Life As an Afterthought

3-2

Dr.Dar — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:00:11 +0000

As a birth-day present to myself I’m starting a 365 photo project.
Not that I need to explain myself but nonetheless here.

I’ve been contemplating lately on my lack of writing for the past year or so. I thought that it would be nice to write from time to time, mostly for myself. But I haven’t, for so many (right!?) reasons and yet I feel like I failed {myself}.
I actually have a draft or two on some things from this list . I think some of it will never be written.
Items: 2. Taking the GRE test… & 3. The analytical//personality test. To be exact.

At the start of this new academic year I had a vision of doing more than just studying. I failed miserably. I imagined myself writing about my experience at school as well as doing research. I feel like I’m reverting and not making progress what so over.
Anyways, I hope to do better in the years to come.
After all we only get one chance and there’s nothing wrong with making mistakes.
Happy birth-day to me!

I found it amongst the internet spiderweb .. but i have no idea who to credit. I’ll be sure to add once i’ll find out.

Filed under: Afterthought, My life of Tagged: 365 photo project, afterthought, Photography, Writing

Over the Rainbow

Dr.Dar — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 11:06:12 +0000

Over the rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
there’s a land that I heard of
once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
and the dreams that you dare to dream
really do come true.

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
and wake up where the clouds are far
behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops,
that’s where you’ll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can’t I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
beyond the rainbow
why, oh why can’t I?

So, my littlest sister was 20 3 months and a day ago. This was my way to let her know that I <3 her so much!
The original cake post can be found here

Ingredients

226 g butter, room temp
2 1/3 c sugar
5 egg whites, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 c flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 1/2 c milk

Gel food color

Directions

Originally the recipe calls for red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple GEL food coloring. I actually used only red, blue and yellow and mixed to create the others.

Preheat the oven to 180^◦c. Oil and line how ever many 22cm cake pans you have (I ended up with 7 layers).

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Cream the sugar and butter, then add the egg whites one by one. Add the vanilla and mix until fully incorporated. Then, alternating between wet and dry, add the milk and flour mixture in two parts.

Divide the batter amongst bowls, and then whisk the food color into each bowl (for strong shades you’ll need a lot of it!). Pour into the pans and bake for 15 minutes each.

When you remove them from the oven, let them rest on the cooling rack, in the pan, for ten minutes. Then flip, cover, and stash them in the fridge to cool quickly. I need to hide the cake so I stashed them on top of each other outside the refrigerator for overnight stay.

Swiss Meringue Butter-cream for frosting

5 egg whites
1 c (200 g) sugar
2 sticks (226 g) butter, room temp
1 tsp (which ever flavor) extract

“While beating, cook the egg whites and sugar over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Transfer to a stand mixer and whip on high speed until it cools down. Then, on a medium-slow speed, add the butter one piece after the other. Once all the butter has been added, turn the mixer back to high speed and whip until it has come together. Finally, add the extract and whisk briefly.

It should be thick fluffy Meringue. If it doesn’t seem so then, refrigerate for couple of minutes (I waited till the bowl seemed cold) and whip until it becomes fluffy.”

So originally the butter-cream was for filling and frosting. But it seemed to me like a lot of well everything (the amounts were humongous) so I used it only for the frosting. Definitely a mistake on my behalf, because the whipped cream I used as a filling wasn’t that strong to hold the whole thing together.

Here is a step-by-step guide to making Swiss Meringue Buttercream and troubleshooting tips. I couldn’t look at it before starting since I had a kid in curfew using my computer. I just hoped for the best that my intuition (and skills) would be right. Luckily it did.

here’s also a video over Martha Stewart website.

Oh, If we were allowed to throw a party this could have been a great inspiration…

Filed under: Food, My life of Tagged: birthday, love, My life, rainbow, Recipe

Avatar

Dr.Dar — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:17:01 +0000

Where do I begin?! I had a feeling that I would not like it. Yes the 3-D is cutting edge technology besides the animation alone is to drool for. But that’s about the one good thing about this movie. Cameron invested 10 years in the development of that particular technology. So I would’ve expected that the story would be equally thought of.

