An Immortal Image
In: Photomicography
23 Oct 2010
For thirty years, Nikon’s Small World Photomicrography Competition has recognized those who make contributions to science and research. Nikon recently announced its 2010 winners, which consist of breathtaking views of the world seen only through a microscopic lens. The eleventh place award, submitted by Dr. Paul Andrews of Scotland, reveals the beauty in shape and color of two cancer cells shortly before they divide into four. These are no ordinary cells and this is no ordinary image. These HeLa cancer cells are named after Henrietta Lacks, by taking the first two letters of her first and last name. In 1951, Mrs. Lacks died of cervical cancer after being treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. A doctor took a piece of her tumor without informing her or her family and turned it over to John Hopkins scientists who had been trying to grow cells without success. Remarkably and inexplicably, the cells taken from Mrs. Lacks tumor never died and are still in use today.
Henrietta’s cells were the first immortal human cells ever grown in culture. They were essential to developing the polio vaccine. They went up in the first space missions to see what would happen to cells in zero gravity. Many scientific landmarks since then have used her cells, including cloning, gene mapping and in vitro fertilization.
Maki, the Catahoula hound, took his family on a walk this afternoon. He loves the sights and smells. We enjoy the stretching, conversation, and just being outdoors. But this is no ordinary dog, he has an aura that attracts attention. As we walked on a neighborhood road, a small green car crossed the lane to stop us. I thought it was to ask directions, but the lady driving alone stopped to offer some doggie treats for the dog who took us for a walk. I was somewhat amazed that she was drawn to all of us, but look at this face.
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- Tags: catahoula hound, dogs
Election results indicate that only 32 percent of Florida Republicans came out to vote. About the same (33 percent or 53,342) voted in the Senate District 8 race face off between incumbent John Thrasher and Charles Perniciaro. Of that 33 percent, 38 percent or 19,843 rejected Thrasher and voted for Perniciaro. Thrasher won with 62 percent or 32,968 of the vote. Looking at percentages only, it’s a solid win, but the numbers speak volumes. The breakdown by counties was also illuminating. The largest turnout was in Duval County, wehre challenger Perniciaro garnered 41% of the vote.
There are 156,885 registered Republicans and 110,883 registered Democrats in Senate District 8. A Republican voter turnout of 53,342 is a tepid response for such an important race. Thrasher pushed that experience mattered; but it didn’t seem to matter enough to push McCullum across the finish line. These Primary results indicate that voters are considering new voices. Democrat Deborah Gianoulis faces Thrasher in November. Ms. Gianoulis has been active in educational issues and was a strong opponent to SB6, which Thrasher introduced and strongly supported. She is known as a tv anchor and certainly Thrasher will raise the “experience matters” lingo again. SB6 and the testing obsession lingers on voters minds. Gianoulis has these views:
At a time when we are struggling to keep some schools open, the last thing we should be doing is making local school districts collectively pay a billion dollars for new tests that won’t help us fulfill our responsibility to provide a high quality education to Florida students.
I strongly believe in accountability at every level of our public education system. But accountability won’t work if it is imposed by career politicians in Tallahassee. I’ll work with parents, teachers, principals, and local school boards to develop a system of accountability that makes sense for local needs.
Florida Times-Union blogger Ron Littlepage suggests keeping an eye on this race. I think he’s right.
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- Tags: Deborah Gianoulis, John Thrasher, merit pay, SB6, testing
Perniciaro Concedes
24 Aug 2010Florida election results indicate Thrasher pulling 20,050 votes and Perniciaro 11,246 for all the areas covered in Senate District 8. The totals equal 64.07% to 35.93%.
In a Twitter announcement, Perniciaro says he is calling Thrasher now to offer his congratulations and support in November.
Beehindthesun sends thanks to Perniciaro and his supporters for the hard work and effort. There is a message to Thrasher in this challenge. Perhaps he heard.
Round 1 bell is called and tomorrow begins Round 2.
Vote for Charles Perniciaro
In: education
23 Aug 2010Perniciaro v. Thrasher: No Excuses
In: education
22 Aug 2010The Jacksonville Observer called on Senator Thrasher to repudiate the attack mailers sent by the 527 organization, Responsible Leadership Committee or “risk punishment at the polls.” The lawyer that established Thrasher’s campaign also established this 527. Thrasher has remained silent on the issue. While the Observer made the right call on the mailers, they make excuses for Thrasher by saying he’s “better than this.” Better than what? Given the facts, this event is one more in a history of questionable ethical decisions. The Observer also didn’t get it right in their repeating their endorsement of Thrasher becasue he is the “stronger” candidate.
What does “stronger” mean?
1) Powerful member of the Republican Party Establishment, and now Chair of the Florida Republican Party. Where is his focus going to be – on the needs of the Party or on the needs of Florida?
2) Recicipient of Establishment backing that brings with it the tidal wave of funds to run, and run, and run again.
3) Powerful friend to powerful lobbying interests, putting their interests ahead of constituents.
