As I listen to the media reaction to Barack Obama's speech on race I am sad, angry and proud. I'm proud because Barack Obama did not compromise himself in the face of considerable political pressure.
I'm angry because the press has minimized his speech to, "Did he reject his pastor or not?" This speech not only revealed more about his philosophy on race and politics it allowed Barack Obama to describe these past events as a distraction. We are being distracted from the issues and the more the media keeps this up the more people are looking away from problems that are real in their life.
I'm sad because in order to understand the situation fully people have to actually believe Barack Obama when he says that these sermon snippets do not represent the pastor or his church. But how will people believe that when all they see are these continuous clips of inflammatory speech? They would actually have to take Barack Obama at his word, research the church and the pastor and come to their own conclusions. But I'm sad because I don't think the American people want to do this. It's too easy to watch TV and let their opinions be formed by what they see in the media. But looking at those clips is like looking at a red spot on a white suit and calling the suit red.
If Barack Obama's relationship with his church and pastor are what people use to decide whether he should be president, then I have and am losing faith in the American people. I'm not sure we deserve Barack Obama's talent if it has come to this. What I do know is that I'm glad he took a stand for what he knows is true. This church is not racist and Barack Obama is not racist either. It's better that he maintains his character and lose the race than cave to political pressure, compromise himself and lose the race.
What happens next? I think that he will go back to talking about the issues but lets hope that this speech ends the discussion of his church and pastor. Judge Barack Obama for who he is--study him and his policies. But don't make assumptions about his pastor and then project your incorrect conclusions on him.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A more perfect union. . .
Here is the speech that Barack Obama made in Philly today. I'd like to give my comments later but I would like to hear your reaction first. Lemme know whatcha think!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
I have an announcement. . .
Yesterday, I applied to graduate in the coming spring quarter!
In 70 days I have to:
1) Have a final thesis committee meeting and get permission to write up.
-So most of my experiments should be finished, I'm thinking by early april--This is tough because I keep thinking about questions that I want to answer and experiments that I can add in a short time! But I know that I can expand on those ideas after I finish and do a little transition post-doc in my current lab.
-In the meantime, I'm writing a review that will be published with my boss (first chapter of my dissertation).
-I'm working on a journal article that will describe my data (one or two chapters in my thesis)
-I'm compiling my data thus far--I have a lot, I didn't realize!
-And I'm praying for strength, I see a lot of long days in my future.
2) Submit my dissertation by April 30th (first draft)
-I want this to be my final draft, there will probably be changes after my defense
-I'll keep you posted on my defense date!
3) Submit a final draft of my dissertation by May 21st
-That's it, thesis defense done, dissertation signed off by my advisor and committee, it all has to be in, formatting changes made, that's it!
4) Walk and be "hooded" on June 13th!
I knew this time would come but it easily felt that it never would! I'm scared and excited at the same time, but it's time. . .I can't wait!
Talk to ya soon, and please keep me in your prayers, I need all the support I can get!
Chi(:
In 70 days I have to:
1) Have a final thesis committee meeting and get permission to write up.
-So most of my experiments should be finished, I'm thinking by early april--This is tough because I keep thinking about questions that I want to answer and experiments that I can add in a short time! But I know that I can expand on those ideas after I finish and do a little transition post-doc in my current lab.
-In the meantime, I'm writing a review that will be published with my boss (first chapter of my dissertation).
-I'm working on a journal article that will describe my data (one or two chapters in my thesis)
-I'm compiling my data thus far--I have a lot, I didn't realize!
-And I'm praying for strength, I see a lot of long days in my future.
2) Submit my dissertation by April 30th (first draft)
-I want this to be my final draft, there will probably be changes after my defense
-I'll keep you posted on my defense date!
3) Submit a final draft of my dissertation by May 21st
-That's it, thesis defense done, dissertation signed off by my advisor and committee, it all has to be in, formatting changes made, that's it!
4) Walk and be "hooded" on June 13th!
I knew this time would come but it easily felt that it never would! I'm scared and excited at the same time, but it's time. . .I can't wait!
Talk to ya soon, and please keep me in your prayers, I need all the support I can get!