Since I believe I’m one of the last people to have seen it I think that my spoiler alert is somewhat pointless nonetheless be ware.

We have the Na’vi the inhabitants of the planet Pandora with its rich minerals. Now the deal is quite simple, in order to excavate the mineral the human company wants to relocate the tribe. Only it’s their sacred place and they are not as wiling to leave as they assumed they would. To further complicate the situation the atmosphere at Pandora isn’t suitable for humans. That’s where the avatars come to play.

We also have Jake a paraplegic ex-marine recruited to the Avatar program. He joins because that way he’d walk again. No need for much convincing right?! Jake is there at first to help with research. But also to spy for the security team aka the bad guys. Then, something happens and he starts to really like those natives or more specifically this one girl.

Anyhow, the way I see it, the story is about minority résistance as well as accepting those who are different. What I don’t get is why the main character is a paraplegic. Yes, at first it makes sense, this gives him something he can’t have in the “real world”. But, that motivation is not enough for the final act of the movie, when he chooses to become part of the Na’vi.

There’s no conflict for him. In my opinion, it’s as if portraying a large percent of the population as invalids. Their sole “crime” is using a wheelchair as a way of transportation.

As if saying, you’re worth something only if you’re able to walk or run.

Besides, that way it is a selfish act, it is not done from understanding of the other or choosing someone you love. It is not an altruistic act what so ever.

Furthermore, if I did get the message right how is this supposed to educate people or more specifically children to be accepting of what’s different from them? How on earth is this movie about tolerance? I’m well aware that the war at the end doesn’t quite have that final note of peace and acceptance. But still, I think it does, in a way, aim to serve that message.

On the other hand, District 9, with the main character of an alien affair officer, who is not that tolerant toward them. While evacuating the district, he is infected with some kind of a biohazard, coincidentally transforms part of him to the aliens form. As he struggles for his life, he is forced to the alien ghetto. Then, toward the end, he realizes that they are as “humans” as he is. Of course that he helps them in the prospect that they’ll be able to transform him back. However, the act at the end is quite altruistic, in my mind; it reflects acceptance and understanding of the other. He has no guarantee that they’ll be back or that they’ll be able to cure him. He becomes eventually, as is suggested, an alien and lives amongst them.

So there you have it I hated Avatar not because of bad story telling or being some kind of a Pocahontas movie. Only by the sheer stupid use of disability, in my opinion, there was simply no need for it. Even worse using it as a motivation; I’m not naïve, not being able to walk- the obvious to being paraplegic- is limiting. But from that to depicting disabled people as invalids is wrong. Maybe I’m the only one who saw it that way. Perhaps I’m wrong and too sensitive, I can’t help thinking what someone, who is a paraplegic, felt during the movie.

I wrote this before reading any reviews. A lot of them are out there, not that I have read them all. I think this one says almost all of it as far as my opinion goes.

Just to be clear, though I didn’t like the movie, I enjoyed the company tremendously. So thanks so much for coming with me and putting up with my ranting.

Filed under: Movies Tagged: James Cameron, Movie, Rant

Sweet Inspiration

Dr.Dar — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:56:04 +0000

The whole thing was a total improvisation. The dude came back from the U.S and the need for a cake rose. We had a mixture of chocolate cake but he doesn’t care much for chocolate which still baffles me. However, cheesecakes are much to his taste. Alas it needs cooling and it was a little too late for that. So I figured… I always wanted to try and make a trifle. I kind of also wanted it to be similar to a lemon pie. So the idea for a Lemon Strawberry Trifle was formed.

Now, it may look like a long list of things to do. But it is actually quite simple. The Lemon Curd is from the ”sweet book” and is the tricky part of the recipe because of the eggs. Cause you don’t want to end up with a lemon omelet. So this step should be carefully executed. In fact you can make it before hand.

