Philanthropy Begins With Me

The local United Way campaign just kicked off, and the folks over on ScienceBlogs started up their Donors Choose program (click on over and help Isis win). As the leaves fall, so should dollars into important programs.

I decided to become a philanthropist shortly after taking my first faculty position in 1991. The funding climate, similar to today, was brutal for a new PI. I knew my best chances were with private foundations, especially local groups. So there was some self-interest in my initial volunteer efforts; however, I figured that it was my job to enable biomedical research, even if I never saw a dime.

Eventually, I did get some of that money, and it led to bigger and better grants. I still believe in keeping up the efforts. In the current economic climate, those same organizations and foundations are the only source of funding for many new investigators or for those whose idea isn’t quite ready for prime time (the NIH).

That’s why I am giving to enrich elementary science programs. That’s why I dragged my butt out of bed on a cold, soggy morning yesterday to volunteer at the local American Diabetes Association Walk (the balloon release at left kicked it off). That’s why I made time Friday to do a promotional interview about the Nebraska Kidney Association. This stuff is important, both now and tomorrow.

So click on over and support tomorrow’s scientists at ScienceBlogs.

Cylinder artwork courtesy of PhotoXpress.

Wardrobe Maintenance

Now for the surest sign of a change of seasons: closet clean-out!

Every spring and fall as I exchange the linen for the cashmere, I sort through my wardrobe for stuff I haven’t worn. If an item has hung in the closet through its entire season, gathering dust, then it deserves a new home. I get to make room for “update items", new purchases that will make my outfits look 09/10 instead of 99/00.

Sometimes one or two pairs of shoes accompany the clothing. Occasionally, a “good buy” at DSW becomes a “fashion don’t.” But shoes generally have more staying power in my closet.

My hubby left an hour ago for a football game, while I am here in town, covering the patient service. I will use the time to edit my clothing and make my closet functional again.

And maybe I will find some time to shop…

Photos courtesy of PhotoXpress.com.

Signs of the Season

It is now, officially, in my mind… autumn!

Is it because school has started? No, my son has been back in class for more than 3 weeks. Besides, the stores start trumpeting their supplies and clothing as soon as the Fourth of July gear goes on clearance. No, back-to-school smells more of sunblock than apple cider.

Perhaps a sign of nature triggers my mood. Colored leaves? Not yet… Shorter days? Not enough to spoil evenings yet… Labor Day? Traditional, but not the real trigger…

What makes me feel that the season changed this week?

College football! Last night the first fans of the ‘09 season donned spiritwear, painted bare chests, and tail-gated. The smell of fall is a grilled brat and a cold bottle of beer. Right now, all things are possible… unless you are an Oregon fan, and I am not certain that their top-20 status will survive the match last night with Boise State.

My weekend will be filled with both live and televised gridiron matches. May everyone be so lucky!

Photos of bus and leaves courtesy of PhotoXpress. Football image from mutigers.com.