Friday Misc

It's Friday. What a week. Some heavy rest and lots of reading are in order for the weekend.

The South Carolina primary for Democrats is tomorrow. MSNBC will start their coverage at 7:30am. I hope to still be in bed.

There's a bunch of interesting science stuff at Nature and Science this week. Some highlights:

Human embryos are cloned from male skin and female egg cells.

Researchers have synthesized an entire genome, paving the way for the first artificial life.

Obstruction of pancreatic ducts results in regeneration of insulin producing beta-cells.

Also, I've been working on a list of NYC tidbits. I'll eventually write an entire piece, complete with hyperlinks, but here's a glimpse of what's coming:

• Don't wear flip-flops or sandals in NYC. It's gross. Really it is, for you and for me.
• NYC has the largest underground mass transit system in the country. That doesn't mean it's the greatest. Expect long delays, a lack of displayed and audibly announced information, and to fly unexpectedly by your stop when the local you're on spontaneously converts to an express. The transit authority never gets a good rating from riders.
• Courtesy, professionalism, and respect (CPR) is on the sides of a huge number of NYPD vehicles. You can definitely expect that kind of treatment if you're a straight, white, and affluent Manhattanite.
• If you're over 20, please give up the push-scooter or skateboard, and for Christ-sake get off the sidewalk.
• Pick up after your dog. I pick up after mine and I will yell at you if I see you leaving poop in your wake.
• Do not, I repeat, do not walk in a zig-zag pattern on a busy sidewalk. Keep to one side and try walking as if you hadn't had a breakfast of tic-tacs and wine.
  
• Don't expect to eat good food here. Yes, yes capital of the world and all, but if you're not shelling out at least $50/plate, you're likely to get some bad food without heavy research. Stay at home and eat. There are some exceptions to this, Southwest has a good chicken caeser for about $14. Pizza joints tend to be another cheap exception.
  
• If you are a tourist, please go to Times Square. Stay there for the duration of your visit. It's great there and you won't find anything more interesting if you stray to other parts of the city (where people live).
  
• If you are a tourist and find yourself outside of Times Square, don't be afraid to ask a resident for help. Most people living here will be happy to direct you. Just don't believe the flags that picture celebrities, such as NYC's beloved Bobby D, inviting you to "Ask me!" You won't get within four hip nightclub waiting line distances to any of NYC's beautiful people. We guard our treasured gaunt figures in finely kept Soho lofts.

I guess I'm a bit grouchy about NYC after a few consecutive days of horrible subway rides.

That's it for this Friday. :)