I saw a brief news clip this morning on the local Raleigh ABC affiliate about a movement to change Santa's "Ho Ho Ho" to "Ha Ha Ha" because it may offend people. WTF! As one of the anchors said, "that was one of the stupidest things I've ever heard." Looks like most of the world agrees that this Australian-based movement is ridiculous.
Chicago Tribune - "Ha, ha, ha. Merry Christmas!"
Great Falls Post Star - "Ha ha ha: Beware of the politically correct Santa"
P.S. If you don't know the source of WTF, Mate?!? click here (NSFW)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Mountaintop High
Last week I traveled to Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia for the Virginia Governor's Housing Conference. Three days out of the office are always enjoyable, but this was probably the best conference I've attended in the little over two years I've been working. A coworker and I manned our display throughout the three days and I met hundreds of people involved in affordable housing. I don't know if we'll get any business out of it but it never hurts to talk to everyone you can. It was also pretty neat to see the reactions when somebody saw a project in which they were involved in a photo on our display board. Their eyes lit up and they screetched with happiness.
Friday we had to pack up the display early so we both hung out for a couple of hours and then hit the road. I didn't have a schedule so I started my explorations with the goal of seeking out the world's largest man-made star on top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke (learned that interesting fact after I reached my destination). Leaving the star I hit the Blue Ridge Parkway near the city and followed the one way loop up Roanoke Mountain all the time enjoying the winding road and the beautiful fall leaves that were still clinging to the trees.
After enjoying the overlooks, I headed back down to downtown Roanoke and found a historic rehab in which we invested several years ago and crisscrossed the downtown grid. Roanoke was a surprise. I figured it would be small town, but it's a full fledged city with a lot going on downtown. I don't think I'd want to live there, but I certainly wouldn't mind visiting again.
From Roanoke, I drove south on I-81 to I-77 and bsck to North Carolina. If you're looking for a great view, the section of 77 just north of the NC border is amazing, just watch out for the trucks while you're admiring the scenary. My quest for the afternoon was to finally drive across the engineering marvel, Lin Cove Viaduct section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I entered the parkway near Boone and drove about 40 miles south on the parkway. I cranked up the classical music thanks to the XM and cruised through the mountains. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time and the adjective flowing from my mind can only describe the afternoon as glorious. The sun filtering through the golden leaves was glorious, the first snow of the season was glorious, and the brisk temperatures brought a smile to my face. I love the mountains and the parkway certainly is a national treasure.
After my mountaintop experience I drove to Charlotte to spend the night at my sister's in Uptown. We had dinner at La Paz (the same as the one in Vinings) and had a good time.
Saturday morning I woke up early and hit the road to Atlanta with the Tech flags flying on the Envoy. I arrived at the tailgate right on time and had some great white chili thanks to Meagan. I procurred a free ticket from a nice Tech fan and had a good time at the entirely too close game.
Thanksgiving vacation makes me thankful that I have the opportunity and ability to have such great experiences.
Photos from my Travels
Ginormous Star in Roanoke
Grandfather Mountain from the Parkway
Friday we had to pack up the display early so we both hung out for a couple of hours and then hit the road. I didn't have a schedule so I started my explorations with the goal of seeking out the world's largest man-made star on top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke (learned that interesting fact after I reached my destination). Leaving the star I hit the Blue Ridge Parkway near the city and followed the one way loop up Roanoke Mountain all the time enjoying the winding road and the beautiful fall leaves that were still clinging to the trees.
After enjoying the overlooks, I headed back down to downtown Roanoke and found a historic rehab in which we invested several years ago and crisscrossed the downtown grid. Roanoke was a surprise. I figured it would be small town, but it's a full fledged city with a lot going on downtown. I don't think I'd want to live there, but I certainly wouldn't mind visiting again.
From Roanoke, I drove south on I-81 to I-77 and bsck to North Carolina. If you're looking for a great view, the section of 77 just north of the NC border is amazing, just watch out for the trucks while you're admiring the scenary. My quest for the afternoon was to finally drive across the engineering marvel, Lin Cove Viaduct section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I entered the parkway near Boone and drove about 40 miles south on the parkway. I cranked up the classical music thanks to the XM and cruised through the mountains. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time and the adjective flowing from my mind can only describe the afternoon as glorious. The sun filtering through the golden leaves was glorious, the first snow of the season was glorious, and the brisk temperatures brought a smile to my face. I love the mountains and the parkway certainly is a national treasure.