Lemon Curd

Ingredients

2 ½ tbsp lemon zests

1 cup lemon juice

300 gr sugar

4 eggs + egg yolk

Pinch of salt

200 gr butter

Directions

Over medium to high burner whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, lemon zest and juice until blended. Constantly stir (to prevent it from curdling), until the mixture becomes thick.
Add the butter and cook while still stirring for about 10 minutes (it will kind of shin by the end).
Let it cool. It will keep nicely refrigerated for say two weeks.

Trifle

Ingredients

Mascarpone cheese

Sugar

Lemon Curd

Pre made sponge cake

Strawberry jam

Limón cello

Strawberries

Directions

Beat the mascarpone cheese with 2 tbsp sugar (or more if you like it sweeter).
Soak the cake with a mixture of the strawberry jam and the Limón cello (or some other alcohol that suits you).

Now for the assembly:

Place a layer of the soaked cake at the bottom of the bowl.
Place some sliced strawberries.
Pour some of the Lemon Curd over the strawberries.
Pour the cream over the whole lot.

Repeat stages 1-4 till you’ve reached the top (or you’ve left with nothing).

To garnish, finish with a layer of cream and strawberries.

If you’ll let it rest for the night the flavors will mingle better. Though, it’s still quite good if set only for a few hours (at the refrigerator of course).

Filed under: Food Tagged: lemon strawberry recipe

Of stupid TV executives’ decisions

Dr.Dar — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:55:56 +0000

The season final of “FlashForward” was totally unsatisfying. I know it is loosely based on a book by R.J Sawyer so I’m planning to read it. Still had enough of unfinished more like open ended unfinished TV series. YES that is why I hate TV executives. Some how it’s the Sci-Fi shows that fall. My Sci-Fi shows- not that I own them or anything like it just love(d) watching.
I’m not usually one to sulk about this things I barley hold a grudge for most of them. I only have one show that I really feel this passionate about. To be utterly honest about the whole thing is that at the time it wasn’t a big deal. I watched “Dark Angel” as it aired during the first season then by the second season I lost interest. Mainly because from being a great show it had become something entirely different. It was also the 2nd year of my B.Sc. which is to say the least the hardest & time consuming of them all.
Almost 7 years have past till I watched it again. It was summer all my regular shows have ended so I decided to look for interesting shows. Not that I will disclose how I obtained that show but I found it and I remembered that I liked it and so it was done. It was also a time of “writing & reading” which basically means that you get to stay most of the time at home looking for inspiration. Now who says that said inspiration won’t come from watching TV?
Anyways at time inspiration strikes people at 3 in the morning. It’s annoying but you live with it. And you need to find ways to occupy yourself till that elusive thought will come.
Hum I wonder when this post has become about writing and my usual science rant… And why am I using the third person when referring to myself? It was supposed to be about TV exacts! So, back on track…
I watched the whole thing in a span of a week or so. I still didn’t like the way the second season was. At least it seemed as though they might come to their senses at the third season. But wait o no there’s no third season. And believe me when I say this: this is as open ended as a thing can get. Luckily I have my little sister to laugh at me regarding this. Bit she also told me about fan fiction. So I found me some nice stories some of them are even better than the story line that was being developed by the writers of the second season! Some are trying to correct the course that it took. It’s like therapy for the show.
The thing is that this show was a total success at the time for starters it has Jessica Alba and the stunning Michael Weatherly (Shamefully I didn’t even made the connection between Tony Dinozzo to Logan Cale until I searched IMDB- long time ago). But then they shifted the plot lines to something else not to mention the way they tried to create tension between the two main characters. I think that what did it though was the move to a different time slot. So the ratings went down and there you have it, from a successful show to a sinking ship. With an open ended season. Such a shame.
By the way I haven’t watched the last episode of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. I know that there’s no third season. That way I have my illusion of a last un-watched episode.

