So, I haven't kept up much with my blog, but felt like it was important to look back today and do a recap of 2008.
After months of 'retirement' I began working again. While I would call what I'm currently doing a job rather than a career it is a wonderful change of pace. Low, low stress and WAY more money make it a great job.
While I was 'retired' I took a trip to Vegas with my friend Jerry Anne. It was my first time to see Cher ever! Probably the gayest thing I've ever done, but it was WONDERFUL! I have to say it was an experience to remember. That old woman looks GREAT and puts on a show like no other. She sang a song that I absolutely love that she's really never released and is not know for. It is "Walking in Memphis" and I'm convinced she was singing it especially for me as she doesn't sing it every set.
I took a trip down to NC for the first time with my friend Sandy. Her family has a house near Wilmington. That was so much fun and relaxing. Went to the bar that was one of the location 'Dawson's Creek' was filmed at so that was cool for me. Wilmington may be a place I'd want to live one day.
As far as traveling goes, I also took another cruise. Due to Hurricane Ike we were re-routed to exactly the same ports as last year (Cozumel and Progresso) but it was still fun! Progresso was my fav again this cruise.
Also, did the cabin trip again this year with Alex, Jill, Kris, Elizabeth, Buddy and our new friend Joe. It snowed while we were there! So, we got up one morning to see a beautiful view of a snow capped mountain.
What else? My house in The OC is nearly finished and I am very, very happy and thankful for the way it has turned out. Thanks to the help of a contractor and my friend, Rheda, it is absolutely beautiful. My mom and dad have been so supportive. I'm very blessed that everything has turned out the way it has with that situation and basically all of 2008.
Mom, Dad, Molly and Coco are each a part of my life. I have my friends which mean the world to me. I've come to realize coming out of some very bad spots in 2007 that those around you that you love and that you know love you are really the blessings you should hold on to even after they are gone. So, here's to 2008 and the important lesson that I've learned.
All my hopes for a wonderful and happy 2009!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
"Tear Drops on My Guitar"
I absolutely love this song! I remember loving someone so much it hurt as Taylor describes in this song. I've bolded the lyrics I particularly identify with. Check it out below. Performed by Taylor Swift; Written by Taylor Swift and Liz Rose.
“Tear Drops on My Guitar”
Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see
That I want and I'm needing everything that we should be
I'll bet she's beautiful, that girl he talks about
And she's got everything that I have to live without
Drew talks to me, I laugh cause it's so damn funny
That I can't even see anyone when he's with me
He says he's so in love, he's finally got it right,
I wonder if he knows he's all I think about at night
[Chorus:]
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
Drew walks by me, can he tell that I can't breathe?
And there he goes, so perfectly,
The kind of flawless I wish I could be
She'd better hold him tight, give him all her love
Look in those beautiful eyes and know she's lucky cause
[Repeat Chorus]
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
So I drive home alone, as I turn out the light
I'll put his picture down and maybe
Get some sleep tonight
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
He's the time taken up, but there's never enough
And he's all that I need to fall into
Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see.
“Tear Drops on My Guitar”
Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see
That I want and I'm needing everything that we should be
I'll bet she's beautiful, that girl he talks about
And she's got everything that I have to live without
Drew talks to me, I laugh cause it's so damn funny
That I can't even see anyone when he's with me
He says he's so in love, he's finally got it right,
I wonder if he knows he's all I think about at night
[Chorus:]
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
Drew walks by me, can he tell that I can't breathe?
And there he goes, so perfectly,
The kind of flawless I wish I could be
She'd better hold him tight, give him all her love
Look in those beautiful eyes and know she's lucky cause
[Repeat Chorus]
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
So I drive home alone, as I turn out the light
I'll put his picture down and maybe
Get some sleep tonight
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
He's the time taken up, but there's never enough
And he's all that I need to fall into
Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
New Book I'm Working On--Chapter 1--Refuge
After what seemed like a thousand trips down and back from carrying clothes and boxes to his car and watching moving men carry his life away, Brandon stood alone and quiet surveying his surroundings. The loft apartment he use to think was charming and cozy, with its brick walls and French doors, now seemed stark and unfamiliar. Michael’s remaining furniture seemed to litter the apartment rather than warm it. All of Brandon’s stuff, which once complimented Michael’s, had been moved to storage. Now the place they once called home seemed incomplete and cold. Brandon hoped it was a metaphor for Michael’s future.
