Bill Clinton Visit

I met Bill Clinton today, and I'm excited about that! Here's the campaign speech he gave at OHSU if you are interested in listening. He talks about medical research a little, the importance of energy independence/green practices and their potential to sustain the economy, health care and Hillary's plans, and a little about higher ed and student loan plans.
I got to shake his hand and say something to him afterward (and he actually responded with several sentences!)

Hello, Muffin

My roommate and I took a baking class at Whole Foods. We mostly observed as our instructor put together five different recipes in about 3 hours. We did get to participate in making little individual fruit tarts. My roommate made a face with his strawberries.
We learned a few really cool facts that made me feel like I was more on the inside when it comes to the baking business. First of all, look at the ingredients in baking soda and baking powder-- the base bicarbonate of soda is the only thing in baking soda, whereas baking powder also has a chemical acid. This means that water is the only thing between baking powder and puffing up. Recipes that include baking soda also need an acid like vinegar, molasses, or buttermilk.
Another fun fact is that shortening got its name because it was used in biscuits and other crumbly baked goods to shorten the strands of gluten stick together when flour absorbs moisture. Kneading helps promote longer strands to form in bread dough.

Backdoor Kitchen

Last week, I was lucky enough to go to a conference at the Friday Harbor labs on San Juan Island (off the coast of northern Washington). This is close to paradise in the summer. Although a bit cold, being there in early spring was nice because we missed the huge tourist waves. Searching for someplace to eat out for my birthday, the baristas at a coffee shop suggested the Backdoor Kitchen. As the name suggests, this little reastaurant is tucked behind a nursery warehouse on a side street. Outdoor seating in a serene garden would be ideal in warmer months, but huge windows let indoor dinners appreciate the outdoor light. Many of the tables next to windows were already reserved on that mid-March Thursday. It was surprisingly hard to find vegetarian-friendly food in Friday Harbor, even on the Backdoor Kitchen menu. But, as I've found now that I know to ask (generally at nicer restaurants), the chef can put together something great. Roasted yams, squash, mashed potatoes, spring greens and some white bean soup. The veggies were colorful, sweet, tasty and not overcooked or drowned in sauce. I'm sure the stuff on the menu is equally good, but ordering vegetarian turned a $27 entree into a $13 entree. Not bad, as far as this tourist town is concerned.

Living Biblically

I've been following A.J. Jacob's yearlong journey through the familiar and the obscure (often absurd) teachings of the Bible. A secular Jew living in a secular community, Jacob's spent a year trying to obey the rules of the Bible "as literally as possible", uncovering the absurdity of fundamentalism but hoping to find some spiritual meaning along the way. There are outdated and funny rules, and so he ends up doing some pretty funny stuff. But this is not a satire or an attack on religion. He genuinely wants to understand the Bible better, and in doing so, understand the religions that are based on its teachings. Living by over 700 biblical laws is an extreme and direct way to pursue these goals. Of course, what else would one expect from the guy whose last book was about reading the encyclopedia from A to Z?

Newbery Medal Books

I was in Powells Books today, and they have a section with all the Newbery Medal award winners from the past 85 years. The Newbery Medal was created to encourage quality children's book writing, and the medal winners are selected by children's librarians. The books must be for children, and written by American authors. They are judged to be distinguished work based on "Interpretation of the theme or concept; Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization; Development of a plot; Delineation of characters; Delineation of setting; and Appropriateness of style. I read and loved a lot of these.

I have read: 1936 Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink, 1944 These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder, 1953 Charlotte's Web by E. B. White, 1957 Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, 1961 Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, 1963 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, 1966 I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino, 1970 Sounder by William H. Armstrong, 1972 Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien, 1973 Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, 1975 My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier, 1977 Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor, 1978 Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, 1979 The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson, 1981 Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson, 1982 Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary, 1984 Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary, 1986 Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan, 1988 Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, 1990 Shabanu, Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples, 1990 Number the Stars by Lois Lowry; 1991 Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli, 1992 Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, 1994 The Giver by Lois Lowry, 1995 Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, 1996 The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman.

So, it looks like I pretty well nailed the books that came out in the early nineties when I was about 8-12. It would be nice to read the newer medal winners I've missed, or have a kid to read them with.

Sheet Music at Your Public Library

Sheet music can be expensive. I've become a proponent of getting whatever I can from the library, and if I'm not looking for a specific piece or book, it can be pretty effective. When I visited friends in Minnesota, we went to the stacks and pulled out a handful of duets and sonatas just to read through once. Today, I searched for string quartet parts, and found hundreds of selections at the Multnomah County Library. From the comfort of my living room, I scrolled through and chose a bunch to request. I really enjoy putting things on hold and then forgetting about them. When they come in months later, I get to go find out what it is I requested and get excited about it all over again. A few at least were available now, so I'll get to go pick them up in a couple of days.

