Book Reviews Galore, Part 2

Virus X: Tracking the New Killer Plagues, by Frank Ryan, MD. The book details various epidemics and outbreaks, the known or proposed vectors thereof and efforts of healthcare authorities (local, federal-CDC, and worldwide-WHO) to stop the spread and treat the victims. The topic is right down my alley, but I must say, this was 2/3 of a good book. I enjoyed the epidemiological discussions & the sleuthing aspect of them. I liked the discussion of co-evolution of species – namely that of some diseases and their hosts – to explain micro-outbreaks (e.g., Ebola) in other species and why some species don’t appear to be affected. Also, explaining why some germ hasn’t wiped out our species yet. What I didn’t like was Dr. Ryan’s P.C. treatment of HIV/AIDS and his goofy descriptions of the epidemiological players (researchers, physicians, etc.) – really gaack. He could have cut down the length of the text some too – at times he just went on and on with the tracking down of a virus in nauseating detail, and I just wanted him to come the punchline. I think Dr. Ryan was trying too hard to make the subject matter accessible for the layman, and it wasn’t altogether necessary. That said, for anyone who enjoys reading virus-hunter type stuff, it’s an interesting read.

I read Prey, by Michael Crichton, right after Virus X, and oddly enough, had an interesting connection to X. I’ll get to that. Prey is essentially one of those race to the finish, running out of time to save whomever type books. It’s about a very next-level artificial intelligence experiment and how it got away from its creators. The connection to Virus X was that in discussing the development of behavior in this artificial intelligence, the book made reference to co-evolution and viruses – how cool is that? Also it discussed “emergent behavior” in a programmed entity (or entities) that might follow anticipated activities, but might just surprise the heck out of you. I found it both a good page-turner, metro-appropriate entertainment, yet I learned a few things too.

For a very different read, try The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s a bittersweet story of a teenage girl in the civil rights-era South, trying to deal with the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. It also deals with personal (as opposed to prescribed) and very interesting interpretations of religion and faith. It also involves a wonderful assortment of characters who this girl encounters on her path to understanding…stuff.

Blowing My Cover – My Life As A CIA Spy, by Lindsay Moran, was a quick, cheap ($6.50) read that we discussed at Book Club (B/C). It details Ms. Moran’s initial attraction to, training for, and ultimate disillusionment with The Company. The author comes across, I’m sorry to say, as a naïve, Peace Corps flaky (redundant?) lefty, who for some reason feels compelled to join the CIA. Well, she believes herself drawn to lying and travel, so she must be perfect for intelligence work! All that said, her observations of the dysfunctional and in various ways outdated (Cold War, anyone?) agency do ring true to someone acquainted with such bureaucracies.

In our B/C, we’ve read a bunch of books that deal with Islam in various aspects and countries. The last one we read was a novel called The Swallows of Kabul, by Yasmina Khadra (a pseudonym – the author is an Algerian army officer). Can I just mention how glad I am to be an American, especially seeing as how I’m a woman? Ok, just thought I’d bring that up. The story is set in Taliban-tormented Kabul. No one is having a good time. Khadra brings it home that life is so depressing and ghastly, so soul-sucking under this regime, that no one in his right mind would volunteer for this “life.” The book involves the lives of several characters – male and female – and how they overlap and intersect. Yes, this book is depressing, but well-written and well-paced, so that you finish it quickly, discuss it with your free compatriots & toast that freedom immediately.

Another in this genre, if you will, is Minaret, by Leila Aboulela (hope I haven’t already reviewed this book here), which we also read for Book Club. It’s about a well-off Sudanese woman who immigrates with her family to Great Britain after a change in government involves the execution of her father. This young woman is university educated, speaks fluent English and very capable, has a mom and relatives who are also educated, and very liberal by Moslem standards, but…that’s really where the story begins. I really enjoyed this book and as a B/C selection is really a stronger choice than Swallows of Kabul. In fact, this last Friday evening, the book came up at dinner with a fellow B/C member and friend – months after we discussed it at B/C – and we had a really good secondary discussion about it. Indicating to both of us, that this was a really good book because it had so many layers and elements to pick apart, if you will. Read it with your own B/C or with a friend and see if it doesn’t provoke some quality discussion and reaction to the characters.

Whew! Ok, that’s it for my book reviews today, but…I’m currently reading Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci’s The Force of Reason. Review to come! Hizzah!