Brandon’s chocolate cocker spaniel, Charlie, lay near his feet waiting for the word to vacate the shell of their former lives. Michael’s cat Emma sprawled across the mantle on the opposite side of the room and stared defying at Brandon and Charlie. Brandon spotted one more item on the ‘To Do’ list before he fled his homeland. He moved from the doorway of the loft through the living room to the open bedroom door. He reached out but his hand froze suddenly. The four-poster bed he and Michael had purchased together a couple years ago also seemed concrete and frigid to him.
Brandon shook himself back to reality and roughly grabbed the 1000 count Egyptian sheets. The cool fabric added to the affect of the icy numbness of the moment. He ripped the caramel colored sheets from the bed in one manic episode. He remembered how anal Michael had been in choosing the color.
Brandon gathered the sheets up in a crazy mess along with the pillows that they both laid their heads on at night. How many times had they laid side by side in that bed and talked about their future? He shook his head to clear the memory and then marched to the front door. As the sheet trailed behind him down the hallway, Brandon stormed determinedly toward one final act of revenge. At the end of the hall, he jerked open the garbage shoot. He could spell Michael’s cologne on the sheets. “How could he,” was the one statement that continued to echo through his head. Like the life he was leaving behind the expensive, comfortable, achingly familiar sheets disappeared down the garbage shoot into darkness.
Brandon’s chocolate cocker spaniel, Charlie, lay near his feet waiting for the word to vacate the shell of their former lives. Michael’s cat Emma sprawled across the mantle on the opposite side of the room and stared defying at Brandon and Charlie. Brandon spotted one more item on the ‘To Do’ list before he fled his homeland. He moved from the doorway of the loft through the living room to the open bedroom door. He reached out but his hand froze suddenly. The four-poster bed he and Michael had purchased together a couple years ago also seemed concrete and frigid to him.
Brandon shook himself back to reality and roughly grabbed the 1000 count Egyptian sheets. The cool fabric added to the affect of the icy numbness of the moment. He ripped the caramel colored sheets from the bed in one manic episode. He remembered how anal Michael had been in choosing the color.
Brandon gathered the sheets up in a crazy mess along with the pillows that they both laid their heads on at night. How many times had they laid side by side in that bed and talked about their future? He shook his head to clear the memory and then marched to the front door. As the sheet trailed behind him down the hallway, Brandon stormed determinedly toward one final act of revenge. At the end of the hall, he jerked open the garbage shoot. He could spell Michael’s cologne on the sheets. “How could he,” was the one statement that continued to echo through his head. Like the life he was leaving behind the expensive, comfortable, achingly familiar sheets disappeared down the garbage shoot into darkness.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Hillary 2008
This primary truly is historical. Not only is this the first presidential primary in which a woman and an African-American man is running, but also, for the first time in my life time Indiana is going to matter in the voting. With that, former President Bill Clinton, came to Indiana last week to speak at a rally in support of his wife. My friend Jerry, manages a radio station, and was able to get us press passes. Bill was almost close enough to touch!! Great speech and a once in a lifetime chance to see President Clinton. It was a GREAT day!
Must See Movie!
Typically, I'm not a huge Ryan Reynolds fan. I think he's hot, don't get me wrong, but I am not the biggest fan of his acting. I enjoyed him as Berg, the funny and lovable other half of "Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place", I've never stumbled upon him in a serious role.
In "The Nines" his acting is extraordinary and the story line is WONDERFUL!!! Everyone should check it out. Two thumbs WAY, WAY up!!!
New Man Crush!!!! The Tudors' Henry Cavill
He's King Henry's right hand man and best pal. He's a sexy womanizer and a man's man. Everything about him is HOT! Check him out below and on Showtime's The Tudors every Sunday night.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bravo TV's Make Me a Supermodel
Make Me a Supermodel is my new favorite reality show and there are only two more episodes. I'm bummed!!!! But, it has been a great ride.
My two favorites contestants are below. They had a "bromance" on the show. Ben is straight. Ronnie is gay. They became best friends and allies in the competition. I'm hoping one of them becomes the winner!
I wish both Ben and Ronnie luck and will most definitely tune in to see who will be the next supermodel. Show your support for the show by downloading the epidoses on Amazon's Unboxed!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00125XI2Y/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-video&qid=1206592109&sr=8-1
My two favorites contestants are below. They had a "bromance" on the show. Ben is straight. Ronnie is gay. They became best friends and allies in the competition. I'm hoping one of them becomes the winner!
