Although fall is not traditionally thought of as a time of new beginning, it does represent the start of both the new academic and fiscal years. Viewed in that light, it seems we’re missing an opportunity to take a step back and start a new tradition based upon what we always do at the turn of a new year: no, not make a fool of ourselves at the office party OR drink too much OR lay around and watch football… It’s time to make some New Lab Resolutions.
BenchLife
Being a scientist isn’t just about doing experiments, so neither are we. This is where we make breakthroughs beyond the bench for scientists.
The Importance of Goals in Science
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Organize Your Life: Getting Things Done
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The alarm goes off and the space between your ears, which only moments ago had you laying on a beach made of candy, is suddenly filled with the following inner dialogue: “I’ve got to start that reaction tomorrow, so I can’t forget to run by the stockroom today – maybe I can go after lunch – oh, but I have to meet Jason to talk about our collaboration – oh crap, I need to work up that data – but I’m meeting with the boss first thing in the morning – it snowed last night – better get out of here earlier than usual – no time to eat – am I out of clean undershirts? I need to do laundry this weekend – I’m out of detergent – when does Costco open? – did my membership expire or was that my car insurance? I’ve got to get an oil change – how much will that cost? Karen owes me $40 for dinner – I can’t stand that guy she’s dating…”
Ah, stress. It can be absolutely crippling.
What Fuels You?
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For many of us, this week may be the first full week back in the swing of things. Summer vacations have come and gone, the short Labor Day week is behind us and now it’s back to the grind. New classes to take, new lectures to give, new reasons to once again start losing sleep…
What’s for Dinner? Bag It.
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It’s been a long day in lab and we’re tired, hungry and sick of mac ‘n cheese… many times, sheer exhaustion makes us want to say “Bag it, I’ll just skip dinner.” Actually, “Bag it” is exactly the right answer!
Fashion Etiquette for Scientists
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The new generation of scientists is breaking the mold when it comes to the image of our personality, intellect and, of course, fashion. Today is the start of Fashion Week in New York. In commemoration of this event, BenchFly is laying down some rules to ensure the survival of this updated image.
Upload and Win. It’s that Easy.
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Nothing says convenience (or craftiness) like a videocamera that fits in the palm of your hand. A perfect camera for the lab… Meet the Flip camera. These little guys are so easy to use even Congress could figure them out! This month, we’ve increased the number of ways you can become the proud owner of a brand new Flip camera.
How Much do You Labor?
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Yesterday was Labor Day in the U.S. and aside from BBQ, it got us thinking about, well… labor. Our schedules as graduate students, postdocs, assistant professors, vice presidents, research scientists, etc. can vary tremendously. However, regardless of the actual number of hours, we all have a feeling of how fairly we’re being treated, particularly when we factor in our salaries.
The Weers Ranch ‘Rita
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This weekend, backyards all over the US will be packed as friends and families celebrate Labor Day with a final BBQ. Sadly, it marks the unofficial end of the quintessential summer drink, the Margarita. So in honor of a great summer, here’s a recipe for simple, cheap and delicious Margaritas – perfect to serve at, or bring to, your Labor Day Celebration!
The Lab Panic Button
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Sitting in driver’s education class as a 15-year-old one hot summer day, two things stuck with me: 1) the idea that when driving, we should always leave ourselves an “out,” and 2) the horrific smell generated by a room full of teenagers, still struggling with the concept of deodorant.
Eatin’ on the Cheap: Dahl
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I was never very good at chemistry. In my first year as an undergrad, I worked my butt off for a credit (that’s about 70% in Australia). I had an assignment due the next day and I knew it was going to be a late one. I was a smoker back in those days, so having cigarettes for a night of study was MUCH more important than nutrition. I had $10 in my pocket, and at the time cigarettes were $7 (they’re much more expensive than in the US). So this left me $3 for the nutrition component of the evening. I paced the aisles of the grocery store until I came across lentils.
