Cynically Optimistic

Sunday night it snowed about 3 inches around here, which of course meant that my Monday morning commute would be a disaster. It only took me 40 minutes to make my usual 15 minute trek, so that wasn't as bad as it could have been. I am, however, enjoying the quattro all wheel drive, electronic slip protection, and ABS breaks for the first time. If you thought I had flagrant disregard for icy roads before, you should see me now.

I don't want to jinx anything, but I may be finally selling my old Pontiac. I slapped a For-Sale sign on it Sunday morning, and by that evening I already had a call. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

This holiday has me staying put on the island. There are plenty of people here that have invited me to dinner and drinks and everything that I'm well taken care of, not that you'd be worrying anyway. I'm actually going to be working a lot of the time, then my sister is coming to visit over New Years. I am arguing against standing in Times Square for hours on New Years Eve. I think a trendy bar in SoHo or the village and then watching fireworks from the Brooklyn Bridge sounds much more fun. A lot depends on how cold/cool it is, because if it's not frigid outside there will be some craziness in Greenwich village for sure.

Any-hoo... Hope everyone who's travelling this week arrives safe and sound, and I hope your heat works better than mine does.

Posted by Jeff Smith at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, I've been gone for a bit, but for a good reason. This was the first year that I got to present a scientific poster at a meeting. Specifically, the American Society for Cell Biology Meeting. Most of our lab goes to this meeting, and this year 4 of us presented, plus 2 who recently moved back to Japan. I really enjoyed the meeting, although it was mentally exhausting to listen and try to understand a series of talks for 5 days straight, plus poster sessions, plus exhibitor showcase. I did acquire loads of free stuff, albeit scientifically dull: flashing pens, a coaster, foam tube floats, posters, calendars, free samples, and even a little IDT doohickey. Finally, on Tuesday I presented my poster. I didn't really know what to expect, or if anyone would come by and talk to me about it. Turns out that I had plenty of people who were interested in my work, and many offered helpful suggestions. One guy I talked to even asked if I was interested in doing a post-doctoral fellowship in his lab. Too bad I can't just skip the Ph.D. step.

Overall, I thought it was a great meeting. Plus, I got to do some sightseeing in Washington, so of course there are pictures.

Posted by Jeff Smith at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I need a hero.
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light.

Bonnie Tyler is the master of a Hippie Choir. Bonnie Tyler is a cowgirl in a farmhouse. Bonnie Tyler is precariously perched on top of the Grand Canyon. Bonnie Tyler is about to get tied up by a Neon-enhanced Cowboy with a neon whip. A white gloved hand fires a silver pistol! Bonnie Tyler kneels in front of a cowby. Fade to Black.

“I'm holding on for a hero until the end of the night!”

Posted by Jeff Smith at 12:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)