I wish both Ben and Ronnie luck and will most definitely tune in to see who will be the next supermodel. Show your support for the show by downloading the epidoses on Amazon's Unboxed!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00125XI2Y/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-video&qid=1206592109&sr=8-1
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Kangaroo Mystery Solved!
As some of you may remember, a few days ago I had a dream about a purple kangaroo. While not a nightmare or a scary image, having a dream about a kangaroo (regardless of its color) is a bit disturbing. My good friend LudaKris came to the rescue with some handy, dandy dream interpretation from good ole Google. Here's what the dream means:
Depending on the details of the dream, dreaming about this interesting animal may have several different connotations. The kangaroo is a strong and powerful animal. It has huge feet that it uses for mobility and self-protection. Your dream may have to to with issues of strength, freedom to move, and grounding. Additionally, since we are all intrigued with a kangaroo's parenting style, this dream may be bringing up issues regarding your mother or your mothering. Superstition based dream interpretation books say that seeing a kangaroo in your dreams foretells unexpected and exciting trips.Purple may symbolize mystery and therefore represent, in psychological terms, deep intuition or awareness of some type as yet unexplored dimension of the self.
Interesting huh? As some may be aware, I am contemplating a move. Apparently, the subconscious was at work!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The OC is Flooded!
Largest flood that I can remember in my life time. Apparently, no one could get in or out of The OC yesterday. Both hotels have been closed and there is some flood damage to the West Baden Hotel.
Fate, She is a Biyatch!!!!
So, for all who know me they know two things about me:
Anyhoo, I'm currently pondering a big move. Leave my house, my friends, my family and move away. Now, I LOVE my home. Everything in it is just as I made it. I feel that it is a much a part of me as my reflection in the mirror. Perhaps, more so as smiles can be faked, but living room furniture is forever.
1) As someone who HATES change, I've been through a lot in the last several months and there is more to come.
2) I'm also a lush.
I admit it. I like to drink. Late at night I like to have a few drinks to turn off all the thoughts, fears and anxiety that runs through my head. For those who are fans of Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" it is much like the mechanical click of finding peace that Brick describes of his own drinking issues to Big Daddy.
Anyhoo, I'm currently pondering a big move. Leave my house, my friends, my family and move away. Now, I LOVE my home. Everything in it is just as I made it. I feel that it is a much a part of me as my reflection in the mirror. Perhaps, more so as smiles can be faked, but living room furniture is forever. The moral of this post is that just a couple blocks away a liquor store went up overnight. It was one of those things that, when you see them, you shout out loud in excitement. If I was ever trapped in a blizzard I could snowshoe my way to this new, shiny liquor store to score my beloved Bicardi. I truly have everything I could want within arm's reach of my home with the completion of this final luxury. To me, my property value just sky rocketed even though the market is crashing!
Ah, Fate...she got me again.
All My Friends Say...
My good friend, Sugar Kane, came up with a handy dandy little survey. I filled it out for her so that her fan club of readers could get to know the true Sugar Kane as seen through my eyes as well as several of her other nearest and dearest. Again readers, if I had one word to describe her...BatShitCRAZY!!!!!!!!!! But I digress.
Below are two surveys about me. One response is from Sugar Kane herself...the other is from my friend, Daisy. Enjoy, as I sure did! Oh, and check out the pic of me at the bottom. Daisy is right, not everyone can pull off that look!!!! :o)
Response from Sugar Kane regarding Ninja with a Prada Clutch:
1. When I think of Brad the first thing that comes to mind is.... Paranoid
2. I will never forget the time Brad..... In preparation for a trip to NOLA, put Nair on his nipples and ended up burning the shit out of them.
3. Brad's biggest flaw is ...... His trick ankle
4. I envy Brad's..... Ability to slip in and out of reality so effortlessly. ?
5. My first impression of Brad was.... Damn, this kid can drink ?
6. I admire Brad's..... pride in his roots. ?
7. Brad is best described as.... Neurotic ?
8. Brad's singing sounds like.... ? A cat being strangled.
9. I can always count on Brad to..... Over react ?
10. I have no idea why Brad likes.... to fake that stupid ass southern accent ?
11. I find it really strange that Brad.....? Hasn't botoxed the big crease in his forehead.
12. Brad thinks he's really good at......but really isn't? Dancing
13. The meanest thing Brad ever did is..... He talks a big game but I honestly can't think of something mean he has done. ?
14. I really hate it when Brad..... Uses the word trotty ?
15. The biggest misconception about Brad is... He's always happy. ?
16. I was totally shocked when I found out Brad.... Didn't manscape, if you know what I mean ? 17. What most people don't know about Brad is..... he steals polo shirts from Wal-mart ?