Chi(:
Finally, The press speaks out.
Keith Olbermann confronted Senator Hillary Clinton in a ten-minute "Special Comment," saying that he was not endorsing Barack Obama but that "events insist" that he speak and stand against her "tepid response" to the controversial remarks of Geraldine Ferraro wherein she said that Obama wouldn't have been as successful if he were not black.
Check out the video here.
Check out the video here.
Although I agree that race may play a role for some voters, I DO NOT condone Ferraro's comments NOR do I believe that Obama's lead in delegates and states is because he's African-American. There's something about the way he runs his campaign. It has themes of unity, integrity, and giving political power back to the American people. I don't know about you but his campaign and his character make me an Obama supporter. What do you think about Ferraro's remarks?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Obama is ready to be Commander in Chief
Dylan Loewe
The Case for Obama's Readiness
Posted March 10, 2008 | 08:57 AM (EST)
Hillary Clinton's success in Texas and Ohio suggest that questioning Barack Obama's readiness to lead may be a tactic that can resonate with voters. Though exit polling data from Wisconsin and other recent state primaries had suggested that voters saw Obama and Clinton as equally capable to be commander in chief, new numbers reveal a shift. A Newsweek poll now shows Clinton beating Obama on readiness with a 12-point margin.
The poll also finds that only four percent of Democratic primary voters view national security as their top priority. But if Clinton continues to make national security the centerpiece of her campaign, we may see those numbers begin to increase.
Much of the media views Obama as facing a delicate and unique challenge. It will be difficult, they argue, for him to repudiate her attacks without appearing to have abdicated the high ground. For the most part, this portrayal is overblown. The last six months of the Democratic race have included serious and sustained negative attacks from the Clinton campaign; throughout all of it, Obama has been able to attack swiftly from a defensive position without undercutting the rationale of his candidacy, or damaging his persona.
Yet these new attacks do bring with them a sense of urgency. Hillary Clinton has displayed a surprising willingness to paint her Democratic rival as less qualified than the Republican nominee. Her success won't do much to deliver her the nomination, now nearly out of reach. But it may help produce vulnerabilities in Obama's armor, each of which will be meticulously exploited by John McCain. As a result, Obama must respond quickly, making an honest case for his readiness.
But if he is to convince the voters of his readiness to lead, he must first define what it means to be ready.
The presidency requires a vast knowledge base, not just of policy, but of philosophy and history. Each decision requires a distinct framework of thinking, one that has been shaped by collective wisdom. Surely Barack Obama meets this test -- the Harvard Law Review editor, turned constitutional law professor, turned United States Senator. Obama brings to bear a deep understanding of the world around him.
The president must also be capable of asking thorough questions to his advisers, the only real tool for analyzing the validity of disparate arguments. A knowledge base is a prerequisite for such an ability, but it is not sufficient to guarantee it. One must be able to connect what, to some, may seem unconnected, to draw analogies to history and politics that help frame the decision. It requires instinct and perspective, precision and insight. Obama's decisionmaking framework, as described by Cass Sunstein of University of Chicago, is thorough and non-ideological. He is "a careful and even-handed analyst of law and policy, unusually attentive to multiple points of view."
Readiness also requires a coolness under pressure, the ability to stay even-tempered, to be unflappable in a crisis. Neither Clinton nor Obama have had the authority to make decisions even remotely close to those within the power of the president. That is a distinction reserved to only 41 people since George Washington, one of the many reasons to discount a candidate's claims to experience.
But Obama's temperament on the campaign trail does reveal, to some extent, how he responds to pressure. Without exception, Obama has exhibited a calmness, an assured self-confidence that falls well short of arrogance. He is resolute and measured whether winning or losing, and has stayed emotionally intact throughout. If the campaign is a yard-stick for the presidency, Obama is ready.
Armed with a knowledge base, strong instincts, a questioning spirit, and an even demeanor, a president still cannot be ready without judgment. A president must have the ability to gather all that is needed to make a decision. But ultimately, they must make the right one. There can simply be no better metric for judging a presidency. To date, Obama has displayed an almost prophetic judgment.
