Glia

Acrylic on board, by Heidi Hehnly-Chang

The issues for Women in Science: are they silly or real?

I know I haven’t written an article in a long time, but due to an interesting discussion last night I thought I post this blog article about Matt Taylor, the amazing scientist who landed the Rosetta mission (European Space Agency)’s Philae lander on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, which was the first spacecraft to land on a comet nucleus. And, here’s his quote that annoys the shit out of me “”The people I work with don’t judge me by my looks but only by the work I have done and can do. Simple.” Brodwin notes with irony: “If only women could hope to someday be judged that way too.””…. He’s also famous for wearing this shirt (hopefully you can see the pinups on it):

While I don’t really mind the shirt, I do mind it in a professional setting with news broadcasters.  It gives the impression that this very successful scientist has limited respect for woman’s input in a professional setting.

Since wearing the shirt he has given a hopefully sincere public apology…

However, the problem is, we should of course let him discuss his great science but science should not be presented in a setting where woman are objectified. I do hope he sincerely is sorry. I’d like to point out a case of a nobel laureate, May Britt-Moser, where they applauded her on her dress and forgot to discuss the science that won her the award. Dr. Matt Taylor is just one (albeit childish and silly) example of the vast problem that affects woman in science that should be at least acknowledged.

If you are interested in how Dr. May Britt-Moser won the Nobel, check out this page.

Shameless Self Promotion

Membrane traffic.

Modern Art Cares about Science

Even modern art at the MASS MOCA cares about science.

I have a Tumblr Site.

I have a Tumblr Site.

Check it out! 

 

 

National Gallery, D.C.

This thanksgiving holiday I had the opportunity to visit the National Gallery in D.C.  Here were some of my favorite pieces:

Electronic Super Highway

Michael Goldberg

Joan Mitchell

Robert Rauschenberg

Vincents

Yeastie Boys

The Wooden Birds- Seven Seventeen

I’m really into the band American Analog Set, especially the album Know by Heart. I think the main reason I was so into this band in the early 2000’s was the beautiful simple guitar cords and the wispy voice of Andrew Kenny. Now he’s on one of my favorite labels (Barsuk) with his new project The Wooden Birds. The album Magnolia features Ben Gibbard (of death cab for cutie) and members of Ola Podrida. Its produced by Nada Surf’s Louie Lino. Go out and give it a listen. If you like Iron and Wine, Nada Surf’s newer stuff… then I promise, you’ll love it. While your at it, go out and buy some old American Analog Set, and lay around the couch with a gin and tonic. It will be the best weekend ever.

I would hope so…