Technorati topics: Book Reviews, Islam, Diseases

If you don't want the answer, don't ask the question

So, I'm laying peacefully, blissfully poolside in the sunshine, when the twenty-something beside me asks if I mind if he smokes. I said honestly, "I prefer you didn't." He replies, "Well, what if I just hold it over here (towards his buddy, who doesn't mind), to which I reply "I guess so."

Now, if you planned on taking the action anyway, regardless of my response, why did you bother asking me? You didn't care about my feelings on the matter. And therefore, that whole charade has nothing to do with courtesy or consideration, bonehead.

My feelings: it's your obnoxious habit, keep it to yourself.

Book Reviews Galore, Part 1

So, I've been reading a lot and now I'm finally getting around to reviewing them for you, dear readers. However, I'm going to have to publish them one at a time because I can't seem to get my act together (read: I regard laying out in the sun to be of higher priority than doing my book reports). But here is one...

Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes, is a delightful, if sometimes rambling account of two college professors’ purchase and subsequent renovation of an old Italian farmhouse. The wife narrates – and actually the book is a result of her journal & all the notes and recipes that went into it – and describes all the pitfalls and triumphs (both large & small) in renovating (anything) in Italy. She also describes all the wonderful food and drink that they prepare and enjoy with their guests and family there. I think that’s my favorite part – just being inspired to cook (for me that means “for Jeff to cook & me to eat”) more and enjoy those simple dishes with fabulous, fresh ingredients. And, of course, the wine. So, although the book doesn’t have a plot as such, it’s still fun to read about the couple’s travails (that would drive us absolutely crazy) and their ultimate enjoyment of their Tuscan home.

Heavy Breathing

We were reading quietly before nodding off when I heard what sounded like heavy breathing. Loud and insistent. I asked, “Jeff, do you hear that?” He said “yes, what is it?” “I don’t know – but it sounds like it’s coming from inside our apartment.” At that point, we just looked at each other – a little fearful. I knew we shouldn't have moved to the second floor - now a homicidal maniac has escaped from the "justice center" across the street and we're done for!

I jumped up and went to the kitchen, wherein the breathing was louder. It was coming from the washer/dryer cabinet. I flung open the door and – at which point the breathing sounded mechanical. “Ah-ha,” said I, ‘it’s the running dryer plus clay pots that I’ve put on top (not the metal box of tools) that’s creating this weird and spooky effect!” Whew! Hey maybe we should record that sound for Halloween!

A little lame, maybe, but this what passes for excitement in our world!

On Manners...

...like this seems to be a hard concept for the Washington crowd to grasp. Case in point, we're (Jeff & I) trying to revitalize, along with a friend, our book club. And it's been an effort to attract people to come, but we seemed to be enjoying modest success as of late. And then, this time around, I sent a followup email to remind members of the date and time & to confirm if they were going to show. Well, I got one "oops, I'm flying in after it's already started, so I'm bagging," one who (at least) let me know ahead of time, one person I actually had to send another email to get a response, and a whole slew of others who have never even bothered to respond, period. Now, Jeff & I have hosted the last few times & our friend has volunteered for the next time. So, no worries about the meeting place (um, we couldn't be easier to get to - across the street from the metro, hello?). I've taken on the role of "club secretary" & dessiminate the information each month. The burden on members is essentially 1) let me know if you're coming (ie, indicate interest), 2) buy or borrow the modestly priced (usually around $10) book, 3) read it, 4) show up with some token food or beverage and 5) enjoy a pleasant discussion about the book while enjoying food and drink (most of which we provide). Boy, doesn't that sound taxing! You'd think we were asking for Dom Perignon and their first born.

Friends, I've tired of making effort and not having people do even the minimum courtesy of responding to emails. I've tired of this Washington (although I'm sure it's nation-wide) "college" (reads "kegger") attitude towards socializing. As in, if I don't have anything better to do, then I'll just show up. Oh, but I'll have something else scheduled that evening afterwards, so I'll keep my cell phone on and take calls during the meeting. And it'll be a huge imposition for me to bring some damn crackers, so, I'll buy some crap that no one likes to let you know that I resent having to bring anything besides my sparkling wit. Even though I'll drink your wine, eat your bread, cheese, olives, etc. Clearly, few parents are even bothering to teach basic manners anymore. Few people have any class of any kind any more. Of course, in our ever coarsening society, that's not really valued now is it?