He was right on the Iraq war in 2002. His judgment was based on a working understanding of Middle East geopolitics, as well as non-ideological instincts and the willingness to ask pointed questions. If there are weapons of mass destruction, but we don't know where they are, what will happen to them when we destroy the government that controls them? Iraq and Iran have balanced each other's power in the region. Will Iran's strength and influence expand when we create a power vacuum? What happens after we gain control of the country? Is there any way to avoid an occupation?
His questions received answers that solidified his opposition.
He has shown similar foresight in other global policy decisions. He questioned whether the U.S. relationship with Pervez Musharraf was the most effective means of dealing with Pakistan. Months later, his concerns have been validated as the U.S. finds itself on the wrong side of a Democratic revolution. He spoke of the need to target senior al Qaeda leadership in Pakistan, even without Musharraf's approval. Recently, the U.S. succeeded at doing just that, taking out the third-highest ranking al Qaeda official. He was right to question the Bush administration's saber-rattling toward Iran, once again vindicated by a National Intelligence Estimate that found Bush's case to be far overstated. He has proven, time and again, that his global worldview is sound and sophisticated, and that he has the tools to make the right decisions. In terms of judgment, Obama is clearly ready.
The readiness debate will no doubt continue. But from any honest perspective, the answer to Hillary Clinton's threshold question is clear. Can Barack Obama be an effective commander in chief?
Yes he can.
The Case for Obama's Readiness
Posted March 10, 2008 | 08:57 AM (EST)
Hillary Clinton's success in Texas and Ohio suggest that questioning Barack Obama's readiness to lead may be a tactic that can resonate with voters. Though exit polling data from Wisconsin and other recent state primaries had suggested that voters saw Obama and Clinton as equally capable to be commander in chief, new numbers reveal a shift. A Newsweek poll now shows Clinton beating Obama on readiness with a 12-point margin.
The poll also finds that only four percent of Democratic primary voters view national security as their top priority. But if Clinton continues to make national security the centerpiece of her campaign, we may see those numbers begin to increase.
Much of the media views Obama as facing a delicate and unique challenge. It will be difficult, they argue, for him to repudiate her attacks without appearing to have abdicated the high ground. For the most part, this portrayal is overblown. The last six months of the Democratic race have included serious and sustained negative attacks from the Clinton campaign; throughout all of it, Obama has been able to attack swiftly from a defensive position without undercutting the rationale of his candidacy, or damaging his persona.
Yet these new attacks do bring with them a sense of urgency. Hillary Clinton has displayed a surprising willingness to paint her Democratic rival as less qualified than the Republican nominee. Her success won't do much to deliver her the nomination, now nearly out of reach. But it may help produce vulnerabilities in Obama's armor, each of which will be meticulously exploited by John McCain. As a result, Obama must respond quickly, making an honest case for his readiness.
But if he is to convince the voters of his readiness to lead, he must first define what it means to be ready.
The presidency requires a vast knowledge base, not just of policy, but of philosophy and history. Each decision requires a distinct framework of thinking, one that has been shaped by collective wisdom. Surely Barack Obama meets this test -- the Harvard Law Review editor, turned constitutional law professor, turned United States Senator. Obama brings to bear a deep understanding of the world around him.
The president must also be capable of asking thorough questions to his advisers, the only real tool for analyzing the validity of disparate arguments. A knowledge base is a prerequisite for such an ability, but it is not sufficient to guarantee it. One must be able to connect what, to some, may seem unconnected, to draw analogies to history and politics that help frame the decision. It requires instinct and perspective, precision and insight. Obama's decisionmaking framework, as described by Cass Sunstein of University of Chicago, is thorough and non-ideological. He is "a careful and even-handed analyst of law and policy, unusually attentive to multiple points of view."
Readiness also requires a coolness under pressure, the ability to stay even-tempered, to be unflappable in a crisis. Neither Clinton nor Obama have had the authority to make decisions even remotely close to those within the power of the president. That is a distinction reserved to only 41 people since George Washington, one of the many reasons to discount a candidate's claims to experience.
