Starting up again... for real.

I guess this blog is long over due for an update. A lot has happened.

At this moment the United States is in the midst of a Federal government shutdown. The event is largely manufactured by the new Tea Party backed Republicans who have coupled funding the government with defunding the Affordable Healthcare Act (aka Obamacare).

I, thankfully, don't work for the Federal Government at this time but many of my colleagues do. I am hopeful for a reasonable and swift end to the political standoff that has created this mess. 

As for me...
I'm currently working on invasive mammals. More specifically, small-mammals like mice, rats, and mongoose. I'll admit, I have paid more attention to the plant side of invasive species over the years but my knowledge and experience has included some work on rodents.

Why? Well rodents, more than anything, are extremely good survivors. They eat a wide variety of food and can survive in almost every habitat Hawaii offers. Every seed, egg, and insect is a potential meal for these small but determined predators. Hawaii's ecosystem is highly impacted by small-mammals and I am on the job to see them removed from the landscape in a safe and effective way. It may not be easy, but it has to be done.

Many of Hawaii's native species are in serious need of help. The means of small-mammal removal needs to be safe, effective, and sustainable.

The time is now.

Time to write again

Well folks, I suppose I should get back to writing.

The last couple of years have been pretty interesting. Most of it is on Facebook... sorry blogosphere.

In any case, I'm currently searching for a job. I'm willing to do about anything at this point.

I'm going to make an effort to write/post a few more things since I have the time now.

If you're out there and have any ideas you would be interested in seeing me track down, research, and go after, let me know! I'm open to suggestions.

Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Pueo

Water Water Everywhere

After a mysterious dampness spread across the floor of the hall yesterday, it was discovered that our water heater of nearly 35 years had finally sprung a leak. It wasn't terribly fast but it was due to be replaced sooner or later.

The old heater was a 40 gallon "low boy" style heater that was installed under the hallway counter-top. The plumber removed the old boy and my father in his effort to save money and power decided to replace it with a small and supposedly efficient 4 gallon heater instead. Granted, we have more than one water heater in the house and this heater only feeds one shower and a sink for the most part. The bad part is it feeds a shower and quite frankly 4 gallons is probably not enough. Mom took one shower and complained that it was cold in 2 minutes. She is not happy.

I for one would just like to have the hall floor dry out a bit. I don't know about you, but being that we live in Hawaii and go barefoot in the house, stepping on a damp floor is one of my least favorite sensations... especially first thing in the morning. Yuck.

Well, we'll see what to do about it tomorrow. The 4 gallon water heater may have to go back. We shall see.

Happy Veteran's Day

Despite the fact I don't support unnecessary military spending and wars, I am fully supportive of our active duty military and our veterans.

Many thanks to the many military service men and women of past and present. I know I don't want to put myself in harm's way, but they do it so I don't have to. I am mindful and grateful for their sacrifice every day.

May they all come home to us safe.

Happy Veteran's Day.

Dancing in the Dark - Count Miconia takes to the Ballroom

Went to the Masquerade Ball today dressed as Count Miconia. Those of you who know me well probably already know what Miconia is and why it is bad for Hawaii but for others, the skinny is this:
a)Miconia grows fast, matures fast, and is shade tolerant
b)It has huge leaves that shades out other plants below including our native ones.
c) Once mature (within 3 years) a Miconia tree will put out several thousand tiny poppy-seed sized seeds in small fruit that alien birds like to eat and poop out elsewhere. The seeds are viable up to 16 years (as far as we know).
d)The trees get up to 60 ft. tall and have shallow root systems.
e)Miconia eventually eliminates all other plants in an area and creates a dense monoculture. The ecosystem that relied on that forest is eliminated.
f)Rain falls, Miconia, unable to hold onto the soil, slides off the mountains causing mass landslides.
g)Dirt fills streams, goes towards ocean, dirt in ocean covers coral killing the coral and the fish.

So I went to the Ball and even performed and danced in costume as Count Miconia and hopefully raised some eyebrows if not some consciousness about the deadly threat Miconia poses to Hawaii's native ecosystems.

I promise there will be photos later.

Caster Semenya-There are no boxes

For those unfamiliar with Caster Semenya, she is a rising star in the international running world. Her low voice, bone structure, and her amazing record-breaking running times during the World Athletic Championships gave rise to questions about her gender. The IAAF ordered a gender test and the results are in.

The results show that Caster is intersex. She maintains characteristics of both male and female gender. What is unfortunate is that not only has she just learned of it, but that she had to learn of her condition in such a public way. I can only imagine how emotionally devastating this must be for her. Still, the questions remain: Is Caster's career over? If not, can she still run as a woman? Is there a place in the sports world for intersex people? We shall see.


http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/feature/2009/09/10/caster_semenya/index.html#

*This post was intended to be a Facebook link but FB was being stubborn and would not allow me to post this when I wanted it to.*

I am not amused by the "unavailable"ness of Facebook and the being logged out for no good reason.

Hmm. It appears Facebook is down. That's not good.