I mean hey, our last book club (some members, any way), unceremoniously dumped us and evidently started their own little group. Mind you, they didn't convey this to us directly, we were just supposed to "catch on." I'm sure they considered their little maneuver totally acceptable behavior.

You know, I used to be careless about responding to invites, and then one day it occurred to me that people didn't have to invite me anywhere, at all - and that I should stop being a rude little infant. Clearly, many in this city haven't even gotten to that point of realization or ever will.

Is this a good trend?

In the Post today is an article about Latino immigrants and how some of them are drawn to Islam. Does anyone think this is a good trend?

They interview women for the article (although they do mention Latin men who've converted) and for them it's about devotion & respect. Respect meaning that which they supposedly receive from men when these women dress in the hijab. I think in this society it just means that you look like nun. I think for many of them, it's a way to rebel against Catholicism & be given specific parameters of behavior. Whatever, I think it's kind of creepy. I wonder why the guys are drawn to Islam?

Anyhoo, read the whole article here.

Home Sweet Home

Two articles in the Post today regarding two different kind of home issues. The first one (in the Metro section) concerned Central Union Mission’s plans to build a homeless shelter in an area of DC that is currently being gentrified from its seedy, run-down former life. Current residents there – both long-time and new – are protesting strongly. They claim lower property values and attraction of the former elements into the neighborhood as reasons why they don’t want the shelter there. Can’t say I blame them. When has the presence of a shelter raised property values, attracted any desirable elements or increased the safety of the particular area? I’d be out protesting if the same were considered in my neighborhood. I pay the rent I do, in part, because I don’t want be anywhere near the dregs of my society. I don’t care how they got there, that’s their problem. I don’t want to be reminded that a chunk of my tax dollars has in fact perpetuated the conditions that those tax-supported social programs were supposed to eliminate. Call it elitist or whatever, I don’t care.

The second article concerns the renovation of old buildings in alleys in DC – to be used as private dwellings – and how these owners are running into zoning problems. DC has an old law prohibiting the use of alley buildings for residences, dating back to a time when there actually were good reasons against that use. There was a time in which there were essentially shanty towns plugged into alleys (without plumbing – you draw the icky sanitary conclusions). Um, but those days are over and the zoning laws have not kept pace with the advent of indoor plumbing and heating, not to mention creative and perseverant home owners (some have to constantly discourage public urination, defecation, etc. in these alleys). Now, these folks are basically taking abandoned or decrepit buildings and giving them new life – and I would think, raising the property values in the area, generally. So…what’s the problem? It’s DC, folks. Draw your own conclusions. Or read the article and draw your own conclusions.

Incidentally, a smelly female vagrant solicited a dollar from me at my CVS. I said no. I should have said, “no, go find a liberal who gives a damn about your sorry, stinky life to give you a dollar so you can buy your smokes. And for the record, this is isn’t Southeast DC, so kindly find your way back.” That, or “so, when do I get to live off your labors, indefinitely?” “Pay any taxes lately?” “A year from now, will you still be in the same disgusting condition?” “I guess you must be pissed that illegal Hispanics are stealing your fire, eh?”

Woman Dumps Baby to Keep Boyfriend

A few days ago the Post (or as Michelle Malkin refers to it, "WaPo") ran this story, about a woman who has a baby in the bathroom, puts the girl in a bag and throws her in the garbage. So that her boyfriend won't dump her. Because the baby is a result of someone else's sperm donation.

To get an idea of callousness of this female read this:

At the autopsy the next day, a gruesome discovery was made, another detective testified. A mass of tissue paper, two inches long and an inch in diameter, was found deep in the baby's throat. (Washington Post, 5/24/06)

The new boyfriend unwittingly cleaned up the afterbirth, having no clue what it was. He had to have an interpreter translate his testimony in court. Both of these winners are probably illegals. Do we really need more of the same in this country? Callous baby-killers? Ignorant, irresponsible peasants? Legalize them? Be legally responsible (in the welfare state sense) for a huge, burgeoning and uncontrollable underclass?

Immigration bill hell

Senate immigration bill approved; in the words of the Borg Queen, "watch your futures end." This bill is going to be disastrous.

National Review Online opines on the bill.

Ignorant 3rd world hookers reject HIV meds

Again, we (as in, the US) are portrayed as Evil Empire, exploiting the Noble Poor. Prostitutes in Cambodia reject trials of tenofovir, an AIDS coctail drug with promise in fending off HIV infection if taken (by pill) daily. They organize and march against the trials, which are withdrawn and researchers thrown out of the country. Never mind that this drug has been thru testing and is currently being used to treat AIDS patients in this country. But these esteemed and well-read sex professionals (read: sparked up by such winners as ACT UP and other outside activist groups), don't wish to be used as lab animals. Uh-huh. Read the whole article and see support for just letting the 3rd world implode with disease and stupidity.