After my mountaintop experience I drove to Charlotte to spend the night at my sister's in Uptown. We had dinner at La Paz (the same as the one in Vinings) and had a good time.
Saturday morning I woke up early and hit the road to Atlanta with the Tech flags flying on the Envoy. I arrived at the tailgate right on time and had some great white chili thanks to Meagan. I procurred a free ticket from a nice Tech fan and had a good time at the entirely too close game.
Thanksgiving vacation makes me thankful that I have the opportunity and ability to have such great experiences.
Photos from my Travels
Monday, November 12, 2007
Four for $30
This weekend was the annual "Tech vs. North Carolina School Tailgate Hosted by Brian" and this year's opponent was Duke. Unfortunately, given the competition, level of Tech's recent play, and timing of the game the turnout wasn't as high as in years past with only four brave souls making the trek to the Triangle. Although the group was small we were loud and proud alums and had a great time.
Gameday started out with a trip to Bojangles on 15-501 in Durham much to Melissa's disappointment after we passed one on Glenwood in Raleigh. From Bojangles we headed to Duke and joined the masses of Tech fans in the lot of 751 and Science Drive and broke out the cooler. My unusual culinary concoction this year was Peach Ginger Bellinis that I saw Tyler Florence make on the Food Network. The tasty beverage consists of a simple syrup with infused ginger blended with frozen peaches and then shaken with Champange. It turned out decently well for my first attempt, but it was a little thick and probably could have used some more Champagne (According to my friend Mark, when in doubt always had more alcohol to the recipe).
While hanging out in the parking lot we tossed the football, visited with fellow fans, and acquired some tickets. This was my third game at Duke and I have learned to not buy tickets for full price. The stadium is never close to being full so tickets are abundant and cheap. While enjoying the tailgate a scalper, if one can call him that, came up asking if we needed tickets. He told us his stock, selling $25 Tech-side for $20 and general admission $15 for $10. I offered him $10/ticket for the Tech tickets. He thought about it for a few seconds and said "How about 4 for $30?" I confered with the group and immediately whipped out $30. Yes, he just sold us 4 for $30 when I offered him $40. I think he must have thought I said $10 for all 4, but nonetheless we got a better deal. Moral of the story, don't be a scalper at Duke games, you won't make much money.
The game was pretty fun and the defense dominated. The score would have been much more lopsided if it hadn't been for scores off an interception, blocked punt, and fumble. Duke capitalized on our mistakes, but couldn't get anything going offensively. Our offense showed some life, but the receivers need to learn to hold onto the ball when it hits them square in the hands. The highlight of the game was when Tashard "Duece" Choice started the game only three weeks after knee surgery and acknowledged the crowd chanting "Duuuuueeeeccccceeee" as he walked on the field for the first series.
After the game, I drove the group around campus to see the beautiful Gothic architecture and then dropped Ben at his car so he could meet his sister for dinner. The three of us then headed to downtown Durham and the American Tobacco Historic District for dinner at Mellow Mushroom which gave me the chance to give an architecture/real estate tour.
Following dinner we were tired and drove back to my apartment, started a fire, and watched a Knocked Up. It was pretty good but slow towards the middle, evidenced by my falling asleep for a few minutes. Sunday morning we had breakfast at Brigs Restaurant which has won numerous "Best of" awards for its breakfast which turned out to be pretty tasty. After lunch Melissa and Adam hit the road and Ben and I hung out the rest of the afternoon being nerds playing video games and watching Man vs. Wild.
Overall a pretty fun weekend and if you weren't there you missed out!
Camera Phone Gallery of Gameday
Buzz!
Gameday started out with a trip to Bojangles on 15-501 in Durham much to Melissa's disappointment after we passed one on Glenwood in Raleigh. From Bojangles we headed to Duke and joined the masses of Tech fans in the lot of 751 and Science Drive and broke out the cooler. My unusual culinary concoction this year was Peach Ginger Bellinis that I saw Tyler Florence make on the Food Network. The tasty beverage consists of a simple syrup with infused ginger blended with frozen peaches and then shaken with Champange. It turned out decently well for my first attempt, but it was a little thick and probably could have used some more Champagne (According to my friend Mark, when in doubt always had more alcohol to the recipe).