18. Brad is the first person I would go to if..... I needed porn ?
19. Most people think Brad is a total asshole because.... They don't. He's super nice to everyone and then bitches about them to me. ?
20. Nothing makes Brad madder than..... being served a weak rum and coke. ?
Response from Daisy regarding Ninja with a Prada Clutch:
1. When I think of Brad the first thing that comes to mind is....? I'm Marion Coatsworth-Haye!!!
2. I will never forget the time Brad.....? almost killed me on 446
3. Brad's biggest flaw is ......? his inability to get rid of things...and constant need to buy new things
4. I envy Brad's.....? ability to wear the feather boa and cowboy hat combo...seriously it's a tough look to pull off
5. My first impression of Brad was....? that he was gayer than a box of birds
6. I admire Brad's.....? loyalty to his friends and their loyalty to him
7. Brad is best described as....? impatient
8. Brad's singing sounds like....? ummm...no comment
9. I can always count on Brad to.....? Have liquor available at all times
10. I have no idea why Brad likes....? to go to Wal-Mart at least once a day
11. I find it really strange that Brad.....? honestly believes he's dating Chad Allen
12. Brad thinks he's really good at......but really isn't? driving
13. The meanest thing Brad ever did is.....? nothing springs to mind...let me get back to you on this one
14. I really hate it when Brad.....? drinks tequila
15. The biggest misconception about Brad is...? that he hates people (except for kids, he really DOES hate them)
16. I was totally shocked when I found out Brad....? had nothing to do with the death of Heath Ledger
17. What most people don't know about Brad is.....? that he has an unnatural aversion to receiving mail
18. Brad is the first person I would go to if.....? I had breaking Britney news
19. Most people think Brad is a total asshole because....? who thinks Brad is an asshole??
20. Nothing makes Brad madder than.....? 3 words - some assembly required
Below are two surveys about me. One response is from Sugar Kane herself...the other is from my friend, Daisy. Enjoy, as I sure did! Oh, and check out the pic of me at the bottom. Daisy is right, not everyone can pull off that look!!!! :o)
Response from Sugar Kane regarding Ninja with a Prada Clutch:
1. When I think of Brad the first thing that comes to mind is.... Paranoid
2. I will never forget the time Brad..... In preparation for a trip to NOLA, put Nair on his nipples and ended up burning the shit out of them.
3. Brad's biggest flaw is ...... His trick ankle
4. I envy Brad's..... Ability to slip in and out of reality so effortlessly. ?
5. My first impression of Brad was.... Damn, this kid can drink ?
6. I admire Brad's..... pride in his roots. ?
7. Brad is best described as.... Neurotic ?
8. Brad's singing sounds like.... ? A cat being strangled.
9. I can always count on Brad to..... Over react ?
10. I have no idea why Brad likes.... to fake that stupid ass southern accent ?
11. I find it really strange that Brad.....? Hasn't botoxed the big crease in his forehead.
12. Brad thinks he's really good at......but really isn't? Dancing
13. The meanest thing Brad ever did is..... He talks a big game but I honestly can't think of something mean he has done. ?
14. I really hate it when Brad..... Uses the word trotty ?
15. The biggest misconception about Brad is... He's always happy. ?
16. I was totally shocked when I found out Brad.... Didn't manscape, if you know what I mean ? 17. What most people don't know about Brad is..... he steals polo shirts from Wal-mart ?
18. Brad is the first person I would go to if..... I needed porn ?
19. Most people think Brad is a total asshole because.... They don't. He's super nice to everyone and then bitches about them to me. ?
20. Nothing makes Brad madder than..... being served a weak rum and coke. ?
Response from Daisy regarding Ninja with a Prada Clutch:
1. When I think of Brad the first thing that comes to mind is....? I'm Marion Coatsworth-Haye!!!
2. I will never forget the time Brad.....? almost killed me on 446
3. Brad's biggest flaw is ......? his inability to get rid of things...and constant need to buy new things
4. I envy Brad's.....? ability to wear the feather boa and cowboy hat combo...seriously it's a tough look to pull off
5. My first impression of Brad was....? that he was gayer than a box of birds
6. I admire Brad's.....? loyalty to his friends and their loyalty to him
7. Brad is best described as....? impatient
8. Brad's singing sounds like....? ummm...no comment
9. I can always count on Brad to.....? Have liquor available at all times
10. I have no idea why Brad likes....? to go to Wal-Mart at least once a day
11. I find it really strange that Brad.....? honestly believes he's dating Chad Allen
12. Brad thinks he's really good at......but really isn't? driving
13. The meanest thing Brad ever did is.....? nothing springs to mind...let me get back to you on this one
14. I really hate it when Brad.....? drinks tequila
15. The biggest misconception about Brad is...? that he hates people (except for kids, he really DOES hate them)
16. I was totally shocked when I found out Brad....? had nothing to do with the death of Heath Ledger
17. What most people don't know about Brad is.....? that he has an unnatural aversion to receiving mail
18. Brad is the first person I would go to if.....? I had breaking Britney news
19. Most people think Brad is a total asshole because....? who thinks Brad is an asshole??
20. Nothing makes Brad madder than.....? 3 words - some assembly required
Friday, February 1, 2008
Gonna Make those Brown Eyes Blue
Here's what made those brown eyes blue
Scientists find that blue-eyed individuals have a single, common ancestor
By Jeanna Bryner
LiveScience
updated 2:01 p.m. ET, Thurs., Jan. 31, 2008
People with blue eyes have a single, common ancestor, according to new research.
A team of scientists has tracked down a genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. The mutation occurred between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, so before then, there were no blue eyes.
"Originally, we all had brown eyes," said Hans Eiberg from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen.
The mutation affected the so-called OCA2 gene, which is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to our hair, eyes and skin.
"A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes," Eiberg said.
The genetic switch is located in the gene adjacent to OCA2 and rather than completely turning off the gene, the switch limits its action, which reduces the production of melanin in the iris. In effect, the turned-down switch diluted brown eyes to blue.
If the OCA2 gene had been completely shut down, our hair, eyes and skin would be melanin-less, a condition known as albinism.
"It's exactly what I sort of expected to see from what we know about selection around this area," said John Hawks of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, referring to the study results regarding the OCA2 gene. Hawks was not involved in the current study.
Baby bluesEiberg and his team examined DNA from mitochondria, the cells' energy-making structures, of blue-eyed individuals in countries including Jordan, Denmark and Turkey. This genetic material comes from females, so it can trace maternal lineages.
They specifically looked at sequences of DNA on the OCA2 gene and the genetic mutation associated with turning down melanin production.
Over the course of several generations, segments of ancestral DNA get shuffled so that individuals have varying sequences. Some of these segments, however, that haven't been reshuffled are called haplotypes. If a group of individuals shares long haplotypes, that means the sequence arose relatively recently in our human ancestors. The DNA sequence didn't have enough time to get mixed up.
"What they were able to show is that the people who have blue eyes in Denmark, as far as Jordan, these people all have this same haplotype, they all have exactly the same gene changes that are all linked to this one mutation that makes eyes blue," Hawks said in a telephone interview.
Melanin switch
The mutation is what regulates the OCA2 switch for melanin production. And depending on the amount of melanin in the iris, a person can end up with eye color ranging from brown to green. Brown-eyed individuals have considerable individual variation in the area of their DNA that controls melanin production. But they found that blue-eyed individuals only have a small degree of variation in the amount of melanin in their eyes.
"Out of 800 persons we have only found one person which didn't fit — but his eye color was blue with a single brown spot," Eiberg told LiveScience, referring to the finding that blue-eyed individuals all had the same sequence of DNA linked with melanin production.
"From this we can conclude that all blue-eyed individuals are linked to the same ancestor," Eiberg said. "They have all inherited the same switch at exactly the same spot in their DNA." Eiberg and his colleagues detailed their study in the Jan. 3 online edition of the journal Human Genetics.
That genetic switch somehow spread throughout Europe and now other parts of the world.
"The question really is, 'Why did we go from having nobody on Earth with blue eyes 10,000 years ago to having 20 or 40 percent of Europeans having blue eyes now?" Hawks said. "This gene does something good for people. It makes them have more kids."
© 2008 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.
Scientists find that blue-eyed individuals have a single, common ancestor
By Jeanna Bryner
LiveScience
updated 2:01 p.m. ET, Thurs., Jan. 31, 2008
People with blue eyes have a single, common ancestor, according to new research.
A team of scientists has tracked down a genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. The mutation occurred between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, so before then, there were no blue eyes.
"Originally, we all had brown eyes," said Hans Eiberg from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen.
The mutation affected the so-called OCA2 gene, which is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to our hair, eyes and skin.