To Be So Wanted

The past few days were recruiting days for my graduate program. In the wacky world of science PhD programs, applicants are flown all over the country for swanky interviews that last several days and include meals at fine restaurants, freely flowing wine, outings in the city, and lots of talk about the programs. Lucky grad students like me get to participate in a lot of these events, helping to show a good face for the program and enjoying some exceptional meals. I love recruiting! But not only for the obvious perks. I love talking to the excited applicants, hearing about what they're looking for, remembering what I was thinking when I went through the same process two years ago. I quickly get overwhelmed and burnt out trying to socialize with 15-20 new people, but it's fun to answer their questions. And sometimes, there'll be one or two who capture my attention and I really hope will end up here. They're usually the ones who are eating up all the science (not just dedicated to one silly molecule), and also want to talk about books, food, music, hiking, politics, and the wide world.

Great Young Fiddlers

Darol Anger asked me to help publicize this upcoming concert. I don't think posting it here will have any effect whatsoever, but it won't hurt either. It should be great-- these are fine young musicians, doing some creative stuff.

Concert: Fiddle Summit: State Of The Art
with Aoife O’Donovan, Alex & Tatiana Hargreaves,
Tristan & Tashina Clarridge & more.
7 PM- $12 suggested donation
Community Music Center
3350 SE Francis St Portland, OR 97202
503-823-3177
www.CommunityMusicCenter.org

A contemporary fiddle concert with the best of the new generation of acoustic music players, with members of Crooked Still and Darol Anger’s Republic Of Strings.

Some of the country’s finest young fiddlers will gather here in Portland on March 23 for a freewheeling display of some of the new (& old!) acoustic string music which is moving audiences all over the world. Picking up their cue from artists such as Bela Fleck, Darol Anger, and Mark O’Connor, these young virtuosos are already making their mark nationally in venues from concert halls to bluegrass festivals, and have forged a tight community of committed artists at the age when most kids are still trying to figure out wardrobe issues and master Facebook.
Convened in Corvallis the previous week for a self-organized group teaching clinic, some of these young master musicians will perform a concert at the Community Music Center in southeast Portland, in a small, excellent-sounding hall, perfect for acoustic strings.
Complete list of musicians:
Aoife O’Donovan,
Alex & Tatiana Hargreaves,
Tristan & Tashina Clarridge,
Simon Chrisman, Paul Kowert.

Vocalist Aoife O’Donovan is considered by many to be the successor to Alison Krauss as Queen of the younger folk music community. Her pure and agile voice can be heard on many different recordings, including her own group, Crooked Still.

Tristan & Tashina Clarridge, Grand National Fiddle champions, make a brilliant brother-sister team and have performed and recorded extensively all over the U.S. They have created music educational events all up and down the west coast, and perform regularly with Mark O’Connor, Natalie MacMaster, Tony Trischka, and Darol Anger.

Alex Hargreaves at age 15 is one of the most talented jazz fiddlers ever, and is fluent in a variety of other styles as well. in 2007, Alex was awarded a Belle Foundation Cultural Development grant for his musical achievements and won an Alternative Styles award from the American Strings Teachers Association. In 2005, Alex was awarded the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin.

Alex’s 11-year old sister Tatiana Silver Hargreaves is also a startling prodigy, one of the finest old-time appalachian fiddlers ever, and a riveting protege of Bruce Molsky.

Up and coming hammer-dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman is one of the few young players to successfully integrate his instrument into the New Acoustic scene.
The astonishing acoustic bassist Paul Kowert is an Edgar Meyer protégé; ‘nuff said.

Community Music Center
3350 SE Francis St Portland, OR 97202
503-823-3177
www.CommunityMusicCenter.org

To Put on his Head

My boyfriend has recently taken to wearing a stiff solid green "bandanna" (really just a piece of cotton tied to his head). He continues to wear it despite all advice. Today is his birthday, and my roommate and I are using this opportunity to give him some alternatives. I made the hat on the right, and my roommate bought the fleece ear band and real bandanna. Hopefully he'll take to one of them. The green bandanna does make me smile.

PCR Song

This BioRad thermocycler (a.k.a. PCR machine) ad is hilarious! Watch the video.