Filed under: Movies Tagged: James Cameron, Jessica Alba, Michael Weatherly, TV show

I thought that the backlog post will help push things…

Dr.Dar — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:18:01 +0000

However I realized that writing is much fluid when using good old pen and paper. The not so convenient side is that you need to type it again. Maybe that’s why I haven’t made any progress with my backlog posts. Plus I noticed that I as other bloggers of the scientific (Bio-Med) blogosphere post every once in a month or two. Well not that I actually consider myself to be part of that yet, just some unrelated facts.
Coming soon why I hate TV executives…

Filed under: Afterthought Tagged: Rant, Writing

Backlog

Dr.Dar — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:16:34 +0000

I have this backlog of posts I wanted to do. But each time I start the computer I start the web explorer and then I am stuck. I’m in this world that is real but not real, the one that I wish I was a part but am not. I know it kind of not make sense but it just lure you there and you get to fantasize about stuff. It is highly addictive. Sadly I’m of the right (wrong) personality for addictions.
Anyways that’s not what I had in mind while starting to write this post. I actually wanted to give an account of the things I wanted to post about but haven’t.
So there’s the:
1. Lemon strawberry trifle I made for li’l Bro.
2. Taking the GRE test…
3. The analytical//personality test.
4. How I feel about Avatar {which is really funny because I need to watch it first but just from the trailer I had a few thoughts on some of the overlooked issues there}.
5. Why I acutely hate TV executives.
6. Two of Sandra Bullock movies {similar but completely different at the same time}.
7. Why watching “The Time Traveler’s Wife” would have been better than reading the book. {At least for me}.
I believe that’s it for now. I’m sure it interests no one but I feel like doing it for myself. Just because it is nagging my brain. Probably link each topic as I cover them. I sure do hope that it will not take me long. Seriously there are more important things that should be nagging at it.
And off topic(s) I have no more excuses to avoid the Gym. So am gonna attack that place again with my previous stamina.

Filed under: Afterthought Tagged: James Cameron, Movie, My life, Study

Guilt

Dr.Dar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:15:17 +0000

In my mind I wrote that e-mail thousands of times. But I can’t bring myself to actually do IT. What am I talking about? The e-mail notification I’m supposed to write to Professor W. I have this notion that it will seal the future. Or should I say that particular future. But since I am not so sure about what’s going to happen. I just can’t do it. I mean I was so excited when he said that he’d be interested. He seemed nice enough at the visit. I know that it is rode. I feel guilty because I said that I will let him know what’s going to happen once I’ll be home. So here I am 4 month later, I haven’t contacted him, nor did he. But I know that I’m supposed to do that. It’s not like he wanted me to join his lab and pursue me. The longer I wait the guilter I feel. Still I can’t bring my self to do it. As if it is admitting a failure of sorts. I know that even if things won’t work out the way I want them to. I will not join that particular lab because of my misconduct. So I have the “I will not be able to join your lab” sentence stuck in my head. And on the other hand I still want to have this option open. It is crazy and drives me even more so crazy. I now realize that it is as if I haven’t really made my mind.
Now all of this seams like rambling nonsense and i feel Stupid just plain STUPID.

June 07, 2010 Edited to say: OMG I did it I finally sent the mail. Better late then never I believe. It was so not worth biting myself for. I’m sure of my choice to go to Med School. HA!!

Filed under: At the Lab Tagged: At the Lab, My life

For the love of…

Dr.Dar — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:30:40 +0000

Way after the last Reese’s well, lasted I had a craving for a peanut butter and chocolate combo. First, I improvised with PB chocolate spread and bread but it was just not the same concentrated taste. What a girl got to then? I rummaged the web for a homemade solution. Finally, I settled for “Idle Hands” however this seemed more PB than Chocolate. Which is fine but for the chocoholic that I am it’s just not right. Maybe I will make those as well in the future. But for now I invented SPBF (swirl peanut butter fudge).
Just a warning the fudge part require some kind of knowledge in the kitchen. And it would be best if you have an electricity socket near the gas. But we don’t have and I still manage ;-P

Ingredients
For the PB swirl:
500 gr peanut butter
1 cup of Sweetened Condensed Milk
25 gr butter
Salt

For the chocolate fudge:
350 gr dark chocolate (70%)
175 gr butter
50 gr cacao powder
5 eggs
200 gr sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 180◦c
PB swirl:
Melt the butter and the milk with the peanut butter; add salt (add only if the peanut butter is unsalted) make sure that the batter is consistent.