"A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes," Eiberg said.
The genetic switch is located in the gene adjacent to OCA2 and rather than completely turning off the gene, the switch limits its action, which reduces the production of melanin in the iris. In effect, the turned-down switch diluted brown eyes to blue.
If the OCA2 gene had been completely shut down, our hair, eyes and skin would be melanin-less, a condition known as albinism.
"It's exactly what I sort of expected to see from what we know about selection around this area," said John Hawks of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, referring to the study results regarding the OCA2 gene. Hawks was not involved in the current study.
Baby bluesEiberg and his team examined DNA from mitochondria, the cells' energy-making structures, of blue-eyed individuals in countries including Jordan, Denmark and Turkey. This genetic material comes from females, so it can trace maternal lineages.
They specifically looked at sequences of DNA on the OCA2 gene and the genetic mutation associated with turning down melanin production.
Over the course of several generations, segments of ancestral DNA get shuffled so that individuals have varying sequences. Some of these segments, however, that haven't been reshuffled are called haplotypes. If a group of individuals shares long haplotypes, that means the sequence arose relatively recently in our human ancestors. The DNA sequence didn't have enough time to get mixed up.
"What they were able to show is that the people who have blue eyes in Denmark, as far as Jordan, these people all have this same haplotype, they all have exactly the same gene changes that are all linked to this one mutation that makes eyes blue," Hawks said in a telephone interview.
Melanin switch
The mutation is what regulates the OCA2 switch for melanin production. And depending on the amount of melanin in the iris, a person can end up with eye color ranging from brown to green. Brown-eyed individuals have considerable individual variation in the area of their DNA that controls melanin production. But they found that blue-eyed individuals only have a small degree of variation in the amount of melanin in their eyes.
"Out of 800 persons we have only found one person which didn't fit — but his eye color was blue with a single brown spot," Eiberg told LiveScience, referring to the finding that blue-eyed individuals all had the same sequence of DNA linked with melanin production.
"From this we can conclude that all blue-eyed individuals are linked to the same ancestor," Eiberg said. "They have all inherited the same switch at exactly the same spot in their DNA." Eiberg and his colleagues detailed their study in the Jan. 3 online edition of the journal Human Genetics.
That genetic switch somehow spread throughout Europe and now other parts of the world.
"The question really is, 'Why did we go from having nobody on Earth with blue eyes 10,000 years ago to having 20 or 40 percent of Europeans having blue eyes now?" Hawks said. "This gene does something good for people. It makes them have more kids."
© 2008 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
2007 Moments to Remember
So, I'm in just under the wire. It is still early 2008 so I can do a wrap up of 2007 right?
I can honestly say that 2007 was the worst year of my life. It was a year filled with endings. For someone who HATES change, endings do not bode well.
First off, I'm a murderer. Not in the traditional sense, but it is still there nevertheless. My Aunt Margie became deathly ill. With no children, myself and a niece on the opposite side of her family became her guardians. With that came treatment options, care facilities and ultimately, the decision whether to reinsert a yanked feeding tube or not. The niece was an elder (age 50+), but I was the 'man' of the situation and ultimately the one closest to my aunt. She was suffering from leukemia, an illness no one but my aunt knew she had until being admitted into the hospital. Her health deteriorated until she was unable to choose treatment for herself. We had a feeding tube inserted. She spent 5 weeks in the hospital. She spent 4 weeks in a nursing home. During that 4 weeks she continuously pulled the tube out until finally, under pressure from the doctors and the other niece I made the decision to have the feeding tube removed permanently. Although she continued to be given what little sustenance she would take she did die a few weeks after my final decision to have the tube removed. Everyone says she was very ill. I know that she actually starved to death because of me.
I come from a small family. My aunt was a very simple woman who I know loved me unconditionally. I was not there when she died. My parents said it was very peaceful. I sent them instead of me. My mom said they sat with her for hours. Her breathing became more and more shallow. She finally took a raged breath and that was it. 81 years of life expired in one breath that I was responsible for.
At the time of her death, I was 30. I'd spent the last 8 years of my life, my only professional life working for the same company. The day after she died I was scheduled to fly to NYC for a conference. A conference that I had attended every year in the past. With a new boss, I felt that this conference was a mandatory. I made my aunt wait for her funeral until I return 5 days later. I inherited half of her estate including her home.
