Stacy Horn

Even stores are telling me! Actually, the sign on the store says Just Breath, and I swear to God, every time I walk by I take a deep breath and feel better.

So take a deep breath and relish the wisdom of our new president, Barack Obama:

“From landing on the moon, to sequencing the human genome, to inventing the Internet, America has been the first to cross that new frontier because we had leaders who paved the way … Leaders who not only invested in our scientists, but who respected the integrity of the scientific process.”

“Because the truth is that promoting science isn’t just about providing resources — it’s about protecting free and open inquiry. It’s about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology …”

I could just cry!

And his words after appointing Steven Chu: “His appointment should send a signal to all that my Administration will value science, we will make decisions based on the facts, and we understand that the facts demand bold action.”

Deep breath.  An adult is finally in charge.

I posted before about Biden’s new puppy and how PETA was upset that it was a puppy mill puppy.  Well, it wasn’t a puppy mill puppy after all. They were upset because it’s a pure bred puppy from a breeder.  They’re okay with him now because he’s getting another puppy and this one will come from the pound, but Jesus.  I mean, yeah, there are so many dogs that need homes it does seem kind of a shame to breed even more, but still. (Okay, I have a crush on Biden, and feel the need to defend him.)

This picture is from the children’s clothing store down the block.  I love their windows.  I didn’t quite capture the sparkly, shoes from Christmas-fairyland feel though.

… an ongoing series (unless I forget) of happy discoveries that people don’t always suck.

I just read the first secret on PostSecret and immediately came here to show everyone the proof.

Just go there and read the first one, although the others might be good too.  I haven’t read them yet.

Sigh.  I remember when I did stuff like that.

I took this picture looking downtown on 6th Avenue at 11th Street earlier in the week.  It’s pretty miserable out right now.  There was lovely, beautiful snow when I first woke up, but now it’s miserable and rainy and cold. And I have to head out in that shortly.

But somewhere out there, someone is giving free Christmas trees to people who wouldn’t have one otherwise.

Thank you for doing that, whoever you are.

I read that Times piece about Andrew Cuomo fuming about Caroline Kennedy.  I have no great love for Cuomo, and I have nothing against Caroline Kennedy, but I do think the fact that she is being considered is insane. This would be treating a senate seat like an internship. Seriously, if she wants the job she can campaign for it when it comes up again, but for this interim period, it should go to someone with more experience in … something—what jobs has she even held??  I do like that she wrote a book about the Constitution, though.  But not even voting all those times? You’ve gotta be kidding me

I just can’t believe there’s even the possibility of handing over a senate seat to someone based on their name and connections.  Maybe she’ll do a great job, but for something so important that’s just a little too much roll-of-the-dice for me.  Also, I do admit that article did soften me on the idea of Cuomo.

I took this picture at the yearly caroling party at a friend’s house.  I envy people with cats who don’t weigh a million pounds and kill you when you have to lug them to the vet.

I’ve got a million of these side street shots. I keep seeing pretty things as I’m walking along, but I really need to figure out a different want to capture them.

The title of this post is from an article in Science News I’ve bookmarked to read. I just love it’s metaphoric possibilities.

Here’s my opinion about Obama and Rick Warren: When Jon Stewart started inviting conservatives on his show and not only didn’t read them the riot act, he treated them respectfully I was furious.  Absolutely furious.  But now I like it.  It doesn’t mean he agrees with them, and sometimes he will confront them more forcefully, but it’s never in an attack-dog manner.  And now conservatives regularly come on his show, and the issues are discussed and every once in a while, there are steps toward a middle ground.

I am tired of all the hate and hostility and divisiveness in our country. We have to start somewhere.  A dialogue must be begun.  We have to work together.

Look at it this way: how great would it have been if a conservative president had ever invited a gay minister who supported marriage for everyone and civil unions to lead the prayer at one of their inaugurations?  I never felt like Bush was my president too.  I actually felt like the enemy for eight years.  It shouldn’t be that way.  If Obama can be all Jon Stewart-y about running the country, I’m for it.