So echinacea isn't the golden panacea we thought it was. The best remedy for colds still remains to wash your hands and to drink gallons and gallons of orange juice. I'm impressed with the people who volunteered to have cold viruses "dripped down their noses." Suffering for five days with a cold (even if handsomely compensated) doesn't sound like too much fun.
New England Journal of Medicine
Thursday, July 28, 2005
doubt
It's disappointing to read a fabulous review of a new Broadway show and not know whether it's coming to a theater near you. Or at the very least, know that you will be in a town long enough to go to the theater.
But Doubt sounds fabulous. The central theme sounds like an amazing topic to explore. One-word titles must be in vogue. Proof. Contact.
But Doubt sounds fabulous. The central theme sounds like an amazing topic to explore. One-word titles must be in vogue. Proof. Contact.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
flu season
Oh dear. The problems associated with drug delivery, vaccines, genetics, cross-species dangers, and public health all merge together in influenza.
I'm starting to think that infectious disease is the place to be. Especially when one considers the non-bacteria world.
I'm starting to think that infectious disease is the place to be. Especially when one considers the non-bacteria world.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
a great big nuclear furnace
Facts to consider:
To date: the high for the month in July in St. Louis has been 98 degrees F, with a low of 58. The average high has been (gasp) a steamy 91 degrees while the low seems a balmy 71.
I borrowed this from the National Weather Service for the St. Louis area....
...TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO RISE QUICKLY INTO THE MID AND UPPER 90S BY EARLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON WITH HEAT INDICES RISING ABOVE 105 DEGREES FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE DAY.
It's no longer a steam iron outside. St. Louis has become a convectional oven.
To date: the high for the month in July in St. Louis has been 98 degrees F, with a low of 58. The average high has been (gasp) a steamy 91 degrees while the low seems a balmy 71.
I borrowed this from the National Weather Service for the St. Louis area....
...TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO RISE QUICKLY INTO THE MID AND UPPER 90S BY EARLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON WITH HEAT INDICES RISING ABOVE 105 DEGREES FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE DAY.
It's no longer a steam iron outside. St. Louis has become a convectional oven.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Hometown politics
I haven't had much time of late to read articles from different news sources. However, I did come across this blog about Norm Coleman, a MN senator. It is a bit sloppy and incredibly biased, but it is slightly difficult to deny Coleman's rise to national office is due to his connections within the Republican Party. Yet, isn't that how it is in politics regardless of party affiliation? To believe otherwise is naive.
Likewise, "It's who you know, not what you know." This phrase is so important in any field. The Village Voice highlighted a piece on BritPop and Blair. Read it if you are interested in New Labour or for a perspective on cultural influences in national elections.
Likewise, "It's who you know, not what you know." This phrase is so important in any field. The Village Voice highlighted a piece on BritPop and Blair. Read it if you are interested in New Labour or for a perspective on cultural influences in national elections.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Extraneous news
An interesting idea. Authors who write for young adults can probably hold the attention of adults. But great writers for adults cannot always capture the same magic for young adults.
This is better than the idea that MTV has been floating for African and Asian music channels. An all-African TV channel for news and entertainment. Wonder if Americans will be able to watch "Generations," the South African soap opera where the characters interlace Xhosa, Zulu, English and Afrikaans in the same scene. Normally airs prime time so that families can watch teh show together. Incidentally, the show is set in a brothel. Overall, it is better to import this show than to export "The Bold and the Beautiful" overseas.
This is better than the idea that MTV has been floating for African and Asian music channels. An all-African TV channel for news and entertainment. Wonder if Americans will be able to watch "Generations," the South African soap opera where the characters interlace Xhosa, Zulu, English and Afrikaans in the same scene. Normally airs prime time so that families can watch teh show together. Incidentally, the show is set in a brothel. Overall, it is better to import this show than to export "The Bold and the Beautiful" overseas.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
and so it is
Lately I have been rereading Tennyson's "Ulysses" in hopes of inspiration. Each time, a new line or passage appears to have greater meaning than the previous reading. Some say that it is about an arrogant warrior, reflecting back on life. Perhaps it is. However, the passages about searching for something greater than your own existence are meaningful.