Chocolate fudge:
In double boiler (a bowl resting over a pot of lightly simmering water), melt the chocolate with the butter.

Remove and add the cacao powder let it cool a bit.
In double boiler, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract it should become warm and fluffy. Now remove from over the steams and continue to beat until the mixture is cooled down.

Fold in the chocolate mix gently.

And for the fun part… spread the fudge onto a square pan. Pour over the PB part with a spoon or a fork mix them a bit.

Bake for about 50 min. The cake should be a bit soft from the inside.

Boy do I love homemade solutions.

Filed under: Food Tagged: Chocolate, Peanut butter, Recipe

Some kind of resolution…

Dr.Dar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:25:19 +0000

I wrote this sometime ago…

“Been thinking a lot lately about the future… what I wanted and how I see things now. I remember how Hadar and I used to talk about being an M.D and lawyer… she went to study medicine a broad and dropped few years later to study pharmacology. I on the other hand decided to try to apply after biology studies…. I’m doing my PhD right know, after being in the army in one office with one doctor and way to many sick people I decided that research is more my field of interest. (I was a paramedic of sorts). And since the human brain always fascinated me I choose the neurobiochemistry department (which is now the neurobiology one). However doing neuronal culture I don’t feel that I am a true neurobiologist rather then a cell biologist. And now is my dilemma regarding the future I can choose to stay in my field which is the DNA damage response and even maybe continue with the same sort of study in neuronal cells. Or I can sort of switch field and do a proper neurobiology post doc. And I can’t seem to made up my mind and it drives me crazy… the uncertainties are overwhelming and I wish someone will make the choice for me.”

It was posted to my FB with some ppl throwing their two cents. Needless to say that no one made the choice for me.
I however decided to walk the neurobiology avenue. So I searched for a potential post doc lab and after some stressful months I had a positive feeling about the whole thing. My trip to the U.S was mainly for checking this one lab that I was considering for a post doc. But I realized that it is not really what I want. I mean I could have had fun time doing great research, with great resources, learning some new skills. But I could not imagine myself doing all that alone, for at least 5 years. Still I <3 doing research and would surely be happy to continue doing that. There are however, certain things that I dislike.
Let’s just say that if you can’t forget about something that you wanted all your life you should try to pursue it. At least this is what I have decided. So yesterday I have submitted my application to med school. This, on so many levels is crazy. I’m cramming my brain for the GRE (biochemistry cell and molecular biology).
It also got me to revise my past decisions. It’s not that I regret anything, and well if things won’t workout I still have a post doc option. Still I wish I would have thought of things thoroughly before.
It’s childish but I feel so conflicted on so many level that still I truly want some one else to decide. Even if someone is willing to make those decisions for me. It’s too late for that …. Let’s hope for the best.

Filed under: Afterthought Tagged: At the Lab, My life

<3

Dr.Dar — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:59:38 +0000

originally uploaded to my Flickr { inbaldar }.

Oh my brain is like a mush can’t find the right words. I know I wanted to say something. All I can come up with is sort of (lame) explanation of the day I took that photograph and the processing.

… While Shimus was up north enjoying the snow we were just freezing. The weather forecast promised a storm. Nonetheless we had the sun shining all day but it was a fake sun. So since outside was freezing (well relatively speaking still it is Israel) and I was bored, more like in need of a break, I decided to play with the humidity formed on the window. And the light that came from the garden just called for shooting some thing. And well this is what I made of it….

Anyways Happy Mother/Family day (for us Israelis) which is also VD and a New Chinese year!!!

Filed under: love Tagged: My life, Photography, Poladroid, Valentine's Day

Last days of my U.S trip

Dr.Dar — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:28:46 +0000

So its been quite some time since my trip to the US of A. and I could have cheated and post it as if after landing but I won’t.
For my last days of the trip I shopped. With little time for random strolling I however, left the last day for rummaging around Brooklyn for the last time… it was kind of funny, the hostel I stayed was minutes away from a major Jewish neighborhood. Wondering around those streets felt strange. Not quite like walking around Bnei-B’rak or other major orthodox neighborhoods. It was funny to see all the warnings:

And some of the mixed Hebrew Yiddish signs.

