I can't believe there is an article about this. Found this on Drudge Report
-------------------------------------
Knut Steadily Getting Less Cute
It's a tragic fact of life. Celebrity polar bear cub Knut, now almost five months old, is gradually mutating from a fluffy porridge-lapping cub into a heavy bruiser with a penchant for meat off the bone. But the visitors are still flocking to see him.
Knut is looking more like an adult every day.
Knut's days of extreme cuteness are numbered now that he has acquired a markedly longer snout and weighs a chubby 17 kilograms (37 pounds), twice as much as when he first appeared before an adoring public five weeks ago.
"His teeth are sharper and he's stronger, he still gets porridge but we now feed him beef on the bone occasionally," the zoo's bear expert Heiner Klös told SPIEGEL ONLINE. "He's calmed down a bit, he doesn't potter around as much as he used to and he's happy to sit on his own more often. But he still wanders back to his keeper to tank up on security."
Knut's faithful handler Thomas Dörflein has taken to wearing long-sleeved shirts or pullovers and gloves to protect himself when he handles Knut. But the polar bear cub immediately obeys when Dörflein has had enough and tells him to stop biting him with the stern command "Aus!"
Klös said it's impossible to predict when Knut will be able to sleep on his own without a keeper by his side, or when he will be too dangerous to handle closely. "At the moment handling him is no problem and we don't have a timetable in that regard."
Even though he's getting bigger every day, the crowds are still pouring in to see him. More than 25,000 people visited the zoo at the weekend.
Meanwhile, the extensive range of Knut merchandise was increased last week with the launch of a porcelain Knut by venerable Berlin-based china manufacturer Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Berlin.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Procrastination Entry: Bands that I wished I can see live
Once again, I've resumed my normal position in front of my laptop. Of course, I have work to do. But am i doing it? Partially. For me, any attempt at workis always coupled to regularly interrupting procrastination.
So what kind of procrastinating have I done so far, you ask? Well. I've already checked my email 5 times in the past hour. Yes, all 4 accounts! My usual gossip blogs have not updated since I've last checked. Plus, Matt Drudge has nothing interesting posted either. I did one set of crunches on my newly inflated exercise ball. After that, I decided that my purple AE tshirt doesn't look too good with my khaki skirt, but is amazing with my denim skirt. Plus, I really need some new flats because ragged old running shoes aren't too flattering with a cute tshirt, mini skirt ensemble.
Now that all these avenues of time-wasting have been exhausted, I'm ready to talk to you, my loyal readers. Yes, all three of you.
I'm going to share with you several bands that I would like to see live, but probably won't get the chance to. (Don't you feel lucky!)
1) Garbage
Garbage had some success in the mid-late 90s with songs such as Special, When I Grow Up, and Stupid Girl. Despite commercial success with their first two albums (Garbage and Version 2.0), their other two albums fail to reach much of an audience. Their albums are generally of the same vein - highly produced, guitar-driven rock songs largely powered by the awesomely haunting voice of its lead singer, Shirley Manson. The exception lies in their third album, Beautiful Garbage, which mixed it up a bit. Still the same emotionally tumultous, angst-ridden lyrics, but with a slightly more pop sound. Their last album, Bleed Like Me, marks a return their tried-and-true roots.
I got the chance to see them two summers ago at San Diego's Street Scene. It was amazing. I'd love to see them again, but I don't think it's happening. The band are on hiatus. Shirley's also recording a solo album.
2) Save Ferris
Again, another 90s band. Again, with a female lead singer. Save Ferris was a pretty popular Ska band headed up by Monique Powell. They're probably best known for Goodbye and their cover of Come On Eileen. With an energetic sound and even better vocals, Save Ferris produced two albums. Both albums are tons of fun to listen and sing to. For crying out loud, they have an entire song dedicated to spam! Of course, one of the real gems is the very low-key Let Me In.
I know people who have seen them play at a KROQ show at the Santa Anita Racetracks back at home. I personally have not. Unfortunately, the band has broken up. I think Monique has some side projects still, but I'm not too sure.
3)Travis
Travis was the next IT band from the UK. That was until they were usurped a year later by Coldplay. Regardless, they have some really mellow songs, somewhere between Blur (minus song 2), Wilco, and Snow Patrol. Well written and well played. They have three albums, I think. I only have one of them, but I've listened to the other two and they're pretty much the same sound, and still good.
I don't know where they are right now. So I'm not sure if I'll ever get to see them.
4) The Wallflowers
Most people know them by their one big hit, One Headlight. I also know them by their second album, Bringing Down the Horse, and their third one (Which I can't remember the name to). I actually own their first album, which sucked. My friend was supposed to get me Bringing Down the Horse, but bought the wrong one. Oh yeah, a small claim to fame? Jakob Dylan, the hot son of Bob Dylan, head the band and he actually sounds good. Surprise, surprise!
