DARWIN, BIOGEOGRAPHY...AND PEPPERS

My friend Madhu Khatti graciously allowed me to to audit his biogeography course a few months back. On his blog, he asks a wonderfully disarming question about peppers in this enjoyable essay. It reminds me of two things: that my alma mater (CSU Fresno) has a world-class expert on the genetics of Capsicum, and that, more than 150 years ago, Darwin began his long and meaningful correspondence with American botanist (and evangelical Christian) Asa Gray.

In a letter of July 8th, Gray had praised Darwin for experiments, published in the Gardener's Chronicle, that demonstrated the possibility that seeds might be carried some distance in salt water, yet still be able to germinate: a seminal (sorry) moment in the history of biogeography.

Then, on today's date (July 21st), some 152 years ago, Darwin replied with these details: "...Some of my immersed seeds have come up after 82 & 85 days immersion, viz Radishes Beet, Atriplex, Capsicum, Oats, Cucurbita, Rhubarb, Lettuce, Carrotts, Celery, & Onions."

I think that, in appreciation of Dr. Katti and Charles Darwin, that I will eat a pepper today!

POTTER: THE END IS NEAR

Well, it's been a few days since I last posted and I hope that hasn't soured anyone on the blog, but life can be intrusive. I freely admit to not intending to do anything at all for the rest of today, as I am plowing through Rowling's last Potter book. I'm about halfway through and I am marveling at the way she is throughly working out some of the details and relationships she's spent decades and six books establishing.

There's always the possibility that I will hate the ending, but I doubt it. Anyway, I'll start posting again in earnest AFTER the weekend.

BEE PINS TAIL ON DONKEY

Be warned: the following is sarcastic and not particularly helpful, but it hopefully will convey the frustration I've experienced any number of times in raising this topic with residents of Fresno County....

My local paper's editorial board may have finally had their Damascus experience. After fulminating for several years about declining air quality, the cost of water delivery, the unpredictable (and often unpleasant) consequences of a development boom in Fresno County, they've suddenly put the tail right on the donkey: population growth, says the Bee, is the new 'flood danger.'

Well. How about that: Let me be the first local advocate for science education to congratule the brave denizens of the fourth estate for their rediscovery of the Malthusian Doctrine, applied to Fresno. With any luck, we may even have a discussion on 'sustainable growth' and 'carrying capacity.'

Sarcasm aside, this editorial also mentions in passing the far-from-salutary impact of testing mania on local education, and the damage that this is likely doing to any effort to meet the challenges of growing populations. Forgive me for getting my hopes up, but is it possible that there is, at last, someone on the editorial board that is listening to scientists and educators?

(Commence holding breath...)