“Stronger” does not make him the best qualified to work everyday on behalf of Floridians. We need a role-up-the-sleeves-get-to-work legislator, not an eternal fundraiser. Thrasher is not “stronger” in the things that matter to voters:
- Trustworthiness
- Leadership
- Focus on constituents needs
- Fiscal responsibility
Thrasher’s performance with SB6 has not faded from memory across the State and serves as an example of strong-arming looks like to achieve his goals. Between the mailer issue, divided time with his chair responsibilities, and his performance with SB6, it should be a no-brainer on the vote. Dr. Perniciaro is the right candidate for Senate District 8. He has all the qualities, qualifications, and relevant experience for Florida State Senate.
It doesn’t matter if the Jacksonville Observer gets it right. What matters is that the constituents of Senate District 8 get it right – for all our sakes.
Update: Arizona Judge Rules on Disclosure
In: education
20 Aug 2010Judge Collins ruled that names of teachers and other personnel who participated in research conducted by the University of Arizona and Arizona State researchers would not be revealed to the defendant, Tom Horne, Superintendent of Instruction. However, the judge ruled that the defendant had a right to the names of the school districts and schools (if not too small as to reveal identifies) where participants worked.
The judge got it right on protection of confidentiality, privacy, and breech of contract. If the defense doesn’t have enough to argue the case without the names, they are in trouble in a case courtesy of Arizona taxpayers.
Read about this story here.
Dr. Charles Perniciaro, Republican candidate running against John Thrasher filed a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission in response to a flurry of attack mailers sent by the Responsible Leadership Committee, a 527 organization. The attack mailing was funded by a $35,000 contribution from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida. Perniciaro alleges illegal conduct by the Responsible Leadership Committee for failure to disclose its existence as required by law. According to Perniciaro, this 527 was set up by “the same lawyer who set up Mr. Thrasher’s campaign, hiring the same people to attack me that the Thrasher campaign uses for direct mail.”
The association with this 527 organization seems unseemly for the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Reports indicate Thrasher will appear at a fundraiser with Sarah Palin, but was a no-show at a League of Women Voters event where constituents met the candidates. He ignored an important opportunity to illuminate voters on his positions and clarify what he stands for. He stayed away and used an attack tactic instead, just the type of actions he complained about in his run for the position he now holds.
If Thrasher wants to be chairman of the Party, then he should do that and let those who serve the people take on leadership roles. How long will North Floridians tolerate the arrogance and blind ambition and inflict it on the rest of us?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Charles-Perniciaro-Files-bw-2820285511.html?x=0
Arizona’s Education Chief: The Tactic of Intimidation
In: education
18 Aug 2010As ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court, Arizona’s Superintendent of Instruction heads back to federal court in a 17 year long dispute over its educational policies for teaching English Language Learners. The September 1, 2010 evidentiary hearing is slated to include the results of data collected and analyzed by researchers from University of Arizona, Tuscon and Arizona State University, Tempe. The research is critical of Arizona’s approach, which separates English Language Learners for four hours each day to learn English, and may hinder access to courses and classes by high school students that are required to graduate.
In preparation for the evidentiary hearing, the lawyers for Arizona’s Superintendent of Instruction, Tom Horne, sent a subpeona for all research data, including the names of the all teachers and other school personnel who participated in the research surveys. The lawyers say that they want to examine who said what to determine if the research presents biased data. Researchers promised confidentiality and are refusing to comply. A motion was filed on August 10 for the judge to ensure the disclosure of names of participants would be prohibited. Horne’s lawyers stated that the researchers could protect identities by not testifying at all. Read the rest of this entry »
Perniciaro v. Thrasher: All Eyes Northward
14 Aug 2010
The outcome of the race for Senate District 8 will have an effect throughout Florida. Incumbent John Thrasher faces Dr. Charles Perniciaro in the Republican Primary in a few weeks. The winner will then face Democrat Deborah Gianoulis and a write-in candidate Rebecca Ann Holcomb in November, about whom no information seems to be available. Perniciaro and Gianoulis are actively campaigning, both political outsiders, both highly qualified and with articulated positions important at this time. Thrasher seems to be feeling the heat.
Why is the outcome of this race important? Read the rest of this entry »
About this blog
Observations and original commentary on current events, art, literature, and education in Florida and beyond.
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Categories
- dogs (1)
- education (11)
- Florida elections (9)
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- Photography (1)
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- Betty: I hope Perniciaro agrees that a State government should not "over-reach" as well. It is clearly Thra [...]
- jamie davis: Charles is a citizen not a politician, we like that. He is for constitutionally limited government, [...]
- Betty: Dear Blue Cross/Blue Shield: Thank you for visiting Beehindthesun yesterday. Those of us who pay he [...]
- Tina: Thank you Betty!!! I sure hope they get it right too. Thrasher is too involved in lobbying for himse [...]
- Betty: Excellent points Volley Girl! I hope District 8 voters get it right. [...]
- An Immortal Image
- Dog Days
- Gianoulis v. Thrasher: It’s all about numbers
- Perniciaro Concedes
- Vote for Charles Perniciaro
- Perniciaro v. Thrasher: No Excuses
- Update: Arizona Judge Rules on Disclosure
- Perniciaro Files Complaint with Florida Elections Commission
- Arizona’s Education Chief: The Tactic of Intimidation
- Perniciaro v. Thrasher: All Eyes Northward
