I get asked this question more than you'd think

Here's an article that I'd consider giving a read:

"Book Is Rallying Resistance to the Antivaccine Crusade"

I was surprised the first few times I was asked my opinion on the matter. I suppose I shouldn't have been, given my area of study. Who knew that biology was such a hot topic at parties? Anyway, in an attempt to allow more time at parties for other topics, I thought I'd quickly share my thoughts on the Autism/Vaccination controversy.

I feel obligated to start off by telling you that I am not an expert in immunology. I am a biologist, and because of the project I happen to be working on at the moment, I've had to learn some basic immunology. So, perhaps it's my ignorance in the field talking, but according to what I understand, I just don't see the link between vaccinations and autism. My heart goes out the the parents and families of children with Autism, but if I might be frank, I believe that a trend toward not vaccinating children is a dangerous one. As the number of unvaccinated individuals in a population grows so does that population's risk for infection. Viruses then have a chance at becoming endemic (sustained) in a population, as is the case with measles in the UK.

It cannot be easy to be the parent of an autistic child. Not being a father myself, I can only guess at what the deisre to protect a child must be like. But, as a scientist, I do trust the research that has been done. When the time comes, I feel that the public and private rewards of vaccination far outweigh whatever potential risk there might be.

For a more authoritative view on the matter, feel free to follow this link.

Our Country Needs More of This

While we're talking about Lionel

Found this while trying to find a clip of Fiona Bruce slapping Jeremy Clarkson (which I couldn't find).

http://www.topgear.com/us/videos/more/three-wheel-richie

Ooooh! What a feeling!

This video had a huge effect on my childhood. I mean, he wasn't just dancing. He was dancing on the ceiling. I envied that man's skills.

Warning: I take no responsibility for any ill effects from watching the whole video.



Also: It's hard to tell from the video, but does Lionel Ritchie's jheri curl stylings extend to his mustache? Comments are open.

Love/Hate

Got together with some friends today for brunch at Clinton St. Baking Company. My verdict: Unbelievably good bacon and grits, unbelievably rude hostess - even by NYC standards.

For a more appetizing view, go here.