Saturday, December 24, 2005

Stem Cell Research Stems Controversy

“The resignation of leading stem cell scientist Woo Suk Hwang from Seoul National University in South Korea marks the end of a career which would surely have been crowned with a Nobel prize had it not been tainted by fraud.”
The Guardian

“A scientist today issued an apology as he resigned from South Korea's top university after the school announced he had fabricated results in stem cell research that had raised hopes of new cures for hard-to-treat diseases.”
Associated Press

"It's very sad for science wherever there's a story like this," says Robin Lovell-Badge, a leading stem cell scientist at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill, London. "The people who are against this type of research will jump on it, but that's very unfair."
The Guardian

Why?? The end of a brilliant career? Perhaps. So what makes a person do something like this? The lure of fame, and the call of a Nobel Prize? Who knows? Where-in lays thy fate dear friend?


Friday, December 16, 2005

The Guru


Ok, so last week was eventful. Finally we retail kids were allowed out of our cages into the big bad jungle. We volunteered at the annual Middle Eastern Council of Shopping Centers (MECSE). Conference was at the Juimerah Beach Hotel - which in itself was fantastic! We did a lot of productive networking, and things seem to have panned out rather nicely.

To top it all, we got to attend a talk by 'Paco Underhill' the GURU of consumer behavior. What a treat! Yummy food, good conversations, and great networking...certainly a satisfying week.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Happy Holy-Days!

Yes..Its that time of the year again. With Christmas coming up, New Year’s around the corner, my birthday in January (for some reason, I no longer look forward to my Birthday (the gifts are ok!!). I think its an evil day where people remind you that you are growing one year older, are still single – and need to be married off ASAP!), and Valentine’s Day not too far away, there is absolutely nothing that can stop one from falling either into the holiday cheer, or a dose of self obsessive pity. Hmm..I almost feel like Bridget Jones…maybe I’ll be eaten by an Alsatian:)

Anyway, this is going to be my first Christmas here in Dubai, and from the looks of it I’ll be celebrating New Year’s here as well – although am still in the process of trying to convince the parents to allow me to come home.

Ok, so Christmas always brings back fond memories. Ever since we were young, we’ve always celebrated Christmas. My parents and friends would exchange gifts, and there would be parties to attend. This was especially wonderful, coz I’d get gifts for both Christmas AND my Birthday! (Ughh…still don’t want to think about that!) Those were fun days. Now however, Christmas has become a money making business. Exchanging gifts is sometimes soo superficial – way too commercialized.

Nevertheless, the spirit and cheer of Christmas always brings a smile to my face. Even in this desert country, it’s wonderful to hear the Christmas music following you down the aisles of the malls. Truly awesome!

Hmm…all this talk about Christmas just brought to my mind an old song we used to sing. Well, a 'lil twist to the old caroll – yet oh so perfect! This is how it goes…

Deck the Hall with Gasoline…
Falalalalaaa lalalala
Light a Match, and see it Gleam..
Falalalalaaa lalalala
Watch the School Burn Down to Ashes…
Falalaa Falalaa lalalala
Isn’t it Fun to Play with Matches!!
Falalalalaaa lalalala



Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!