Life piled on life
Were all to little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
...that which we are, we are;
One equal-temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Life has been more than a bit confusing of late. Too much pressure to do too much and grow up too fast. I wish I didn't look sixteen. However, after seeing the movie "Thirteen," I'm glad that I don't look older than my age- when all I really want to do is crawl into bed with my Harry Potter book. No matter what anyone says, I know that I have to make my own mistakes. It has been hard, of late, to remain passive and accept that some people do not take the time to relax and walk in someone else's shoes.
For some of the reasons listed above, I also like Anna Nalick's lyrics for "Breathe (2am)." The song itself has an easy, yet driven feel to it.
...There's a light at each end of this tunnel, you shout
But you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
These mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again
If you only try turning around....
2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, its no longer
inside of me, threatening the life they belong to
And i feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to.
I don't pretend to be an idealist. However, I don't want to lose my optimism. Especially not about those I care about.
Life piled on life
Were all to little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
...that which we are, we are;
One equal-temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Life has been more than a bit confusing of late. Too much pressure to do too much and grow up too fast. I wish I didn't look sixteen. However, after seeing the movie "Thirteen," I'm glad that I don't look older than my age- when all I really want to do is crawl into bed with my Harry Potter book. No matter what anyone says, I know that I have to make my own mistakes. It has been hard, of late, to remain passive and accept that some people do not take the time to relax and walk in someone else's shoes.
For some of the reasons listed above, I also like Anna Nalick's lyrics for "Breathe (2am)." The song itself has an easy, yet driven feel to it.
...There's a light at each end of this tunnel, you shout
But you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
These mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again
If you only try turning around....
2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, its no longer
inside of me, threatening the life they belong to
And i feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to.
I don't pretend to be an idealist. However, I don't want to lose my optimism. Especially not about those I care about.
yeah, you know?
Two more weeks in St. Louis! In some ways, it's sad to be leaving, but I'm looking forward to spending time at home. Also, right now, I really need a vacation. Yes, a chance to validate the accents immortalized in the movie "Fargo" by visiting relatives in North Dakota and northern Minnesota! No joke. I'm really excited. The long "o" or "a" sound and the use of "d" in lieu of a "t" brings back so many wonderful memories. I've lost some of the accent, partly due to my frustration at my freshman hall for laughing and imitating the accent (when I couldn't hear a difference). Clip and soften the "a" in "bag" and wow, people now understand what word you are saying.
Other news. I found the transcript for Garrison's Keillor's "A Lutheran's Guide to the Orchestra." For all the little earnest Lutheran Minnesotan clarinetists.
Other news. I found the transcript for Garrison's Keillor's "A Lutheran's Guide to the Orchestra." For all the little earnest Lutheran Minnesotan clarinetists.
Clarinet
Many Lutherans start out playing clarinets in marching band and think of it as a pretty good instrument and kind of sociable. You pick up a clarinet, and you feel like getting together with other people and forming an "M." But the symphonic clarinet is different: clever, sarcastic, kind of snooty. It's a nice small town instrument that went to college and after that you can't get a simple answer out of them. It is a French instrument, you know. Ever wonder why there are no French Lutherans? Probably the wine wasn't good enough for them. The oboe is the sensualist of the woodwind section, and if there is one wind Lutherans should avoid, it's probably this one. In movie soundtracks, you tend to hear the oboe when the woman is taking her clothes off. Also a little later when she asks the man for a cigarette. You start playing the oboe, you're going to have babies, take my word for it.Sunday, July 17, 2005
HP and the HBP
~"And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure."~
Talk about reasons to smile. I hate to brag, but I read all 652 pages between 1am on Saturday morning and 5pm Sunday afternoon. Only stood in line for maybe 35 minutes. And I went to lab and floated down the river all day. [Yes, Kar, I need a lab as cool as yours where people pour wine out of plastic bottles and post-docs dump undergrads in the river.]....
