(I actually do know what you're saying.)

It's the holidays. I couldn't find the compose button on my gmail for about 15 minutes this morning. I assume no one knows what anyone else is talking about.

Incidentally, in all my TLDR, I think I came up with good framing for the alta-lobby. "Big Snake Oil"

Science: In it.

"To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;"

It's talking about patents and copyright, but it implies that the "Progress of Science" is a good thing. Jefferson got funding for the Lewis & Clark expedition from Congress. He asked for $2,500. Congress may have ended up paying as much as 20 times that, showing that there is ample precedent for both scientific funding and cost overruns. In 1879, Congress made science an official part of government by founding the United States Geological Survey. (I have a small obsession with the founding of the USGS. Try not to judge.)

Anyway, there's plenty of precedent, which those people who carry around cards of the Constitution fail to consider, probably because they wish the Supreme Court wasn't in the Constitution.

Back from the family Christmukkah to-do. Was very nice seeing most of the folks on my mom's side of the family, particularly the two new toddlers now that they can run and do other stuff besides cry. I am filled to the brim with beef tenderloin, cheese, and olives, and the dirty Santa gift I took was a big hit with its eventual recipient. Also, I snagged one of those over-the-toilet storage units that closely matches the colors in my bathroom.

Abraham Lincoln created the National Academy of Sciences.

Party of Lincoln, amirite?

is ita going to jamaica?

y'all I shopped for hours today with an adult friend and no kid. awesome!

Party of Lincoln, amirite?

If it was the current party, they'd still be amending the Emancipation Proclamation.

Party of Lincoln, whoot!

Apropos, actually, because we took the SO's folks over to the Presidential library & museum for Lincoln today. It was an amazing, amazing trip. His dad likened it to climbing Everest, and beforehand his mom really didn't want to because of his health, but they made it and it was grand. Somber, but grand. I am so glad they went. And I learned lots!

Anyway, in the Big Pharma column, there's def lots of bad for which I harbor resentment, but Big Pharma has funded me a bunch, albeit through their foundation's employee matching program. As a religious org we don't qualify for regular foundation support, but for their employees/retirees it's looser.

I've been writing about science funding, so am cranky.

Did i ever tell you people about the amazing Hawaiian squid?