Blogs

Facebook finally got too evil for me.

I've been one of those who embrace technology, usually introducing family and friends to the new stuff. However, some of the recent things that have come to light about Facebook finally made me delete my account. Yes, delete, not deactivate.

As if it wasn't bad enough that you give Facebook control over all your information, there were two things that sent it over the top for me:

1. McDonald's alliance with Facebook 
2. Learning that those stupid apps, which I never had much of a use for, can go beyond harvesting your Facebook account info (and your friends) - they can harvest browser history

If you want to do delete your Facebook account - here's the link (it's easy to find the deactivate link, hard to find the delete link): http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=delete_account If you decide you'd like to stick with Facebook, here's a link to Consumer's Reports recent article about how to adjust your privacy settings.

I've been thinking a little about the fourth of July.  Being the son of a Marine and the brother of a Navy man, I guess it comes naturally.  The fourth of July is an interesting holiday- it is the one time we can all come together, as a nation.  Distractions that would normally divide us, our political, economical aspirations - the talking heads on radio espousing certain ideologies can all take a backburner to us realizing that we live in a great nation, a nation of opportunity. It's a nation that is free enough to allow us to have those aspirations and allow those ideologues to spew at us. Given enough determination, we have the ability to accomplish anything.
 
If given the opportunity, remember, cherish our servicemen and women, especially those currently deployed.  Remember - they deploy because your politicians sent them, not because they necessarily agree with the deployment.
 
So - my hope on the fourth is that you remember where you live, where this country came from.  Whether the small towns that built this country or the cities that now dominate, may you maintain the hope, take risks, be an American.
 
 

So - this is a family blog, not all science.  I thought I would share a recipe with you from Josh's father:
 
Pad Thai
 
Rice noodles (aka Rice sticks) ~ 500g
Shrimp/chicken/tofu - your choice of protein, any combination
Eggs
Peanuts (or almonds)
Garlic
Green onions
Bean sprouts
Mint
Lime
Chinese parsley/cilantro (depends on which part of US you are in)
Basil
 
Sauce
 
3 Tbsp each: Fish sauce, rice vinegar, tamarind sauce (or, surprise, ketchup!), soy sauce (shoyu)
1 tsp chili paste or ground chili flake (to taste)
1 tsp brown sugar (in a pinch, use white sugar)
1/4 cup of chicken broth
 
We like to serve this with a Gewurztraminer, but a pale ale will do well with this dish also.