But Obama's temperament on the campaign trail does reveal, to some extent, how he responds to pressure. Without exception, Obama has exhibited a calmness, an assured self-confidence that falls well short of arrogance. He is resolute and measured whether winning or losing, and has stayed emotionally intact throughout. If the campaign is a yard-stick for the presidency, Obama is ready.
Armed with a knowledge base, strong instincts, a questioning spirit, and an even demeanor, a president still cannot be ready without judgment. A president must have the ability to gather all that is needed to make a decision. But ultimately, they must make the right one. There can simply be no better metric for judging a presidency. To date, Obama has displayed an almost prophetic judgment.
He was right on the Iraq war in 2002. His judgment was based on a working understanding of Middle East geopolitics, as well as non-ideological instincts and the willingness to ask pointed questions. If there are weapons of mass destruction, but we don't know where they are, what will happen to them when we destroy the government that controls them? Iraq and Iran have balanced each other's power in the region. Will Iran's strength and influence expand when we create a power vacuum? What happens after we gain control of the country? Is there any way to avoid an occupation?
His questions received answers that solidified his opposition.
He has shown similar foresight in other global policy decisions. He questioned whether the U.S. relationship with Pervez Musharraf was the most effective means of dealing with Pakistan. Months later, his concerns have been validated as the U.S. finds itself on the wrong side of a Democratic revolution. He spoke of the need to target senior al Qaeda leadership in Pakistan, even without Musharraf's approval. Recently, the U.S. succeeded at doing just that, taking out the third-highest ranking al Qaeda official. He was right to question the Bush administration's saber-rattling toward Iran, once again vindicated by a National Intelligence Estimate that found Bush's case to be far overstated. He has proven, time and again, that his global worldview is sound and sophisticated, and that he has the tools to make the right decisions. In terms of judgment, Obama is clearly ready.
The readiness debate will no doubt continue. But from any honest perspective, the answer to Hillary Clinton's threshold question is clear. Can Barack Obama be an effective commander in chief?
Yes he can.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Obaminize your vocabulary
Hey y'all,
Here's alittle somethin' somthin' for fun. Let me know if its an "Obamination"--ouch I can't believe I typed that!
Chi (:
Here's alittle somethin' somthin' for fun. Let me know if its an "Obamination"--ouch I can't believe I typed that!
Chi (:
Chi-chi for Obama!
Hey peoples,
A friend sent me a cute link for "Cats for Obama", and guess what I found. . .
Just wanted to share (: Updates (birthday, Obama, graduating) to come soon!
A friend sent me a cute link for "Cats for Obama", and guess what I found. . .
Just wanted to share (: Updates (birthday, Obama, graduating) to come soon!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Hey! Please vote on Tuesday, it really does count!
Hi fam,
I went to St. Louis yesterday to walk door to door and promote Obama's campaign for president. It was so cool to talk to people one on one! The first person I talked tried to give me the run around for 20 minutes but I had the come back to every retort. One comment really struck me. He was like, "Don't they want to kill him? What about those people who were disenfranchised; whose votes didn't count?"
My response was, "Obama ain't scared! But more importantly, he is risking his life to do this, please keep in mind that he is committed to his campaign." I also said, "I know that there was disenfranchisement and in Chicago, Obama worked as a civil rights attorney for people whose votes were disenfranchised. But I know one thing for sure, if you do not vote, your vote will not be counted."
It was so invigorating to get out and see people face to face, I had a lot of fun. I also have a cool video to share. Check it out and let me know what you think. Click here for will.i.am's reason for putting it together.
Holla!
Chi(:
Cool video check it out!
I went to St. Louis yesterday to walk door to door and promote Obama's campaign for president. It was so cool to talk to people one on one! The first person I talked tried to give me the run around for 20 minutes but I had the come back to every retort. One comment really struck me. He was like, "Don't they want to kill him? What about those people who were disenfranchised; whose votes didn't count?"
My response was, "Obama ain't scared! But more importantly, he is risking his life to do this, please keep in mind that he is committed to his campaign." I also said, "I know that there was disenfranchisement and in Chicago, Obama worked as a civil rights attorney for people whose votes were disenfranchised. But I know one thing for sure, if you do not vote, your vote will not be counted."
