Sustainability, Energy (renewable and non-), Agriculture, Food Systems, Climate Change, Human Rights, Development, Ecology...  and certainly more.

We look forward to sharing!