Posted by Leslie on January 3rd, 2008 | No Comments
Eastern North America (where I am) can get quite a show in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan 4. It’s possible to see one or two shooting stars every minute during peak hours during the Quadrantid Meteor Shower. The question is: can I make myself get up at that time to witness this event??!!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on January 3rd, 2008 | No Comments
My pal Lisa has a fun list of Star Trek quotes up for her Thursday Thirteen. Star Trek is what really got me hooked on Science Fiction from when I was a child so it has a special place in my heart!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on December 25th, 2007 | 2 Comments
Check out this interactive review of the year in Science highlighted by various science blogs. Interesting articles and even more fascinating comments!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on December 14th, 2007 | No Comments
I found this page via his link to my previous post…but I really like the way he sums up what the Science Debate is really about and why it’s needed. What we primarily want is to gauge their relationship with reality – will they govern using the best available information about the way the world really works, or will they govern by gut-sense and spiritual inspiration, or will they govern by immediate economic considerations only? He finds there are three major themes candidates should focus on. This year I’ll be paying much closer attention to the various presidential debates and listening for their stands on the following. What about you? Do you have any opinions on this debate regarding science? Information – freedom of information, copyright, open source, open access, who owns and controls the information? How do they define “sound science”? What is the role of universities? What is taught in public schools? Authority – what is scientific authority, who has it, who decides? How does governing rely on scientific authority? What considerations can be allowed to dilute the policy based on empirical information about the way the world works? Role of the WH science advisor, congressional Office of Technology Assessment, National Academy of Science?
Funding – what are the priorities, how much money is dedicated to research, who pays, who receives, who decides? Basic vs. applied science; science vs. technology.
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on December 13th, 2007 | No Comments
it’s only natural I jump on the Science Debate 2008 bandwagon. Their objective states the purpose well: Given the many urgent scientific and technological challenges facing America and the rest of the world, the increasing need for accurate scientific information in political decision making, and the vital role scientific innovation plays in spurring economic growth and competitiveness, we call for a public debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of The Environment, Health and Medicine, and Science and Technology Policy. I have a huge interest in the environment, which I’ve passed on to my children. And, as you’ve seen from the posts on this blog, my fascination with science is never-ending. I’m hopeful for some major changes regarding these issues in the next few years and the candidates need to declare their stance on them!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on December 12th, 2007 | No Comments
Okay, so maybe I have a weird fascination with them lately, but I think they can be cool. Take a look at the size of these monsters found in various parts of Africa. No, these pictures are NOT photoshopped! The sizes are real…I actually researched them!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on December 10th, 2007 | 1 Comment
I changed the background on my mySpace page. What’s the big deal, you ask? Not really sure, other than I felt I needed some updating. And although I still have ideas for continuing the TABOO story (and many have asked about a sequel to THE PRICE OF DISCOVERY), my focus right now is on my historicals. That’s why I’m blogging less at this Jordanna Kay site and why I changed the mySpace picture from an alien-like landscape to a creepy, gothic mansion. As I’ve said so many times before, I so *wish* I was one of those prolific writers — one who has something being released every few months. Unfortunately, it’s just not possible for me. Well, unless I want to give up sleeping!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on December 4th, 2007 | No Comments
HAPPY HANUKKAH!!
Category: Jordanna Kay
Posted by Leslie on November 30th, 2007 | No Comments
There are times when simple things turn into something quite out of the ordinary. In this case, the man’s immune system should have easily fought off human papillomavirus, or HPV, a wart virus. Instead, things went horribly wrong.
…a genetic flaw has prevented Dede’s immune system from controlling the warts, allowing the virus to produce a substance that caused cutaneous horns on his feet and hands…
Category: Jordanna Kay
