BenchLife

Has your computer lately slowed down considerably? Or did you hear weird noises emerging from your hard drive? Are you surfing a lot on the web? Well, if you answer all those questions with a resounding ‘yes’, then hard drive failure will be the inevitable consequence in a couple of weeks. And I know there is this constant nagging feeling that something is missing. Something important. Something you always wanted to do. Yes! A backup. But how do you start and what is the best backup strategy? In this article I’ll talk about a couple of options that you have to backup your data and finally enjoy peace of mind.

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Dear FlyGirl,

My favorite lip color is discontinued! Why?!? This has happened a few times actually. I looked on Ebay, but couldn’t find it. Do you have any other suggestions on how to find or replicate the color?

Thank you,

Penny

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National Football League refs may have been hungry this year but they settled their beef last week, returning to the field and ending weeks of lock out frustration for fans, coaches and players. The stalemate culminated in the final moments of Sunday’s Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks game where a scab ref’s mistake meant misfortune for Packers’ safety M. D. Jennings. Jennings was not only robbed of a clear interception, but adding insult to injury, the Seahawks’ intended receiver, Golden Tate, was given credit for the catch on a missed penalty call resulting in a touchdown and Seattle winning it 14-12. (VIDEO: Worst NFL call ever?)

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Dear FlyGirl,

Do you have any advice on how to get out a stain from the one pair of dress pants that I own?  My girlfriend said club soda is supposed to work, but I’ve never liked dipping my napkin in a drink and wiping myself at dinner, especially if I am with people I’m trying to impress. It’s probably time that I learn some discretion.

Thanks,

Dan

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The acting world has their triple threat –  3 talents (acting, singing AND dancing) that are marks of greatness, and the science world has Dr. Holly Bik. She combines DNA lab work, computational biology, and science communications in the world of ocean science. (Personalized medicine and healthcare genomics, don’t be sad, but after 14 years of adoring you alone, now I also have a crush on Marine Biology.)

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Colleague: “Hey, can you come to my practice talk later? I’d really like your feedback.”

You: (In your head: “I’d rather count the number of salt granules required to make a liter of Tris buffer.”) Uh, sure.

And just like that, you’re signed up to listen to an unpolished talk and provide the critical feedback that will hopefully right the ship. Worse, your colleague invited that windbag from the lab down the hall who lives to hear the sound of their own voice. If only there was some way to provide structure to the feedback process. If only…

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Last week, FlyGirl made the case for how to dress for an interview using two fashion icons, Magnum PI and Don Draper, to illustrate the point. The take home message is that – yes, even in academia – selecting proper interview attire is important. Whether we like it or not, our outfit is busy communicating with our potential employer long before we open our mouth – so let’s make sure it’s not sabotaging our interview.

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FlyGirl-

How do you dress for an interview without looking too overdressed or underdressed?

Cheers, Sam

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Tired of your Lab Physique?  Hunched over, head forward, shoulders slumped, eyes straining, butt widening, legs atrophying?  Fight back!  Rediscover the pleasure of moving your body.  Don’t wait.  Do it now.

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Dear FlyGirl,

Do salt scrubs really make you glow like the spa menu descriptions claim?  The treatments sound awesome but they are pricey so I want to make a smart decision. 

-Inbok

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