Vindication for conscientious

Here's an article about the local United Way, in trouble again. This time the CFO, hired to clean up things, leaves the org because of spurious practices of her bosses, that they were trying to get her to carry out. She said no. Board says she's disgruntled, but I'm inclined to believe her (without any evidence to the contrary) - and heck, if she's disgruntled, maybe it's because she couldn't do her job without pressure to do otherwise. Let's say, the circumstances ring true to me and it always pays to document well.

This is how much I count as a good customer

Great. I give my credit card to a local restaurant that we've frequented FOR YEARS in our neighborhood and my card is rejected. Now, gentle readers, do you think that it's because I'm delinquent on my payments? That's a big NO. I usually pay my whole balance each month. I'm regular as rain and taxes. Do you think that I'm over my limit? That's a big NO pardner, I know damn well what my limit is and I'm nowhere near it. Do you think it's because I've made some charges that may be viewed as suspicious? Maybe. A large purchase for household items...yet I reported my change of address weeks ago to my credit card company. So...might it follow that I'm just buying things for our new domicile. Yet, when I call my dear credit card company, they inform me that it's because I changed my business phone on one of the sites. Yet, I've left my home phone unchanged. This is the same home phone I've had FOR TWENTY FUCKING YEARS. Yet a change of my business phone is cause for alarm. And they're just looking out for fraud. My ass.

Yes, I'm embarrassed because I'm lumped with all the knuckleheads who are delinquent on their payments, who hope that the charge will go thru anyway as if by magic. I'm pissed because my buying power is being questioned. I'm not going to school full-time to get thru this stupid degree quicker because I want to live like a human being who's paid her dues over and fucking over again and all I want to do is pay for our dinner with my credit card. You're giving me trouble while LEGIONS get away with real fraud. Congratulations. You caught me.

Listen up

Read an interesting article today in the Post about how some (in this case, a priest) are advising Nicaraguans and Hondorans to renew their TPS (Temporary Protected Status) before the June 1st deadline so they can remain in this country legally. Now, whatever you think of the particular legislation (or it's repeated renewability), it's at least a legal vehicle by which some folks can stay and work here. And, it's refreshing that some are making an effort to get advise those in their sphere of influence to do the legal thing. With some of the targets, at least, it's making an impression. However, with many, it appears that there is this dumb optimism, encouraged in part by Bush and his wishy-washiness on immigration, that they can just wait it out until amnesty is bestowed upon them. Like, it'll happen just like that, any day now. Uh-huh. Do we really need more ignorant peasants in our country? Don't we have enough dumbasses as it is?

In praise of suit jackets

Today I participated in a Board meeting where I work. I had the good sense (unlike other times which shall fall into a memory hole) to wear a suit with jacket. Of course I was nervous and started to sweat immediately - however my trusty jacket (dark blue) covered evidence of my (constant) sweating. Renee finally got a clue as to why (besides decorum) folks always wear their suit jacket to meetings and functions. Yep, I'm kinda slow, but glad for the lesson to finally sink in.

Our house

Really, it's an apartment. But this time around, we're trying to have a theme and actually decorate it with that theme - instead of the themeless, half-baked college attempt at adult living.

Just yesterday we received some nifty leaning bookshelves, thanks to Jeff's parents (thanks guys!) and with their assembly and use (the bookshelves, not the parents), the place is starting to look - well - cool. Next, coffee tables from Target on the way. Never have ordered anything from them before, but if they work out, I might be going to the site again. Target actually has some cool stuff.

More on the minimalist Asian-inspired living room as it develops.

Column I can't link to

For those of you who have the May 22nd National Review lying around, there's a very funny The Long View, a satire column by Rob Long, about immigration. I took a quick long at the online version of the mag, but wasn't able to raise it, so no link. Basically it's a spoof of what our "intake centers" look like these days. Sample quote:

If you answered YES to either of the above questions: Congratulations! Your civil rights have been violated and you are eligible to participate in two class-action suits against the federal government. Please wave over a member of the Rights & Services Support Staff - recognizable by their sequined jump-suits - and point frantically to this section until you are handed money.