Must read those gorgeous pages of HP again this week in order to absorb the full contents. But ooooh, 'tis better than gorging one's self on goldfish crackers or vanilla coke. Especially the ending. Real-time PCR had to wait. Same for my 9am presentation. (eek!). This was just too entertaining.
Word of warning: do NOT read this until after finishing. Unless you want to spoil the fun. Then again, book reviews always do.
(sigh) This was an amazing weekend. I haven't had this much fun with a new book in awhile. I'm still smiling at the thought of it. (Grins)
Talk about reasons to smile. I hate to brag, but I read all 652 pages between 1am on Saturday morning and 5pm Sunday afternoon. Only stood in line for maybe 35 minutes. And I went to lab and floated down the river all day. [Yes, Kar, I need a lab as cool as yours where people pour wine out of plastic bottles and post-docs dump undergrads in the river.]....
Must read those gorgeous pages of HP again this week in order to absorb the full contents. But ooooh, 'tis better than gorging one's self on goldfish crackers or vanilla coke. Especially the ending. Real-time PCR had to wait. Same for my 9am presentation. (eek!). This was just too entertaining.
Word of warning: do NOT read this until after finishing. Unless you want to spoil the fun. Then again, book reviews always do.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Growth curve
Sometimes it's strange to think that we can grow away from what we once loved. Found an interesting article on the divergent perceptions of Roald Dahl by children and adults. Was interested to know whether the adults who felt "threatened" by Dahl liked his books when they were children.
Apart from Matilda (I tried v. hard one day to move a glass of water with my brain) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (minus the Oompa Loompas), Roald Dahl books never held that much appeal. Giants and vampires and anything that crunched bones frightened me. Insects frightened me. Then again, I was at the age where I didn't appreciate sketches in my books. I wanted to imagine everything and I preferred mysteries and biographies. Sometimes it makes me wonder whether my world ws one of imagination or one of exploration.
Apart from Matilda (I tried v. hard one day to move a glass of water with my brain) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (minus the Oompa Loompas), Roald Dahl books never held that much appeal. Giants and vampires and anything that crunched bones frightened me. Insects frightened me. Then again, I was at the age where I didn't appreciate sketches in my books. I wanted to imagine everything and I preferred mysteries and biographies. Sometimes it makes me wonder whether my world ws one of imagination or one of exploration.
Monday, July 11, 2005
bioethics, part II
It seems that the Bush administration takes scientific ethics seriously, but in a different direction than I have been thinking.
do the facts speak for themselves?
Much has been written lately about the Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper cases and the responsibilities of the media to the government, the law and the public trust. I've been thinking a lot lately about what constitutes the public trust, especially with regards to science. Society invests in scientists a huge responsibility to further society through their work. So it's troubling when a recent Nature article reports for US scientists that:
What is perhaps most troublesome are the reasons that people cheat. Usually it's not due to lack of adequate training. It's the high profile environment, and the cutthroat race to gain tenure or to maintain one's reputation. The case of Andrew Friedman suggests that high-profile research is a pressure cooker. According to that rationale, cheating helps one stay ahead or at least on-course. Why must this be true? Is it really fair to say that the environment produces cheaters? Somehow that's like a nature vs. nurture argument--with the truth lying on both sides. Yes, a glass ceiling exists in first tier research institutions for those who do not produce as much as their neighbor. However, it's rather unfair to blame the environment rather than one's own moral code.
So what needs to be done? Classes on scientific ethics are a start. Perhaps not just at the graduate level (as is already done), but at the undergraduate level, when many students begin their training. Also, I'm trying to learn more about the process of reviewing an article for publication. What I know so far: it's very, very tedious and actually quite boring. Checking 43 sources is nothing compared to figuring out whether the topic is "novel" and worthy of publication. It would be easy to see why people would not be willing to dig into every article with gusto and severely question data or conclusions. However, a strong sense of responsibility of reviewers to ascertain the validity of data is crucial.
Sometimes it seems that scientific research comes up in the news for two reasons: sexy discoveries or scientific misconduct. The first is natural and likely well-deserved. The second scenario gets the largest outcry in the case of Vioxx/Celebrex and the threat of "Big Pharma." That this latter situation occurs at all is a disservice to the 2/3 of scientists who do not violate the public trust.