It was so invigorating to get out and see people face to face, I had a lot of fun. I also have a cool video to share. Check it out and let me know what you think. Click here for will.i.am's reason for putting it together.
Holla!
Chi(:
Cool video check it out!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
An inspiring story, please read and share.
Hi all,
I know my blog has been heavy on Obama info but I hope it's not turning you off. If it isn't please leave a comment and tell me because I'm starting to feel a little lonely here by my lonesome (; Hopefully this story will be just enough to inspire you, if not about Barack Obama, then about the power of the human spirit. Enjoy.
I know my blog has been heavy on Obama info but I hope it's not turning you off. If it isn't please leave a comment and tell me because I'm starting to feel a little lonely here by my lonesome (; Hopefully this story will be just enough to inspire you, if not about Barack Obama, then about the power of the human spirit. Enjoy.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Why do I want Obama to be president cont...
I hate to quote the current Bush but, Obama is "a uniter not a divider". I didn't get a chance to watch the debate in SC tonight but after reading comments on ABC's website, I had to post about a comment made by a Republican:I watched this debate as I have all of the previous debates. It's getting punchy in there all right...but we knew it would especially with a Clinton (or should I make that plural) in the mix...I appreciate Chuck Todd's comment that Hillary "rarely answers a charge directly"...The only thing Chuck is you should change the word "rarely" to never...The Clinton's game plan IS never answer directly, choosing to carefully word answers without subject and verb and few adjectives using words and phrases right out of the latest opinion poll...Course I guess, it depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is....On Obama, I understand his "anger" so to speak, but in my opinion it was justified...I like the guy, and quite frankly, this long time Republican voter (me) is seriously thinking about voting for Obama for President...I can't remember the last time I voted for a Democrat, but he thinks out of the box, and I liked his brave statements about Reagan this past week. We need a President who thinks BIG, reaches across all aisles for support in Congress....Demo's and Rep's can ONLY fix what needs to be fixed by coming together, which would never be the Clinton way of doing things....She prefers to hit the people over the head with a hammer until they are knocked out or give up from the pain...The country needs to wake up and give Obama the chance of a lifetime...He seems like the only one with a fresh vision of our country and what America can become with the proper respect and dedication.
Happy Martin Luther King Day!
Obama spoke at Dr. King's church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta yesterday. Here he speaks of unity--I think King would have been proud to see this speech. Check it out!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Why am I supporting Barack Obama (You may ask)?
(Shameless hair pic--it is a partial hair blog afterall and this was a good hair day!)
Am I one of those people who are impressed by his oratory skills? Is it just hype? Am I jumping on the bandwagon? NO! As a scientist, I'm trained to be skeptical. I've read up on his take on the issues. Actually, I believe in his vision for the country. He is truly for the people.
Check out an excerpt on Obama's Economic Plan for the country:
Work/Family Balance
Obama will double funding for after-school programs, expand the Family Medical Leave Act, provide low-income families with a refundable tax credit to help with their child-care expenses, and encourage flexible work schedules.
He truly does care and he doesn't have to cry to show it (;
- Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act: The FMLA covers only certain employees of employers with 50 or more employees. Obama will expand it to cover businesses with 25 or more employees. He will expand the FMLA to cover more purposes as well, including allowing workers to take leave for elder care needs; allowing parents up to 24 hours of leave each year to participate in their children’s academic activities; and expanding FMLA to cover leave for employees to address domestic violence.
- Encourage States to Adopt Paid Leave: As president, Obama will initiate a strategy to encourage all 50 states to adopt paid-leave systems. Obama will provide a $1.5 billion fund to assist states with start-up costs and to help states offset the costs for employees and employers.
- Expand High-Quality Afterschool Opportunities: Obama will double funding for the main federal support for afterschool programs, the 21st Century Learning Centers program, to serve a million more children. Obama will include measures to maximize performance and effectiveness across grantees nationwide.
- Expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit provides too little relief to families that struggle to afford child care expenses. Obama will reform the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit by making it refundable and allowing low-income families to receive up to a 50 percent credit for their child care expenses.
