Apparently I Resemble A Terrorist
Friday, December 22, 2006
If Santa could grant me one wish, it would be to pass through an airport without being violated. Currently...Airports 23...Sonya 0. For those of you that don't know me...this might sound like nothing out of the ordinary..possibly just part of the governments way to stop terrorism. However, I understand the concept of profiling... I do not in any way fit into this category. Let me explain why I do not pose a threat. First... I am in every way American white bread. I am white...in looks, dress and all other mannerisms. Ok...so nothing there. Next, I am only 5 foot 3 inches, not exactly towering over the security officers. Ok...again..nothing there. Maybe it's the blond hair, in a pony tail and carrying a number of dorky science books. Yeah...that must be it....
It seems that I can travel amongst a large group of people wearing turbans, speaking another language and most likely carrying something making a large ticking noise and still ...you guessed it...I get the all-over frisking. Now..this might just sound like a typical traveler complaining..but this isn't just a once here and there occurance...nope...it's every time I fly. The delay often results in me having to tell people that I may be traveling with me to walk slowly, I'll be a minute...I see them giving me the eye. However, I must at this point acknowledge the thoroughness of those inspections. I have had less action on first dates and I almost always feel obligated to ask for their phone numbers or dinner after it's done.
It would be safe to say I am often a little bitter over this injustice...so how do I get them back. Oh the sweet revenge. On almost all traveling occasions, I make it a point to pack my suitcase so full that I have to sit on it and work it for 10-15 minutes to get a successful closure. And since they (the conspirators at the airport) insist on searching it each and every time...it is quite amusing to watch 2 or 3 grown men try to close my bag. But if I'm in a particularly bad mood from repeated violations...I make it a point to remember to pack my travel underwear (those not worn..just for falling out) just inside the zipper so that they are the first things to fall out and require stuffing back into the bag.
So, with all things in life...there is a life lesson to be learned..in this situation, it is of course to never mess with an intelligent woman...we have our ways!
Labels: Humor
posted by Sonya @ 12/22/2006 02:44:00 PM, ,
Cooking and I
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
| I am writing to tell everyone of my nasty break-up with cooking. We haven't been together that long..and the relationship started on a very positive note. But as everything else..all good things must come to an end. Not to bore you with the details of our togetherness, but we really did try to make it work. With a positive outlook..we went shopping and bought self-help books, but to no avail our relationship continued to deteriorate. I believe our relationship could not sustain the repeated arguments over cooking rice. I was working on the assumption that we would stand strong and united against this problem, but in the end...it only drove us apart. And unlike cooking...I do not think that this end result is completely due to me. I will be returning home for the holidays which will give me some time away to get over this relationship. I guess that I am writing to say good-bye and I wish cooking all the best in the future...you will be missed. |
Labels: Love
posted by Sonya @ 12/20/2006 03:18:00 PM, ,
Parental Favoritism
Monday, December 18, 2006
| Oh..... the woes I have to tell from being the middle child. I often joke that I received less love because I wasn't the oldest..and I'm not the baby, playing into my no one loves me syndrome. Well, that may all be in my head...but the fact that it happens in nature is not. I will keep my complaints for Oprah but tell you about a few species in which favoritism does occur. As we all know, everything must fight for resources. For humans, it is jobs, food, land, etc. It is not much different for animals in natural settings. One such case occurs in the Brown Booby(as well as many others) ..and no I didn't make up the name. Here we see such occurrences that some parents may permit certain offspring to harm their siblings. Siblings fight for food that their parents bring back to the nest; therefore, individuals that become dominant in the brood are at an advantage to remove competition (i.e., siblings). They may do this by bludgeoning rival offspring or by pushing them out of the nest to die (siblicide). So how does this increase the fitness of the parents? Well, that is where this behavior gets tricky...it really doesn't. Natural selection acts in many ways. So who does this benefit? The surviving offspring. This is clearly an advantage to the dominant sibling and this is a clear case where the fitness interests of the parents clashes with the fitness interests of the offspring. The moral of the story...not everything is as simple as it seems..and if you live in a tree...be nice to your siblings. For more examples on this topic, you may look up The Great Egret and a very interesting article on Hyenas which may rip each other apart as newborns. For all UK researchers..you may be interested to know that two of our Ecologists: Westneat and Sargent are contributors to this topic! References: 1. The Evolution of Parental Care by Timothy Clutton-Brock 2. Westneat, D.F and R.C. Sargent 1996. Sex and Parenting: The effects of sexual conflict and parentage on parental strategies. Trends in Ecology and Evolution |
Labels: Science
posted by Sonya @ 12/18/2006 07:14:00 PM, ,
Why Study Animal Behavior?