I didn’t want to miss the iconic Oy Vey sign so I walked toward the Williamsburg Bridge.

Then, crossed over to Manhattan to the east side. Found some great store fronts there… with a very vintage look (check some more over my flickr…)

Along with other wonderful things :->

Evening came and I took my flight I think it’s a first for me to have a sunset onboard

and a sunrise.

Mind you it wasn’t the same flight since I had a short layover at Madrid, but still.

And there is something to say about flying ELAL

Certainly it makes some people feel right at home.

And I was so glad to be home as well!!!

Filed under: Travel Tagged: NYC, Trip

They don’t really care for music, do they?

Dr.Dar — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:53:38 +0000

HALLELUJAH

LEONARD COHEN

Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I’ve walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What’s really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don’t even know the name
But if I did, well really, what’s it to you?
There’s a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn’t matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah….

have you ever considered the meaning of the song? to me its about love gone wrong… what about U? what do you think?! is it really hopeful song?

well anyways i do hope that it will help Haiti

Posted in Music Tagged: Haiti, Hallelujah, Hope For Haiti Now, Justin Timberlake, Leonard Cohen, Music i heart

Is it really ingenious ?!

Dr.Dar — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:51:52 +0000

SO about the Genius… After using the application for sometime now, I find it very limiting. It’ll mix only certain artists together that are supposedly related. For the most part it has the same genre, only by different bands/artists.
The only playlist that I was totally satisfied with was based on Samson by Regina Spektor.
So if I ever have a spare moment or two and the inspiration to do so I will create my own list… in the mean time it’ll have to do. For the reason that it’s so much easier. And obviously I lack the musical knowledge to combine playlists with different genres.

Posted in Music Tagged: Genius, iTunes, Music i heart, Playlist, Regina Spektor

The snapping of photos

Dr.Dar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:09:54 +0000

3 days on a bus and I was reduced to eating junk food on the road.

We left from Chinatown (the source of the Chinese). As Shany suspected it was a lot of time on the bus. We drove all the way up from the city to the 1000 islands area. All in all it was about 5 or so hours. To be a millionaire in America… plenty of tiny islands to choose from. On each one a vacation home. We had a short boat ride and then continued to the falls while we reached by 8 o’clock. ~~It was freezing cold and here is the evidence.~~

so maybe I got confused during the original post… no evidence in that picture

So that’s the American falls at night. I was so tired and cold that all that mattered to me was a hot shower and then sleep. We had a compulsory wakeup call at 6 and by 7 we left to see the falls again, this time it was the horse shoe which I believe are better seen from the Canadian side.

It seems that the second day was all for doing the ride back down toward NYC. So we stopped at one of the Finger Lakes for about 15 minutes.

And off we went to the corning glass factory.

I didn’t enter the museum. I think they had about 1 hour to see all the exhibitions and people said that it wasn’t enough time. So honestly it was a waste of time. We were also supposed to visit the Hershey’s factory only we got there 10 minutes before the closing.

Then we stopped on the way to the hotel at some place to eat. We slept at the holiday inn somewhere called laurel. Don’t know about the city but the room was nice.

Again 6am a robot wakes me up. Then it was a frenzy of photosnapping at all of the major places around D.C so first was the Capitol Hill then the white house. Followed by memorial this and that. It was rushed like the bus stops you have 15 minutes GO!.

Finally at the Lincoln memorial we had little bit more time and I could breathe and say never again. Not going to take another tour that is organized by Chinese company. I would rather take my time thank you!

Stopped at the air and the space museum…

drove to Philadelphia to see the bell and the crack and then back to NYC.
OMG the traffic, never have I seen such a thing.
It’s almost over now.

** Again I will organize everything later… like once I am home

edited January 22 (again shame on me). and check my flickr for some more.