- Protect Against Caregiver Discrimination: Workers with family obligations often are discriminated against in the workplace. Obama will enforce the recently-enacted Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines on caregiver discrimination.
- Expand Flexible Work Arrangements: Obama will create a program to inform businesses about the benefits of flexible work schedules; help businesses create flexible work opportunities; and increase federal incentives for telecommuting. Obama will also make the federal government a model employer in terms of adopting flexible work schedules and permitting employees to request flexible arrangements.
Hope this piques your interest.
Chi(:
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
YES WE CAN!
This phrase was on the Obama website as well as this message:
"When faced with impossible odds, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people.
Yes we can.
This campaign has always been about building a different kind of politics. We don't take money from lobbyists or political action committees, and we're going to build a broad base of individual donors to ensure that this campaign answers to no one but the people."Obama is not giving up and he's starting a new message (because everyone is already using the message that he started with--"change"). Obama wants YOU to get involved in politics. Not just in voting, he wants YOU involved after the election. The man is a genius! He wants US to join him in pressuring Washington to pass reforms on healthcare coverage, education and more. He can get it done. He can mobilize the American people to be involved in the laws that are made. There is no one else right now who can mobilize and inspire people more than Barack Obama.
The race has just begun, hold on to your hats, it's about to get interesting. . .
When is 3% a large number?
When it's enough to beat Barack Obama in New Hampshire. So close! One thing I don't appreciate the negative anti-hype. The Obama phenomenon is real and I'm tired of the press undercutting it. When John Kerry won Iowa-as an underdog-the press didn't question it.
Everyone is critiquing Obama's experience but I don't see how Hillary can be the one. She is so abrasive, I am sure she will divide the nation in a national contest. Obama is more electable because he can pull Republicans and Independents. I know because I've seen Republicans come to the Chicago headquarters and volunteer for Barack! Two more states are left before super Tuesday and I think that the key will be to increase exposure to Barack and get on the offensive. I'm still volunteering, I'm still in it to win it because I believe in this man.
I think that people can expect the same ol' same ol' from Hillary but we can go above and beyond with Barack!
Peace!
Everyone is critiquing Obama's experience but I don't see how Hillary can be the one. She is so abrasive, I am sure she will divide the nation in a national contest. Obama is more electable because he can pull Republicans and Independents. I know because I've seen Republicans come to the Chicago headquarters and volunteer for Barack! Two more states are left before super Tuesday and I think that the key will be to increase exposure to Barack and get on the offensive. I'm still volunteering, I'm still in it to win it because I believe in this man.
I think that people can expect the same ol' same ol' from Hillary but we can go above and beyond with Barack!
Peace!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Obama! 08! OBAMA WINS IOWA!!!
Just in case you didn't know. . . Barack Obama brought his A game and won! This a historical moment right now, we have a viable African-American candidate that can be president! It's not even about him being Black, or Biracial or even Dick Cheney's distant cousin. It's about selecting someone who can bring this country together and put the people back in power. I'm fired up, I'm ready to go! Are you? Just in case you don't know about Barack, here's a quick video.
What can you do? Check out his website here and get to know him. Register to vote, and vote for him in your primary! I've never been so inspired by someone who motivates people from all walks of life to participate in the political process. I honestly believe that Barack Obama can shake this country from it's apathetic trance.
But the battle is not over. New Hampshire is this coming Tuesday (1/8/08) and then 22 Democratic primaries will take place on February 5th. It may be a battle to the end, but Barack has just received a boost that can give him the nomination!
Until next time!
Chi(:
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Happy Two Year Anniversary To Me!
That was quick--and I mean the time and the growth of my hair! I didn't know what I was in for but I knew that it would be a change for the better. And it was! I'm so glad I have SL's, they really make me feel beautiful (with not a lot of work). My SL's are really helping me now while I write my dissertation. I've taken an online hiatus because things in the lab have really taken over my life. I plan to come up for air in a few months though and I'll keep you posted when it all goes down! However, I am lurking, I haven't gone too far (:Talk to ya soon! Chi(:
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
25 again. . .