| Throughout the years I have defended why we should even bother to study animal behavior (you all know who you are). More and more I feel that I have to justify this part of science by relating it to supporting the human race in some form or fashion. For those of you who only know the foundation of science...I will discuss it in this manner. For all the rest...open your minds...you are in science. This is something so completely new to you and so very complex that you can't begin to grasp how it is not just sitting in a tree and taking notes. Granted, I understand that observation is part of of the process whether it be in a lab or in the jungle..we should be envious of researchers working in the jungle, not berating them. Just as medical researchers will watch the tissue or maybe even mice...this is all part of the bigger picture. So why study animal behavior that is not a direct link to fighting cancer? For the knowledge of course, young grasshopper. All knowledge..no matter how inconsequential in the beginning, is a piece of a puzzle to a larger picture. Remember that the next time you are standing on top of your high horse thinking that you can see higher than all others. You are just one of many...and no man stands alone in science. Consider the following questions that could apply to almost any larger question. 1. What is the causal relationship between the organisms genes and it's behavior? 2. Is the trait to some extent inherited from the organisms parents? 3. How has the development of the organism from a single cell to a multimillion-celled adult affected its behavioral abilities? 4. What stimuli trigger the response, and how are these stimuli detected? These questions are proximate questions...they ask the "how" questions. But we know that science is much more than just figuring out a single mechanism. We must also understand the 'why' questions. At this point you should be asking the following... 1. Has the behavior evolved over time? 2. If so, why did the changes occur? 3. What was the original step in the historical process that led to the current behavior? 4. What is the purpose, the function, of the behavior? 5. Does the behavior help individuals overcome obstacles to survive and reproduce? This my friend is Natural Selection....so why study animal behavior...because it leads us back to the bigger picture...why things happen. By choosing a behavior and studying it so completely..we start to open doors that apply to many bigger concepts that are not so specific to one single organism or one single trait. And that is why behavior is not just some "other" science beneath 'real' researchers. Without both pieces...each other would be incomplete!! |
posted by Sonya @ 12/18/2006 06:18:00 PM, ,
My Sister and Why It's So Hard To Stay Quiet
| Big news...little sis is pregnant... I don't really know how I feel about that. I love my little sister more than life itself and I would do anything for her. But.... I'm scared for her. I'm scared that she understand know how her life is going to change and how she will never be thinking for just one person anymore. In some way....I have always planned out the consquences of everything for her and I see how it will be any different this time. I worry that she will be unhappy once the excitement has settled and it will not be as great as it could be. I have always been the "what if" person for her ...while marking out her escape route. However, this time there isn't one. I have spent most of my life defending her, carry her grudges and trying to fix her problems. That is a lot of work sometimes, and now I just worry that she doesn't see how much work that has been over the years. I worry that she isn't eating enough or sometimes too much. I worry that she isn't eating the right things and how will that may hurt the baby. All in all, it's hard sitting back and trying not to take over and control the situation. It's just that I have spent so many years of my life learning Biology...from development to how and why nutrients are so important...sitting back and letting things unfold is near impossible. Hello...these are my genes too that are being passed on. For you science geeks out there you will understand this. It is the kin selection hypothesis. I help take care of her and the offspring and my fitness is increased by genes we share being passed on. For those of you out there that know your animal behavior...look up the belding ground squirrels. Females are the only ones that call when there is a predator around. They stand up, orient themselves toward the attacker and call. This brings attention to themselves (cost) and alerts kin (family) in the nearby area (benefit to individual). Therefore, relatives survive even if the individuals do not. Their genes are indirectly being passed on. This is not altruism due to the kin selection. It is also shown that males in the population do not call. This is because males leave their natal area after hitting maturity; therefore, the area they are currently located in will mostly likely not contain kin. In addition, they found that the older the female, the more likely she is to call...more family members present due to her advanced age (daughters, granddaughters, sisters, nieces, etc.). So, how this analogy relates to me.....without having children of my own (thank god for that) I still get my genes passed on through indirect measures. Hopefully, it is all the smart genes that are passed on, not the other typical family traits that never seem to get weeded out by natural selection. Where is Darwin to explain that one. If there was ever a gene line that should be selected against...it is this one. So with all of this......I am trying to warn her of all the predators present...we as humans have so much more to worry about that is not as obvious as the eagle flying above our heads casting a shadow to give us fair warning. We have silent killers that we never see coming... like cancer and diseases that strike at a moment when we think life is good. It is the silent but deadly predators that truly scare me. |
Labels: Science
posted by Sonya @ 12/18/2006 03:44:00 PM, ,
Do Crayfish Have Personalities?
