Xenophyophores; But Don't Be Scared Away Yet!

I know, I know, freakishly long science names can be a little daunting. But do not fear, friends, for science, if broken down, can be quite simple.

Xenophyophores are unicellular organisms, types of amoebas, really, that are known to be the largest single-celled organisms ever found. They live in water and were first thought to be sea sponges due to their massive size. Recently, they were found six miles below the surface in the Mariana Trench, spotted by National Geographic.

Xenophyophores are truly amazing in that they can survive in the most brutal conditions, able to live off of sediment and tolerating high levels of heavy metals.

The world is truly a miraculous place. If we stop to look around for a while, we might realize it.

Until next time,

Modgirl

Occupying Wall St and A Very Merry Diwali To All!

Maybe it's just me, but I feel as though Americans really do know how to get their way by being petulant children about issues. And this is why there are many adults sitting in public areas and streets of metropolitan cities trying to be heard. Why don't we just welcome the new American Revolution already; Occupy Wall Street.

Hundreds and hundreds of Americans are piled into public areas of New York City, Washington DC, Boston, and Detroit. Zuccoti Park, home of the movement, is the nucleus of this building protest.

Newt Gingrich, Republican presidential candidate, tells us that the protest is "frighteningly anti-Semitic". What are we to say about the apparent "vulgarity" of our actions? Is there any other way our voices can be heard over the roar of authority or must we settle for protests and things that could possibly get violent?

The cause is commendable. The actions? You decide for yourself.

And in the meantime, have a very Happy Diwali!

Until next time,

Modgirl

New York Minute; A Cupcake Crush

Let's face it.

It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from and what's your business; every sane person will want to take a trip to New York City (Manhattan) in their life time.

Which is what I did, the summer of 2011, to visit my sister who works in the Public Affairs department at SecondMarket.

While strolling through Soho, tapioca drinks and a few shopping bags in hand, we came across something that can only be described as scrum-didly-umpcious.

"Baked by Melissa" little Cupcakes.

My sister, the cupcake connoisseur, was immediately in line, pointing out her favorites and sharing advice on whether cookie dough would be better than peanut butter and jelly or tie-dye, more delicious than chocolate chip pancake.

We went with four cupcakes, each as delicious as the next.

For those who are making their much needed trip to NYC any time soon, I advise you to get in line at one of the "Baked by Melissa" cupcake branches immediately- the line can only be described as insane!

If you want to check out some of "Baked by Melissa"'s delicious treats, stop by her website, and maybe create your own design! http://bakedbymelissa.com/#

Until next time,

Modgirl