Disheartening ad (link):

Senior Research Scientist Level I, Molecular Biology (Richmond, BC)
Date: 2009-08-31, 2:55PM PDT
Reply to: hr@abmgood.com

Applied Biological Materials Inc. is a Vancouver-based biotech company that develop and market research reagents to the life science community and biotech industry. Due to our continued growth and the need to expand our existing R&D team, new NSERC research scientist positions are available at our company. The successful candidates will utilize their significant biological expertise to develop novel miRNA materials that will have immediate commercial applications.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
· The successful candidate will be independent in project planning and design.
· Other related duties as required on a project basis.

To be successful in this role, you will have the following qualifications and experience:
· Recent completion (within the last 3 years) or completion within the next 2 months, of a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, or a relevant life sciences discipline OR
· Master of Science in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, or a relevant life sciences discipline.
· Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment.
· A strong publication record is a plus.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Proficient experience in tissue culture and recombinant DNA technology is necessary
· Experience in recombinant viral vectors would be an asset.

How To Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to forward their resume and cover letters to hr@abmgood.com. Applied Biological Materials would like to thank all interested applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

* Location: Richmond, BC
* Compensation: $40,000/year
* OK for recruiters to contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

And now the comic relief (link):

Senior Slave Scientist Level I, Molecular Biology (Richmond)
Date: 2009-09-01, 4:10PM PDT
Reply to: xxx-xxxxx-xxxxxxxxxx@craigslist.org]

Is this posting a joke? They are willing to pay $40,000 a year to a senior scientist with molecular biology expertise??? Wow! Boy do I regret getting a Ph.D. I would rather work as a receptionist or a secretary to have the same income. Good luck finding a highly qualified slave! Yes, I do hold a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. But I refuse to sell myself so cheap. That posting should be flagged for indecency!!!

* Location: Richmond
* Compensation: EXTREMELLY LOW
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

I’m losing faith.

I guess the recession is hitting everyone in different ways.  Let their misfortune be your gain!  Get your own party bus!

(Summer is officially here!)

…that “by the dawn’s early light” might be redundant.

In order to avoid being distracted by this matter, please enjoy this wordless rendition of the American national anthem:

“I say there are some things we don’t want to know – important things!”
- Ned Flanders

The story is here.

Okay, I will always prefer the original from Parliament, but this track from Royksopp makes pretty good use of a sample from the former. And I heart the video for sure:

Uh-huh.
Shake it.
Woo.
(The two songs are more ably contrasted here.)

Hey dip shit – vaccinate your kids.  How much more clear can I be?  VACCINATE YOUR KIDS!  Clear enough?

Hey Jenny McCarthy - shut up.  How much more clear can I be?  SHUT UP!  Clear enough?