Posted in Travel Tagged: Niagara falls, RoadTrip, Trip, Washington D.C

NYC round two

Dr.Dar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:30:33 +0000

Day 1
I’ve been all over and still I feel that I will never get to know this place properly. It is huge, never ending maze of streets stores and people so many people.

At the lanudrment, his big brother is teaching him how to fold the socks.
So I’ve been to Chinatown, it’s a strange thing, I’m not sure why. I had lunch at the public park. People were playing Chinese chess, singing and doing tai-chi. I also found a synagogue as well however it is unused (originally it was the Jewish part) but not neglected. Until they left to other areas so that Chinatown expended.
So, the borders between the neighborhoods are kind of blurry. And I strolled over to the east side, the lower east side that is. Used to be jewish, Now filled with designer shops cafes and such. At katz’s they filmed the famus scene of when Harry met Sally.

And by the evening I got all the way to Greenwich Village.

Day 2
Had a breakfast at central park

The ice skating ring is open, it was such a nice day that all I wanted was to stay and read a book. But I went with Millena which I met at the hostel and we were headed to the MOMA museum. Shes the one with the pale pink bag.

Besides I finished both of my books and didn’t buy another one yet.
So that’s the museum garden

On the way back to the hostel at the subway.

Day 3
It was a quiet walk through Chelsea and Greenwich Village. And the weather is holding nicely, I still take my coat (and use it by night) and wear two layers but still no rain.
I found the set for Law and order criminal intent at the Chelsea piers (NO, no actresses were spotted, not that I will know to recognize them.)

and of course the Chelsea hotel.
Greenwich Village is so pastoral and with the NY University located right in the middle it is a lively place.
For my 4 o’clock tea I had a cheese cake from Magnolia bakery and apple cider (natural and worm) from a booth I found at the farmers market by union square.

Day 4
I was headed to the Guggenheim … but since it is so close to the park I couldn’t resist another breakfast there. The added bonus was that I finally bought a book.

Then, on the way to the museum I saw 3 synagogues this is the Safra.

They are holding a special retrospective exhibition of Kandinsky works which was spectacular.

Then I strolled again at the park all the way toward Columbia University.

Well that’s concludes my second round of the city.

Sorry, the computer is not cooperating right now. The order of the pictures is as at the post. I will insert them to their places and I will upload some more to my Flickr. Just not right away, it takes ages…

edited at January 22 (shame on me) and i will even update my flickr.

Posted in Travel Tagged: Guggenheim, Kandinsky, Magnolia bakery, NYC, Trip

Who need a Salt Lake when you’ve got the Dead Sea?!

Dr.Dar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:14:21 +0000

America decaffeinated me!
The coffee is awful. Tastes like water with dirt. So I switched to herbal tea. MOM would be proud; we can share the giant tea mug.
So, Salt Lake City. If you happen to go on the street than strange people will say hello to you. And boy was Arin right about them. Sugary, sweet, fake smiling girls. The streets are so wide like 4 lanes each direction. It seemed that the city was built for cars. Not people.
So, about those girls… Once they saw me they felt compelled to talk. Which led them to ask about my accent and then, it was oh Israel I want to go there, such a nice heritage, and the bible and Jesus was your father. The bullshit that came out of theirs mouths was overwhelming.
They have a crazy method for streets numbering. It’s in relation to the temple square. So let’s say o building is 4 blocks to the east of the temple it will be 400E. of course it like a grid so it will actually be 400E 600S. Or so I think because I can’t understand the logic. You need to walk with a Campos or in-brain GPS.
Also some serious construction work is going on the downtown area, with no affect on traffic or any other thing, because the streets are so wide. So on paper it all seems so close by, only in reality it is a long distances walks.
Public transportation outside the city is practically nonexistent. So you must have a car or you’re confined to the city limits.
Didn’t get to visit the big salt lake. I was settled to take the tour, only I was trying to hard called several times because the needed 6 people minimum. Which no matter how I am not. The receptionist asked a transportation company, which was 45$ each way, just for seeing a lake. So I spent my day at the park reading instead. Then when it was too cold I went to the library.
Umm, yeah had a great view from the 15th floor.