Five months later, the job that I had poured my heart, soul, conscience, and morale into terminated my employment. Just desserts huh? This job, this job...it was one of those that you truly believe that you are a better person for working it, for believing in it. I felt noble and vital and legitimate. All the childhood dreams that I believed in and longed for...I let those go for this job. Not because it was that grand, but because I knew those dreams were not a part of reality, but this job was. This job helped people achieve their dreams and if I wasn't doing that I could at least help others do so with this job and that was something. That, was noble. Now, I'm left with no job, no idea what I want to be when I grow up because I gave every aspect of myself to this job. I have nothing on the other side...not sure where I'm going from here.
Not everything was horrible in 2007. I do have to recognize that and acknowledge the blessings I did receive although the bad feels like it out weighs the good. I traveled. I've been to New Orleans twice... one of my favorite places in the world and one of those trips was a spur of the moment trip that I did (I NEVER do things spur of the moment, but I bought plane tickets on Saturday morning and was in NOLA Tuesday morning). I took a cruise to Mexico. I went to Providence, RI to visit my very best friends and I went to NYC twice this year. Also, spent some time in Gatlinburg with my soul mates. With my "retirement" I've also spent extra time with my elderly parents over the holidays which I'm sure, looking back, I'll treasure.
This year has also shown me what and who my true friends are. Those that came to my aunt's funeral without me asking (Charles, Daisy, Sugar Kane, Spence, Christi, Jerry). Those that won't just let me escape into the past, but want to continue to be my present (Elizabeth, Kris, Alex, Cat, Becky). And, those that put professional setting aside and continue to be my friend even though we don't have the workplace as our common ground anymore (Sandy, Kelli, Russ and Karen). Also, I've gained closer ground with my roommates, past and present (Doug, James, Aaron and Eugene). I don't have brothers or sisters, but these people have all shown me the true meaning of family. Without them I'm not sure I would be here today.
My parents also deserve way more than just a mention. Being an only child I've had so much love yet trepidation for my parents. In those hard moments this year they have been there for me every step of the way. At this point in my life I didn't event think I would still have them at there age. My father is so very, very ill. I don't charge my cell phone at night because I think my mom could call me anytime to the hospital. However, my father was the strongest shoulder I had in 2007. The night I had to make the decision to remove my aunt's feeding tube it was his voice that reassured me. It was was my dad that told me I was doing the right thing and that he was proud of me and that he would want me to make the same decision for him. It was also my father who (being my aunt's brother-in-law was the most emotional of us all at the funeral). He has always been so strong, but has always been my role model when compassionate and love were called for.
I'm not close to my cousins who are similar in age to me. They are actually my second cousins as my mother was way younger than her brother (their grandfather). My cousin Stacey who's had a lot of issues in her life, uncaring spouses, a still-born daughter, etc, came to me as she was leaving my aunt's funeral dinner to say she knew I was alone once my parents passed. That she wanted me to know that I would never be alone and if I needed anything to talk to her. This woman who was a mother, a wife, a victim, a survivor, wanted me to know that she would be there for me even though she only knew a boy from years ago and not the man I had become. what courage and what compassion she had in that moment to put herself out there and say "I'll be there for you." That moment most definitely deserves a mention in 2007 as most people never achieve such a courageous moment like that in their lives.
I feel like there are so many more things to say, but this blog was one of my resolutions for 2007. Again, remembering that resolution and the hopes I had for 2007 are so crazy. It was the hardest year of my life. I survived. I'm still here and those people. Those moments deserved at the minimum to be written about. Those moments bring both pain and love into my soul. I happily say goodbye to 2007 although, however traumatic it was it might be the most real year of my life. I have grown from it and really, isn't that the best you can say for any year of your life?
I can honestly say that 2007 was the worst year of my life. It was a year filled with endings. For someone who HATES change, endings do not bode well.
First off, I'm a murderer. Not in the traditional sense, but it is still there nevertheless. My Aunt Margie became deathly ill. With no children, myself and a niece on the opposite side of her family became her guardians. With that came treatment options, care facilities and ultimately, the decision whether to reinsert a yanked feeding tube or not. The niece was an elder (age 50+), but I was the 'man' of the situation and ultimately the one closest to my aunt. She was suffering from leukemia, an illness no one but my aunt knew she had until being admitted into the hospital. Her health deteriorated until she was unable to choose treatment for herself. We had a feeding tube inserted. She spent 5 weeks in the hospital. She spent 4 weeks in a nursing home. During that 4 weeks she continuously pulled the tube out until finally, under pressure from the doctors and the other niece I made the decision to have the feeding tube removed permanently. Although she continued to be given what little sustenance she would take she did die a few weeks after my final decision to have the tube removed. Everyone says she was very ill. I know that she actually starved to death because of me.