Hi all,
Just checkin' in to say what's up. Here are some pics from my cousin's visit this summer. The weekend she visited, I was 25 again. Thanks goodness it was only for the weekend. These pic's are from the Funky Buddha lounge on "Supa Soul Sunday".
Definitely a great spot any day of the week. Since my last two retightenings, I've noticed that my hair is reaching my shoulders!!!(: (: My two year anniversary is coming up so i'll have to find a way to put a collage on my mac to do a comparison (picasa is not mac compatible ):
Take care,
Chi(:
Monday, August 13, 2007
I can make a difference as well (:
Yesterday I heard Michelle Obama speak. She gave a stump speech that really felt more like a tree than a stump. She described her background, how she met Barack, the talking points and theme of inclusiveness that structures the Obama campaign. She also told me what I needed to do the help out the campaign—of course I was sold by then so I had no problems taking orders. And she also attacked the criticisms of Obama-haters. The speech was moving, well organized and incited me to do something that no other politician, or their wife has been able to do. She inspired me to act.
I saw the couple the day before at the Bud Biliken Parade on Saturday. Obama has had my vote for the longest but seeing them live was like a reminder, “Ok, you know you’re going to vote for him, You better check his people out.” Luckily, I remembered that Michelle was supposed to speak on Sunday and I couldn’t help but feel pulled to go. It was only 8 blocks from the lab. I mean, just the day before, I spent almost $20 on makeup. I might as well contribute $25 to someone I want to support.
So, I send out a text and my best friend Tonia decides to join me. I’m really glad because when we got there I’m feeling too dowdy in my lab clothes surrounded by the “Women for Obama” who are dressed for a garden party. Anyway, I walk in and there’s no real program. Just a lot of women, some lined up against the wall, some in groups, talking. And I’m like, “I have to go into mingle mode or I’m gonna continue feeling awkward like I do right now” So I strike up a conversation with a “Woman for Obama” from the South Suburbs and she was really friendly. We both exchanged our support for Barack and then I mingled some more. Unfortunately, I felt weary of mingling so Tonia and I hung out until Michelle came out.
Let me tell you, this woman is classy with a serving of spunk on the side. She was telling me what I wanted to hear but I could tell it wasn’t rhetoric, it was real. I could feel in my heart that her/Barack’s views on strengthening the family, community and the nation by embracing what unifies us as a nation—our humanness—is key to moving our country forward. I believed in her—me the realistic optimist—when she said that its up to me to move our country forward. The disease of apathy in our communities is a festering virus and one person can't stop it alone. However, one person can lead us to a place where together we can restore and enrich our world for the better.
Before, Barack Obama had my vote. Now he has my pledge to act to actively participate in his campaign. I don’t know if he’s going to win, but I am moved to work towards positioning someone that I truly believe in as leader of our country. I’ve volunteered for John Kerry in Wisconsin on the day of the presidential election. I just couldn’t sit at home and wait for the results to come in, I had to feel like I was part of the process. But I don’t only want to be part of process, I want to help Barack Obama be president. I believe he’s qualified, intelligent, thoughtful, humble and has the leadership ablilities to lead a nation of diverse heritage. I don’t even care if he may lose, right now my focus is to win.
And, I see this experience, moving me towards the area of public policy. I want to use my talents to serve the public. I know that I love science, but there’s a distance from the public that I want to bridge. I need more of a connection with people and the ability to incite positive change at a large scale. So first stop, working on the Obama campaign. Next stop, the universe!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
It's about to hit the fan. . .
Ok y'all,
If you've been reading these past 2+ years you probably noticed that I'm a bit confused about my career goals right now. I've gone from "I want to be a scientist at a tier 1 university and have a life too" to "Forget that, I'm going into business!". But the truth is, I still don't know what God has planned for me. So I took a leap of faith and applied for a position that my friend turned me onto. . .she's leaving and needs someone to take over. Here the duties of the job are to:
(1) increase the enrollment of underrepresented students pursuing a graduate degree in the sciences
(2) ensure the successful completion of their Ph.D. by providing flexible curricula, personal mentoring, and professional development training
(3) prepare these students to transition into competitive postdoctoral and faculty positions by providing them the opportunity to present their research at local, regional, and national meetings.