While hanging out in the parking lot we tossed the football, visited with fellow fans, and acquired some tickets. This was my third game at Duke and I have learned to not buy tickets for full price. The stadium is never close to being full so tickets are abundant and cheap. While enjoying the tailgate a scalper, if one can call him that, came up asking if we needed tickets. He told us his stock, selling $25 Tech-side for $20 and general admission $15 for $10. I offered him $10/ticket for the Tech tickets. He thought about it for a few seconds and said "How about 4 for $30?" I confered with the group and immediately whipped out $30. Yes, he just sold us 4 for $30 when I offered him $40. I think he must have thought I said $10 for all 4, but nonetheless we got a better deal. Moral of the story, don't be a scalper at Duke games, you won't make much money.
The game was pretty fun and the defense dominated. The score would have been much more lopsided if it hadn't been for scores off an interception, blocked punt, and fumble. Duke capitalized on our mistakes, but couldn't get anything going offensively. Our offense showed some life, but the receivers need to learn to hold onto the ball when it hits them square in the hands. The highlight of the game was when Tashard "Duece" Choice started the game only three weeks after knee surgery and acknowledged the crowd chanting "Duuuuueeeeccccceeee" as he walked on the field for the first series.
After the game, I drove the group around campus to see the beautiful Gothic architecture and then dropped Ben at his car so he could meet his sister for dinner. The three of us then headed to downtown Durham and the American Tobacco Historic District for dinner at Mellow Mushroom which gave me the chance to give an architecture/real estate tour.
Following dinner we were tired and drove back to my apartment, started a fire, and watched a Knocked Up. It was pretty good but slow towards the middle, evidenced by my falling asleep for a few minutes. Sunday morning we had breakfast at Brigs Restaurant which has won numerous "Best of" awards for its breakfast which turned out to be pretty tasty. After lunch Melissa and Adam hit the road and Ben and I hung out the rest of the afternoon being nerds playing video games and watching Man vs. Wild.
Overall a pretty fun weekend and if you weren't there you missed out!
Camera Phone Gallery of Gameday
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Congrats!
Congratulations to my sister Emily for being a published researcher! Last year she worked in a chemistry lab and now the paper has been published and she's the third author. Pretty cool stuff, especially considering she's working in investment banking now.
CHED 000 - Synthesis of a histidine analog: (2-Imidazolyl)alanine
Grace Logan, Kathryn A. Lipford, Emily Oxford, and David R. Haines, Department of Chemistry, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, Fax: 781-283-3642, glogan@wellesley.edu
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous peptide released in the insulin induction pathway when food is ingested. GLP-1 binds to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in pancreatic b-cells, initiating a second messenger cascade resulting in the release of insulin into the bloodstream. As part of an SAR study of the N-terminal histidine (1) of GLP-1, which is essential to the activation of GLP-1R, we have prepared (2-imidazolyl)alanine (2) as a histidine analog. Hydroxymethylation of a protected imidazole occurs preferentially at the 2 position. Reaction of the protected hydroxymethylimidazole with thionyl chloride, followed by reaction with a chirally protected glycine anion gave protected 2 as a single diastereomer. Removal of the protecting groups gave 2 enantiomerically pure and in excellent yield. BOC protection of 2 followed by incorporation, by solid phase synthesis, into GLP-1 in place of histidine gave a GLP-1 analog which was screened for activation of GLP-1R.
CHED 000 - Synthesis of a histidine analog: (2-Imidazolyl)alanine
Grace Logan, Kathryn A. Lipford, Emily Oxford, and David R. Haines, Department of Chemistry, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, Fax: 781-283-3642, glogan@wellesley.edu
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous peptide released in the insulin induction pathway when food is ingested. GLP-1 binds to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in pancreatic b-cells, initiating a second messenger cascade resulting in the release of insulin into the bloodstream. As part of an SAR study of the N-terminal histidine (1) of GLP-1, which is essential to the activation of GLP-1R, we have prepared (2-imidazolyl)alanine (2) as a histidine analog. Hydroxymethylation of a protected imidazole occurs preferentially at the 2 position. Reaction of the protected hydroxymethylimidazole with thionyl chloride, followed by reaction with a chirally protected glycine anion gave protected 2 as a single diastereomer. Removal of the protecting groups gave 2 enantiomerically pure and in excellent yield. BOC protection of 2 followed by incorporation, by solid phase synthesis, into GLP-1 in place of histidine gave a GLP-1 analog which was screened for activation of GLP-1R.
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