| Personalities..... I have them.. you have them..but do animals have them? Fear. Fear is an emotion. If we open this up to everyone, we will be overwhelmed with animal personality stories. Just to share with everyone..I have two cats. One is light colored, while the other is black. Now, this black cat likes to sleep on a very dark colored rug...and here is where you can identify the problem. In the recent past, two very unfortunate incidents have occurred (for the cat). But to remedy this problem..she has taken to the act of jumping as fast as physiology will allow and proceeds to plaster herself against the nearest wall. It's hard to imagine that she's only doing this to make me feel guilty (which is successful). Is it possible this is a learned behavior based on experience in which she is expressing fear? I do believe that this is more the case than the first proposed reason. We all have these types of stories, but we often consider pets to be more human-like. What if it were something we consider less human... Well being a science researcher...I also have crayfish. Now those of you that are the most skeptical..this is where you start rolling your eyes. My crayfish have very distinct personalities. You may ask anyone that has had the pleasure of feeding or just watching these interesting little creatures. First and foremost, there is crayfish #2 which we will call Fat S. Now..Fat S. loves to eat. He will eat as much and as fast as you can feed him of the fish pellets or blood worms (mosquito larvae). However...his one true love is not the food in which you are feeding him, but the forceps in which he will remove the food from. Oh..he will take the food, but if and only if it comes with the forceps. For those of you that aren't crazy over crayfish anatomy..they have the front big claws (chelipeds) and 4 other pairs of walking legs. They are able to use the first pair of walking legs for grasping, etc. Fat S. will grab the food with one pair of legs, while the big claws are ferociously fighting you for the forceps. This tug-of-war continues until he is successful. If he feels that he is losing his one true love, then he is willing to sacrifice the food. I can only assume that my amazing crayfish has figured out that the food appears in the forceps...therefore, it would be better to have the food supplier instead of the food. It's like stealing the cow instead of taking the bucket of milk...they're not so stupid after all. Now we move onto crayfish #1..we will call her F.W. She is very different from Fat S. in that she is very polite about the food she receives. She will calmly step forward, remove the food and step back to eat it slowly. And after she is done...she will again step forward as if to say, "Thank you for the food...can I have a hug now?". How can you not fall in love with these crayfish. I must give an honorable mention to my crayfish #3 which we will call T. He is the most improved crayfish of them all. His first few days in the new environment were very traumatic for him. He spent his whole day walking around backwards and whenever he hit a wall (which happens very frequently), he would freak himself out and swim backwards at a faster rate only to to speed up this very traumatizing process over and over again (you see it is a square container..hence the inevitable). I am happy to report that T. has made remarkable improvement and rarely goes through this self-inflicted trauma much anymore. But on a sad note..this is not the case for G. She is hopeless and will remain forever retarded. She is freaked out by her own movements and will therefore be removed from this part of the research. Better luck next time G. |
posted by Sonya @ 12/18/2006 03:07:00 PM, ,
Who I Am
| This is me! I recently viewed a friend's blog where she had a personality test. It's funny, because her and I are a lot alike. But, for some reason I have never identified myself as an introverted individual. I guess I never saw myself that way because I have no problem saying exactly what I want to say exactly when I want to say it. It's just when I look at how I observe situations and that I always look for the big picture on everything...I realize that is exaclly what I am. Below is what a character assessment says about me... the scary thing is...every word is who I am. It's like this writer has been in my head my entire life. It's funny that we can all fit into nice little categories and not even know it. The Observer (the Five) Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful. How to Get Along with Me Be independent, not clingy. Speak in a straightforward and brief manner. I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts. Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable. Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity. If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place. don't come on like a bulldozer. Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy. What I Like About Being a Five standing back and viewing life objectively coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure not being caught up in material possessions and status being calm in a crisis What's Hard About Being a Five being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally Fives as Children Often spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on have a few special friends rather than many are very bright and curious and do well in school have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information assume a poker face in order not to look afraid are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected Fives as Parents are often kind, perceptive, and devoted are sometimes authoritarian and demanding may expect more intellectual achievement than is developmentally appropriate may be intolerant of their children expressing strong emotions |
posted by Sonya @ 12/18/2006 02:45:00 PM, ,
Friends
This year has been an exciting year while at the same time has been a little scary. Anyone that knows me, knows that I like things changing. I always adapt well and move along to whatever life throws at me. This year has had no less of the usual curveballs. The year started with me wondering if I would graduate with my master's at the expected time and if I would then go on to graduate school to get my Ph.D. Those are tough decisions with the first just depending on if I work hard enough. The second is again one of those moments that determine your life's path. Do I make the choice, is it the right choice and will I regret the choice I finally make. I know that no one has all the answers and that life is half about choice and half about chance. And from the past... good luck has not been on my side very often. None the less, I made the decision to do my Ph.D at University of Kentucky. I can say without any reservations that I made the right decision. Not only is my advisor great, but I have made some great friends along the way so far. My friends...I already have so many great memories in just the past few months. I am very sad that some have moved away, are in the process of moving away and will be moving in a few short months. It makes me sad to think of how things are going to change. You have made the time when things are hardest, the most memorable. We have laughed at things that no one else would find funny..and laughed we did until our eyes watered and sometimes liquid flew out of our noses...sorry about that. I am sooo going to miss you! I wish all of you the best and hope everything turns out exactly the way you want it to. D.P. you have made me laugh so many times until my sides hurt...and at things people thought we were crazy...maybe we were. I wish and hope that everything is great for you in the big beyond that some call the real world. I am really going to miss you. It has been great to have some one with my same sense of humor. Our lab is not going to be the same without you. The Indian version of me....I have had a lot of fun these last couple of months. I will really miss you when you leave...I can't begin to imagine this place once I don't have you to get all my sarcastic comments with out the long explanation that inevitibly follows with everyone else. It's funny that often times you say the exact things that I am thinking...in way I think that makes me slower than you...damn you foiled my plot again. Anyway..it's has been funny when you know what I'm thinking before I even get a chance to say it....watch out world..there are two...introvert.....really? Actin.. It has been a great year so far... we have laughed so many times, that I sometimes forget that it's graduate school. I am happy that you are not leaving in the very near future...if you left too this place would be unbareable. Especially with Foggy coming in. But I can't forget to mention the others that are very important to me.... Jason.. You are by far my best friend and I miss you very much...I miss our very long conversations where you seem to pull out every deep and dark secret that I somehow think about keeping. You just always seem to know before I tell you anything...how do you do it?? Rima...I miss our nights out on the town and those others where we could have fun doing absolutely nothing. I hope that we stay friends for a long time. So what I'm to say is that I value all my friends..from the distant past to the not so distant past and the current ones now. Anyone that knows me, understands that I don't try to have a lot of friends (personality problems) but that I have a few really, really good ones. I value friendship so much more than anything else. For those of you not mentioned specifically...I will be talking about you in future blogs...I will try to put those most memorable moments out there for the rest to read...you will be in here soon...but I miss you too! |
Labels: Friends
posted by Sonya @ 12/18/2006 02:39:00 PM, ,