Posted in Travel Tagged: LDS, SLC, Trip, Utah

From NYC to SLC it’s like two different worlds…

Dr.Dar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:54:39 +0000

So here I am at the guesthouse… trying to figure out MAC. And doing what you all told me. I didn’t lose the days count but I don’t see how that’s relevant any more… so on Saturday it was raining so I went to the metropolitan museum. It is a huge one and I got lost there. And at the and also lost interest. But it is amazing you go from room full of Picasso to a room full of Degas etc. there was a room of the dancers statues. They also ship over a tomb from Egypt. See

And then I strolled through central park. It was the day before the marathon and they had a concert and giving some things to the participants.

Then walked to the Lincoln center.

But the funniest thing was at the subway back to the hostel… so the station was full. They were doing some construction work at some lines, which caused a bit of a problem since it was also Halloween. So any way a man was there directing everyone to the right lines and it was plenty of costumes once the train was at the station he was scoop people scoop. And he was looking like the “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3” character. Honestly like a nice Afro-American man.

Sunday I saw a bit of the marathon because it was so closed to the station next to my hostel and left to SLC. Landed at the evening and it felt like tons of cars driving the city but everything seemed closed.

The following days were spent at the lab. They eat so early like 11:30 in the morning and all are very nice. O it’s a guys lab. I still want to see one technique at the lab. The view from the university is amazing and it is very big.

So probably I will walk the city and go to see the salt lake, which apparently is also known as America’s dead sea, the next days…

Posted in Travel Tagged: NYC, SLC, Trip, Utah

NYC Day 1 and 2

Dr.Dar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:55:23 +0000

So my thesis was submitted Sun… and I packed my bag spent the day with the family on Mon, and off to the airport late night. The first flight was awful, and the second wasn’t any better. Had a long wait between the two which I filled with reading a book. “My Sister’s Keeper” is a good one but I cried the whole time. I’m guessing that people on the flight and airport where troubled by that. Had a back and neck pain the whole time. So between trying to not sleep so I will be in tuned with the new time and the pains and crying I was exhausted. Not surprising that I spent my first day sleeping.
So officially I will refer to my first day of travel as Oct 29..
Day 1
Took the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge, and walk toward Manhattan. The view is great it was cold yet also sunny.

Then I strolled through the financial district…

There was a concert at the trinity church which was nice.

Then, a trip on the Staten Island ferry.

Finished with a walk at the Times Square.

Day 2
It was sunny and though I wanted to go to the Met. I decided to go to Brooklyn botanical gardens.
Played with Mr. Pink but I’m not sure what will come out of this I don’t know if I started the frame at the right place. Oh the mysteries of film photography.

Oh and to find some Jews not so successful on that front but just because I didn’t follow the girl that oh so naturally said hey to me. God help me I don’t know how she new.
So I guess I will have to go find them again. Or not… will see ‘bout that.

Hop over to my flickr to see some more pictures.

Posted in Travel Tagged: NYC, Trip

On writing

Dr.Dar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:49:52 +0000

Thinks I’m crazy… trying to link DDR & ROS & CR. The final instilment of my thesis… It’s my supervisor idea that according to some of my work this has to be re-evaluated. Only I don’t think we done enough to totally suggest a new theory about aging. And all along he continually disregarded this aspect of my work. Claiming, that other things are more pressing. It came to a point (actually several times if I recall correctly), that he wanted me to stop with the oxidative stress stuff and concentrate on my other model. Which I dutifully did… to a certain point.
And now I have to think of creative ways to not dismiss current hypothesis regarding aging. I mean, just because my stupid mice didn’t have striking aging or neurodegeneration, doesn’t mean that those theories aren’t valid for humans. And it’s not the focus of my study at all!! Who am I to disappoint millions of people? Whose only fault is to think that antioxidants prolong life span… which they can, as experts say.
And I’m no expert on that subject.

Edited to say that I conquered one obstacle, a few to overcome… and then it will be over!!!

Posted in Rant Tagged: At the Lab, Rant, Writing