Full text of Nature study
"Of 3,247 early- and mid-career researchers who responded, less than 1.5% admitted to falsification or plagiarism, the most serious types of misconduct listed. But 15.5% said they had changed the design, methodology or results of a study in response to pressure from a funding source; 12.5% admitted overlooking others' use of flawed data; and 7.6% said they had circumvented minor aspects of requirements regarding the use of human subjects.
Overall, about a third admitted to at least one of the ten most serious offences on the list — a range of misbehaviours described by the authors as "striking in its breadth and prevalence"."
An AP article cites this article and notes that the Dept. of Health and Human Services received 50% more complaints of scientific misconduct than two years ago. That's 274 complaints.What is perhaps most troublesome are the reasons that people cheat. Usually it's not due to lack of adequate training. It's the high profile environment, and the cutthroat race to gain tenure or to maintain one's reputation. The case of Andrew Friedman suggests that high-profile research is a pressure cooker. According to that rationale, cheating helps one stay ahead or at least on-course. Why must this be true? Is it really fair to say that the environment produces cheaters? Somehow that's like a nature vs. nurture argument--with the truth lying on both sides. Yes, a glass ceiling exists in first tier research institutions for those who do not produce as much as their neighbor. However, it's rather unfair to blame the environment rather than one's own moral code.
So what needs to be done? Classes on scientific ethics are a start. Perhaps not just at the graduate level (as is already done), but at the undergraduate level, when many students begin their training. Also, I'm trying to learn more about the process of reviewing an article for publication. What I know so far: it's very, very tedious and actually quite boring. Checking 43 sources is nothing compared to figuring out whether the topic is "novel" and worthy of publication. It would be easy to see why people would not be willing to dig into every article with gusto and severely question data or conclusions. However, a strong sense of responsibility of reviewers to ascertain the validity of data is crucial.
Sometimes it seems that scientific research comes up in the news for two reasons: sexy discoveries or scientific misconduct. The first is natural and likely well-deserved. The second scenario gets the largest outcry in the case of Vioxx/Celebrex and the threat of "Big Pharma." That this latter situation occurs at all is a disservice to the 2/3 of scientists who do not violate the public trust.
Full text of Nature study
Saturday, July 09, 2005
5 things
Post five things you enjoy, even when no one around you wants to go out and play. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?
1. Reading good books.
2. Waking up with the sunrise.
3. Writing.
4. Dancing to pop music around my room.
5. Long chats with friends.
1. Reading good books.
2. Waking up with the sunrise.
3. Writing.
4. Dancing to pop music around my room.
5. Long chats with friends.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
the world in health
I'm underequipped to discuss the ramifications of today's bombing in London. That the focus has shifted to terrorism almost seems inevitable. I heard the story on NPR this morning, and I was saddened. I had gotten up early to continue to catch up on the plethora of articles on health issues in the developing world that have sprouted prior to the G8 summit. Such a strange juxtaposition. I was reading a Q&A with a hero of mine, Paul Farmer, and his latest initiatives in Rwanda and the promise to harness new DNA screening technology for cervical cancer in place of pap smears. The previous night was part of the Economist's terrific look at AIDS and Africa and the Gates Foundation enormous gift to further research to better implement accessible health care to developing nations. Now, I'm reading about terrorism again...
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Blame Kristin (j/k)
Post five things you enjoy, even when no one around you wants to go out and play. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level? Post it to your journal, and then tag 5 friends and ask them to post it to theirs.