Clearly spoofy, but then a year ago I wouldn't have believed that illegals would be marching around my country demanding rights. Go figure.

Muslims in American Society

Not a whole dissertation, but a few comments. A few days ago I read an article about the creation/concept of Muslim sororities at colleges. Then while working out the other day at the gym, I spy a hijab'd woman taking a step aerobics class. And, of course, there are plenty of head-scarf girls at my small Catholic college.

Now, it seems to me that these things may be a sign of assimilation with the larger American society and culture, not necessarily an invasion. As long as those proposed sororities aren't havens or incubators for terrorists...you know where I'm going with that...can't Muslim girls socialize and join clubs that mirror their interest and sensibilities? Sure, why not? Can't a woman wearing a head-scarf exercise beside one in a t-shirt and shorts? Sure, why not? As long as both accommodate the other's presence. Can we as a culture accommodate difference in the individuals who make up that culture? Sure, we're good at it.

And the fact is, we have been doing that since our inception - accommodating differences. And yeh, Muslims have been assimilating for years - 9/11 brought the malevolent ones to the fore-front. I guess I just found it interesting and not necessarily threatening, these manifestations of faith(?) in the everyday.

Posting While Applying Make-up

I'm happy to report that I received an "A" for my Chemistry efforts! Yeah! Now, I'm totally free!

It's going to be rainy and 66 degrees out which makes me just want to go back to sleep in my cozy and dry bed instead of braving the elements. You know, (on a another random thought) I think I'll pick up a bunch of umbrellas today as I'm so likely to lose or destroy them. Might as well have a supply.

My herb seeds have sprouted. That's not code for anything, I just planted basil, etc, seeds and they're already showing and growing towards the sun in our lovely southeastern-exposed window.

Evidently, (according to DH Jeff), there's an article in the Post today about backlash regarding those stupid illegal marches. I'll have to link to it later, but must scurry to work.

Ciao!

Later: here's the link to the story referred to above. Shows all immigrants are not of the same mind as the marchers.

Phone Calls, Meetings, Double Booking & Tai Shan

I don't really like talking on the phone. I actually run out of things to say & if I like the person would much rather be chatting with them in person over wine and cheese. If I don't really care for the person, then a brief email would suffice. Come to think of it, emails suffice in most situations. There's a limit to my attention span - to my own ramblings as well - and I find it hard to just listen without actually seeing the person.

Mostly, this is how I feel about meetings in general. Most discussion items can effectively be covered in an email. There's no need for me to actually see you face to face. Now, if I like you then the wine-n-cheese model works just fine (or should) and we can cover business in about the first 2 minutes, then proceed to gossip, chatting, and in-depth analysis of the themes of redemption in the series "Angel." Truthfully, that last part only applies to DH Jeff, but I'm willing to entertain others' participation. Hey, I was a religion major, but I guess then we were discussing dharma and cosmology. Same deal, really. Meetings that go for more than 30 minutes (well, really, 15 minutes) really just try my patience and make me sleepy. Especially when the whole point of the meeting is to make yourself seem more important than the insect you really are - and aren't we all in the big scheme of things? To think otherwise is to kid yourself.

Now, there is another thing that's come up lately in my human interactions that I find rather offensive. That is the whole "double-booking" concept. A friend gets together with you only to have to rush off to some party or other get-together. That just makes me think that the next thing is so much more fun and interesting than being with me and mine. And if that's the case, then please, by all means, don't bother with me - go straight to your party or other plans. Frankly, it's insulting. No one has to feel that they are obligated to spend any amount of time with me. It's also a bit self-important - that you're such a hot commodity that you can afford to be rude.

On a much brighter note, DH Jeff, his folks & I went to see Tai Shan this weekend & we got a good glimpse of the little furry tike trundling about with his mom. So cute...and yet he offered a telepathic koan for our enlightenment. Such an evolved creature - it only appears that nothing's going on but bamboo-eating! Ok, if this paragraph didn't make any sense to you, stop at "...afford to be rude." It's a thing.

Free at Last!!!

I am now DONE with Chemistry!!! Yippee! I'll have to wait for next week for my grade, but it's DONE!!!

The last few weeks could not have been more stressful (without a complete nervous breakdown) with the move (of apts), starting a new job, trying to finish up with the class. At the end, I was so unmotivated to do the homework, labs, etc. But did I mention that it's done?

Back to some semblance of normalcy, regular work hours, regular workouts, decorating and perhaps enjoying life a little.

Whew!