Ostroushko's Orchestra

Peter Ostroushko's CD Sacred Heart is one of my favorite recordings-- the kind that I can keep coming back to over and over without being bored. I love the orchestral feel of thick strings, the world music influence, the strong Irish influence, jazz, Eastern European, and so on. The melodies make me want to sing along (even though they don't have words) and the arrangements often sound so tangible that they could be part of a movie soundtrack. I don't mean to trivialize the pieces by either comparison, but while I love how complex Peter's arrangements, I also love how accessible the music is.

Winter Market

One of my favorite weekly rituals is walking to the Saturday farmers market near my house. For the food, the entertainment, the walk, all of it. But the market is only April-December, and I am having a hard time being patient. So, today I checked out the year-round market at People's Food Coop on SE 21st. It's tiny, but it's there. Wednesdays from 2-7 pm. Mostly greens and some root vegetables this time of year. They also have a baker and some other local food vendors. I enjoyed the people watching, particularly the kid watching.

7 Minute Meal

Today I discovered that in seven minutes, I can wash and chop veggies, cook potatoes in the microwave (with olive oil, dill and thyme), boil water and steam broccoli. Then I can eat it in seven more minutes. There's no photo of the product, my camera's too slow.

Low Battery?

Now if your cell phone battery runs down, just walk around the block and power it with your steps. Okay, so the real early applications will likely be for people with medical needs, like insulin pumps and neuroprosthetic devices as those are developed. But, eventually, I want one. I saw this blurb in online Science Magazine info:

"As we walk, we expend energy not only in pushing off with our planted leg, but also when our other leg decelerates as it makes contact with the ground -- energy that could be harvested for other uses, according to a new study. In a Report in the 8 Feb 2008 Science, Donelan et al. described the development of a knee-mounted mechanical device that can covert the expended mechanical energy of the deceleration step of walking into electrical power. The so-called "biomechanical energy harvester" consists of an aluminum chassis and generator mounted on a customized orthopedic knee brace, and weighs about 1.5 kg. Embedded sensors detect the angle and velocity of the wearer’s leg, switching the device on only during the braking phase of each swing -- analogous to regenerative braking in hybrid cars, where energy normally dissipated during braking drives a generator instead. The team reported that volunteers walking with one device on each leg produced an average of 5 watts of electricity -- enough to power 10 cell phones. The ability to produce substantial electricity with little effort makes this technology attractive for powering prosthetic limbs or other portable medical devices. A related ScienceNOW story by D. Powell highlighted the innovation."

"Good" Food

There are so many ways to define good food. We all have to eat something, and we want that something to be good. Good for our taste buds. Good for our bodies. Good to look at. Good for the environment. Good for the plants and animals we're eating. Good for the people who grow the plants and animals we're eating. There's an endless stream of information about how to eat low fat, organic, seasonal, local, vegetarian, vegan... it's hard to keep up and to prioritize.
Today, eating good for me is going to simply mean cooking something. It doesn't really matter what, just something more than hummus on a bagel, or 6 carrots and 3 cookies, or anything from the cafeteria. To aid me in this endeavor, I checked out a few inspiring cookbooks from the library. I then proceeded to the grocery store and indulged: hominy in a can, pine nuts, strawberries, red potatoes, pears, fresh tortellini, salmon, brie. Let the new food adventures come my way.

First up: Tortellini Soup, modified from Toni Lydecker's Serves One. Ten minutes to veggies and tortellini in broth (I used Better than Bouillon paste), that's the jist. Yum! And pretty too.

Breakfast Bar Recipe

Here's a basic recipe that you can add your favorite fruits or nuts to. My mom used to make something like this for me when I was a preschooler. They're easy to make, and I feel good about eating them. As for the bananas: I frequently peel and freeze bananas that are getting too brown, and then thaw them in the microwave for recipes like this.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup soft butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
3 medium mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup raw, quick-cooking oats
1-2 cup (total) chopped nuts, dried fruit, and fresh fruit (optional)

Combine all the ingredients, pour into a 9X13" pan and bake at 425 for 20 minutes.

The Kite Runner

After all the controversy surrounding the making of The Kite Runner movie, I was curious to see how it turned out, and how it compared to Khaled Hosseini's book that I read a couple of years ago. I think it is an excellent adaptation, giving a look at Kabul, Afghanistan that most of us don't usually see-- its conversion from thriving and happy city to bleak wasteland. The humiliating violence was less overt in the movie compared to my memory of the book, but I think that it was still powerful. I find that excessive violence diminishes the horror of it, because so much blood on screen becomes unreal. The relationships that Hosseini created between characters are touching and the words left unsaid over lifetimes are heart wrenching. Good job, Hosseini, good job, film director Marc Foster.