1. Reading (newspapers, books, anything that doesn't belong in Cell or JBC)
2. Surprise phone calls from far away friends
3. Naps
4. Vanilla coke (until the caffeine raises my HR)
5. Gazing at the sunrise/sunset/the stars
And I pass this on to:
Alea
B2
Karly
James
Sam
1. Reading (newspapers, books, anything that doesn't belong in Cell or JBC)
2. Surprise phone calls from far away friends
3. Naps
4. Vanilla coke (until the caffeine raises my HR)
5. Gazing at the sunrise/sunset/the stars
And I pass this on to:
Alea
B2
Karly
James
Sam
Good things never die
I watched two movies today: the end of The Shawshank Redemption and Bridget Jones: the Edge of Reason. In their own way, both movies proclaim the message of hope. One, for the inner dignity of humanity and the other for a girlish dream that one person can, in the words of Jerry Maguire, “complete me.” I feel the need to watch Shawshank every year. Maybe twice, I don’t keep track. I love the movie because it reminds me that there is something universal in humanity, something that is good and keeps us alive. Prison is presented as the worst possible scenario, not simply for the warden and the guards’ brutality, but for the way that the mind fucks with you. The walls that one builds up around one’s self and prevents you from seeing what is there for you and is possible. Oft quoted lines include, “Get busy living or get busy dying” and “Hope is a good thing—maybe the best of things—and good things never die.”
Much has been said about the Fourth of July. Andrew Sullivan's comments were probably the best this year. Fourth of July is often times hilarious due to the excessive amount of red, white, and blue. It’s a time when Americans overlook the tackiness of Walmart in order to buy flags and display them in a post-9/11 era. In many ways, there is a religiousity about this holiday. People, especially columnists, renew their faith in this country by reminding each other what we have done and why we are great.
Disclaimer: Most of my Fourth of July celebrations have taken place in small town America: Centuria, WI; Duluth, MN; Gambier, OH; and Grinnell, IA. Last year was no exception. This year’s fanfare in St. Louis reminded me of the small town dedication to the civic ideal of Americanism—an ideal separate from the power of the dollar. Security checkpoints at the Arch seemed natural to me, another sign that my rose-colored view of life probably isn’t accurate.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of talking with some friends about our place in this world as individuals. I’m fortunate to have some amazing friends. One is a genius at math. One will touch the lives of his students through his music. Many are in science. Many are in grad school in the humanities. One is entering high school and just learning to drive. One is going to save the world, be it in human rights or international policy. We’ve talked about the merits of teaching and the drawbacks of academia and policy on a macro-scale.
What I love about my friends is the depth of caring that each of them have for their friends and for a wider world. It’s an optimistic and hopeful belief. According to this progressive approach, we, as individuals, can have a positive impact on the world and that moreover, we must do so. [No, I’m not going to take the Catholic or evangelical approach here.] The Fourth of July and a couple Hollywood blockbusters remind me that, while it’s not an entirely American trait, the hope that we can take our country’s future or our own destiny in our own hands holds an intoxicating appeal.
Much has been said about the Fourth of July. Andrew Sullivan's comments were probably the best this year. Fourth of July is often times hilarious due to the excessive amount of red, white, and blue. It’s a time when Americans overlook the tackiness of Walmart in order to buy flags and display them in a post-9/11 era. In many ways, there is a religiousity about this holiday. People, especially columnists, renew their faith in this country by reminding each other what we have done and why we are great.
Disclaimer: Most of my Fourth of July celebrations have taken place in small town America: Centuria, WI; Duluth, MN; Gambier, OH; and Grinnell, IA. Last year was no exception. This year’s fanfare in St. Louis reminded me of the small town dedication to the civic ideal of Americanism—an ideal separate from the power of the dollar. Security checkpoints at the Arch seemed natural to me, another sign that my rose-colored view of life probably isn’t accurate.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of talking with some friends about our place in this world as individuals. I’m fortunate to have some amazing friends. One is a genius at math. One will touch the lives of his students through his music. Many are in science. Many are in grad school in the humanities. One is entering high school and just learning to drive. One is going to save the world, be it in human rights or international policy. We’ve talked about the merits of teaching and the drawbacks of academia and policy on a macro-scale.
What I love about my friends is the depth of caring that each of them have for their friends and for a wider world. It’s an optimistic and hopeful belief. According to this progressive approach, we, as individuals, can have a positive impact on the world and that moreover, we must do so. [No, I’m not going to take the Catholic or evangelical approach here.] The Fourth of July and a couple Hollywood blockbusters remind me that, while it’s not an entirely American trait, the hope that we can take our country’s future or our own destiny in our own hands holds an intoxicating appeal.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
American culture
I'm not going to sit back and wistfully ponder the greatness or downsides of America. That would just be a waste of time. Read and find your own opinions.