I come from a small family. My aunt was a very simple woman who I know loved me unconditionally. I was not there when she died. My parents said it was very peaceful. I sent them instead of me. My mom said they sat with her for hours. Her breathing became more and more shallow. She finally took a raged breath and that was it. 81 years of life expired in one breath that I was responsible for.
At the time of her death, I was 30. I'd spent the last 8 years of my life, my only professional life working for the same company. The day after she died I was scheduled to fly to NYC for a conference. A conference that I had attended every year in the past. With a new boss, I felt that this conference was a mandatory. I made my aunt wait for her funeral until I return 5 days later. I inherited half of her estate including her home.
Five months later, the job that I had poured my heart, soul, conscience, and morale into terminated my employment. Just desserts huh? This job, this job...it was one of those that you truly believe that you are a better person for working it, for believing in it. I felt noble and vital and legitimate. All the childhood dreams that I believed in and longed for...I let those go for this job. Not because it was that grand, but because I knew those dreams were not a part of reality, but this job was. This job helped people achieve their dreams and if I wasn't doing that I could at least help others do so with this job and that was something. That, was noble. Now, I'm left with no job, no idea what I want to be when I grow up because I gave every aspect of myself to this job. I have nothing on the other side...not sure where I'm going from here.
Not everything was horrible in 2007. I do have to recognize that and acknowledge the blessings I did receive although the bad feels like it out weighs the good. I traveled. I've been to New Orleans twice... one of my favorite places in the world and one of those trips was a spur of the moment trip that I did (I NEVER do things spur of the moment, but I bought plane tickets on Saturday morning and was in NOLA Tuesday morning). I took a cruise to Mexico. I went to Providence, RI to visit my very best friends and I went to NYC twice this year. Also, spent some time in Gatlinburg with my soul mates. With my "retirement" I've also spent extra time with my elderly parents over the holidays which I'm sure, looking back, I'll treasure.
This year has also shown me what and who my true friends are. Those that came to my aunt's funeral without me asking (Charles, Daisy, Sugar Kane, Spence, Christi, Jerry). Those that won't just let me escape into the past, but want to continue to be my present (Elizabeth, Kris, Alex, Cat, Becky). And, those that put professional setting aside and continue to be my friend even though we don't have the workplace as our common ground anymore (Sandy, Kelli, Russ and Karen). Also, I've gained closer ground with my roommates, past and present (Doug, James, Aaron and Eugene). I don't have brothers or sisters, but these people have all shown me the true meaning of family. Without them I'm not sure I would be here today.
My parents also deserve way more than just a mention. Being an only child I've had so much love yet trepidation for my parents. In those hard moments this year they have been there for me every step of the way. At this point in my life I didn't event think I would still have them at there age. My father is so very, very ill. I don't charge my cell phone at night because I think my mom could call me anytime to the hospital. However, my father was the strongest shoulder I had in 2007. The night I had to make the decision to remove my aunt's feeding tube it was his voice that reassured me. It was was my dad that told me I was doing the right thing and that he was proud of me and that he would want me to make the same decision for him. It was also my father who (being my aunt's brother-in-law was the most emotional of us all at the funeral). He has always been so strong, but has always been my role model when compassionate and love were called for.
I'm not close to my cousins who are similar in age to me. They are actually my second cousins as my mother was way younger than her brother (their grandfather). My cousin Stacey who's had a lot of issues in her life, uncaring spouses, a still-born daughter, etc, came to me as she was leaving my aunt's funeral dinner to say she knew I was alone once my parents passed. That she wanted me to know that I would never be alone and if I needed anything to talk to her. This woman who was a mother, a wife, a victim, a survivor, wanted me to know that she would be there for me even though she only knew a boy from years ago and not the man I had become. what courage and what compassion she had in that moment to put herself out there and say "I'll be there for you." That moment most definitely deserves a mention in 2007 as most people never achieve such a courageous moment like that in their lives.
I feel like there are so many more things to say, but this blog was one of my resolutions for 2007. Again, remembering that resolution and the hopes I had for 2007 are so crazy. It was the hardest year of my life. I survived. I'm still here and those people. Those moments deserved at the minimum to be written about. Those moments bring both pain and love into my soul. I happily say goodbye to 2007 although, however traumatic it was it might be the most real year of my life. I have grown from it and really, isn't that the best you can say for any year of your life?
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