"Basically, by creating a support network for these
students and combining it with professional
development training (such as a scientific skills
course: how to write grants, papers, make posters,
presentations), we believe we can make any student
with the drive and dedication a great scientist.
It's a great job for someone who is a little mad at
grad school and wants to make it better."
Umm. . .this job is perfect for me!!! So I applied. The only catch--they need someone by August/September and I'm aiming for an October end date. On top of that, I just read an abstract that describes my project only this lab actually completed the project--not me. And I'm trying to get an experimental system that I created to work and it's not working. And my committee said that they want to see me in July and they want to see me with data so I can have permission to write but I can't show them data if I can't get the system working! And I feel like every experiment determines if I'm going to graduate or not!--NO PRESSURE HERE (said very sarcastically)!
Whew! Getting that out was a relief. So, after I freaked out, I sat down and I made a decision. I'm graduating this year and if I get the job above, I'm gonna work the timing out. I had to step up my game, wake up and get with the program. If I'm gonna get scooped, I'll just have to determine the next step and go from there. I'm gonna try some different approaches with this expermental system and make it work. I have to start writing!!!! I just have to because the next 6 months are gonna be bad enough and I have to de-stress wherever possible.
I can do this, I know I can. And I will repeat this phrase as much as I have to. I've been struggling with leaving the bench or pushing myself through a post-doc and remaining miserable. At least in the position above, I'm doing something that helps others and I can see the impact that will be made. Once I'm in that position, I can look at my career options subjectively, take a few business classes and decide if that's the way to go.
So look forward to frantic and/or procrastinating (while writing) posts. It 's going to be a wild ride!
If you've been reading these past 2+ years you probably noticed that I'm a bit confused about my career goals right now. I've gone from "I want to be a scientist at a tier 1 university and have a life too" to "Forget that, I'm going into business!". But the truth is, I still don't know what God has planned for me. So I took a leap of faith and applied for a position that my friend turned me onto. . .she's leaving and needs someone to take over. Here the duties of the job are to:
(1) increase the enrollment of underrepresented students pursuing a graduate degree in the sciences
(2) ensure the successful completion of their Ph.D. by providing flexible curricula, personal mentoring, and professional development training
(3) prepare these students to transition into competitive postdoctoral and faculty positions by providing them the opportunity to present their research at local, regional, and national meetings.
"Basically, by creating a support network for these
students and combining it with professional
development training (such as a scientific skills
course: how to write grants, papers, make posters,
presentations), we believe we can make any student
with the drive and dedication a great scientist.
It's a great job for someone who is a little mad at
grad school and wants to make it better."
Umm. . .this job is perfect for me!!! So I applied. The only catch--they need someone by August/September and I'm aiming for an October end date. On top of that, I just read an abstract that describes my project only this lab actually completed the project--not me. And I'm trying to get an experimental system that I created to work and it's not working. And my committee said that they want to see me in July and they want to see me with data so I can have permission to write but I can't show them data if I can't get the system working! And I feel like every experiment determines if I'm going to graduate or not!--NO PRESSURE HERE (said very sarcastically)!
Whew! Getting that out was a relief. So, after I freaked out, I sat down and I made a decision. I'm graduating this year and if I get the job above, I'm gonna work the timing out. I had to step up my game, wake up and get with the program. If I'm gonna get scooped, I'll just have to determine the next step and go from there. I'm gonna try some different approaches with this expermental system and make it work. I have to start writing!!!! I just have to because the next 6 months are gonna be bad enough and I have to de-stress wherever possible.
I can do this, I know I can. And I will repeat this phrase as much as I have to. I've been struggling with leaving the bench or pushing myself through a post-doc and remaining miserable. At least in the position above, I'm doing something that helps others and I can see the impact that will be made. Once I'm in that position, I can look at my career options subjectively, take a few business classes and decide if that's the way to go.
So look forward to frantic and/or procrastinating (while writing) posts. It 's going to be a wild ride!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
John Dewey (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 12:01 AM)