Andrew Sullivan is the most eloquent on a common theme: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Makes you want to stand and wave an American flag.
Not all of Susan Lanfestey's arguments make sense, but I like her imagery of Walmart as a mirage and the selection of radio stations in northern Wisconsin to be right for the entire demographic or passing traveler.
Recent conversations of late have made me think about how American I am. Yes, it is debatable as to what is a true American. That is not a debate that I would want to enter. Too personal or else will wind up sounding like a spoiled brat. Thomas Sowell claims a petty difference between the Honda and Lexus. Maybe so, but reading his view on environmentalism, you can understand that he will drive the Lexus sports car and burn the gasoline with no second thought. MSN and Forbes.com recently posted an article on what "the good life" costs. Forget political philosophers. Somehow, I have this picture of Suburbia again in my mind.
After listening to Europeans talk about why the United States is so puzzling conservative, it is interesting that Tony Blair wants to raise discussion about the European social model. Anyone who's been abroad can tell you that each country has its own philosophy. Each has its own lifestyle and reason to work, as the upcoming book "European Dreams" appears to analyze. Working to live or living to work. Or the thought of idealists: living to work in order to have a better life.
NB: If you are interested in work philosophies between the United States, start by thinking about France's 35 hour work week. NYT Magazine just had an article featuring this topic. Must love savings and investment in productivity and human capitol. Will money or time make people happy? Oh Working Time Directive!
Bringing this post back full circle, Darrin McMahon talks about "the pursuit of happiness" and the relationship between the public and private good. Back to Locke and political philosophy.
On a more personal note, I did see fireworks under the St. Louis Arch on July 3 and July 4. Will remember the booming, cannon-sounding fireworks, running to catch the Metro, and knowing the words to almost every patriotic song played. Was also starting to compare the extreme haste and extreme assertiveness of others on the train as the hurried feeling trying to leave King of Kings' parking lot. For some people, fireworks signal the end of patriotism and good-will to others. Welcome back to (one side of) American culture.
Andrew Sullivan is the most eloquent on a common theme: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Makes you want to stand and wave an American flag.
Not all of Susan Lanfestey's arguments make sense, but I like her imagery of Walmart as a mirage and the selection of radio stations in northern Wisconsin to be right for the entire demographic or passing traveler.
Recent conversations of late have made me think about how American I am. Yes, it is debatable as to what is a true American. That is not a debate that I would want to enter. Too personal or else will wind up sounding like a spoiled brat. Thomas Sowell claims a petty difference between the Honda and Lexus. Maybe so, but reading his view on environmentalism, you can understand that he will drive the Lexus sports car and burn the gasoline with no second thought. MSN and Forbes.com recently posted an article on what "the good life" costs. Forget political philosophers. Somehow, I have this picture of Suburbia again in my mind.
After listening to Europeans talk about why the United States is so puzzling conservative, it is interesting that Tony Blair wants to raise discussion about the European social model. Anyone who's been abroad can tell you that each country has its own philosophy. Each has its own lifestyle and reason to work, as the upcoming book "European Dreams" appears to analyze. Working to live or living to work. Or the thought of idealists: living to work in order to have a better life.
NB: If you are interested in work philosophies between the United States, start by thinking about France's 35 hour work week. NYT Magazine just had an article featuring this topic. Must love savings and investment in productivity and human capitol. Will money or time make people happy? Oh Working Time Directive!
Bringing this post back full circle, Darrin McMahon talks about "the pursuit of happiness" and the relationship between the public and private good. Back to Locke and political philosophy.
On a more personal note, I did see fireworks under the St. Louis Arch on July 3 and July 4. Will remember the booming, cannon-sounding fireworks, running to catch the Metro, and knowing the words to almost every patriotic song played. Was also starting to compare the extreme haste and extreme assertiveness of others on the train as the hurried feeling trying to leave King of Kings' parking lot. For some people, fireworks signal the end of patriotism and good-will to others. Welcome back to (one side of) American culture.
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