Again, I dont know their status right now. They haven't had an album out in a while. Perhaps indefinite hiatus also?
So what kind of procrastinating have I done so far, you ask? Well. I've already checked my email 5 times in the past hour. Yes, all 4 accounts! My usual gossip blogs have not updated since I've last checked. Plus, Matt Drudge has nothing interesting posted either. I did one set of crunches on my newly inflated exercise ball. After that, I decided that my purple AE tshirt doesn't look too good with my khaki skirt, but is amazing with my denim skirt. Plus, I really need some new flats because ragged old running shoes aren't too flattering with a cute tshirt, mini skirt ensemble.
Now that all these avenues of time-wasting have been exhausted, I'm ready to talk to you, my loyal readers. Yes, all three of you.
I'm going to share with you several bands that I would like to see live, but probably won't get the chance to. (Don't you feel lucky!)
1) Garbage
Garbage had some success in the mid-late 90s with songs such as Special, When I Grow Up, and Stupid Girl. Despite commercial success with their first two albums (Garbage and Version 2.0), their other two albums fail to reach much of an audience. Their albums are generally of the same vein - highly produced, guitar-driven rock songs largely powered by the awesomely haunting voice of its lead singer, Shirley Manson. The exception lies in their third album, Beautiful Garbage, which mixed it up a bit. Still the same emotionally tumultous, angst-ridden lyrics, but with a slightly more pop sound. Their last album, Bleed Like Me, marks a return their tried-and-true roots.
I got the chance to see them two summers ago at San Diego's Street Scene. It was amazing. I'd love to see them again, but I don't think it's happening. The band are on hiatus. Shirley's also recording a solo album.
2) Save Ferris
Again, another 90s band. Again, with a female lead singer. Save Ferris was a pretty popular Ska band headed up by Monique Powell. They're probably best known for Goodbye and their cover of Come On Eileen. With an energetic sound and even better vocals, Save Ferris produced two albums. Both albums are tons of fun to listen and sing to. For crying out loud, they have an entire song dedicated to spam! Of course, one of the real gems is the very low-key Let Me In.
I know people who have seen them play at a KROQ show at the Santa Anita Racetracks back at home. I personally have not. Unfortunately, the band has broken up. I think Monique has some side projects still, but I'm not too sure.
3)Travis
Travis was the next IT band from the UK. That was until they were usurped a year later by Coldplay. Regardless, they have some really mellow songs, somewhere between Blur (minus song 2), Wilco, and Snow Patrol. Well written and well played. They have three albums, I think. I only have one of them, but I've listened to the other two and they're pretty much the same sound, and still good.
I don't know where they are right now. So I'm not sure if I'll ever get to see them.
4) The Wallflowers
Most people know them by their one big hit, One Headlight. I also know them by their second album, Bringing Down the Horse, and their third one (Which I can't remember the name to). I actually own their first album, which sucked. My friend was supposed to get me Bringing Down the Horse, but bought the wrong one. Oh yeah, a small claim to fame? Jakob Dylan, the hot son of Bob Dylan, head the band and he actually sounds good. Surprise, surprise!
Again, I dont know their status right now. They haven't had an album out in a while. Perhaps indefinite hiatus also?
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Sailing
I just got my solo rating today. THis means I can go out sailing on my own on a light wind day.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Civilization
I bought Civilization III before returning from spring break, and have been playing it on and off ever since. Generally, I love games where there aren't quests or goals. You just move on your own pace. Games like SimCity, SimHotel, Lemonade Tycoon are generally games that I enjoy. (For whatever reason, I actually dont like The Sims. I think it's lame trying to recreate a good life for a stupid character on the computer. I rather expend that effort on making me have a life.)
Anyhow, the point of this post is to talk about how difficult Civilization is. I have yet to obtain any victory. I run into the tendency of overextending myself or not establishing my cities at places with resources.
My neighbors also hate me. They always declare war on me and I end up losing militarily. If I beef up my military, it'll drain my poor treasury. I can spend more time finding a good starting location, but that would mean other people are already taking up the land while I'm still roaming.
Long story short, The game is really hard for me right now. Perhaps I should consider a lower difficulty setting, but that would mean being lame. I'll try it a couple more times. After that, I'll start resorting to online resources.
Anyhow, the point of this post is to talk about how difficult Civilization is. I have yet to obtain any victory. I run into the tendency of overextending myself or not establishing my cities at places with resources.
My neighbors also hate me. They always declare war on me and I end up losing militarily. If I beef up my military, it'll drain my poor treasury. I can spend more time finding a good starting location, but that would mean other people are already taking up the land while I'm still roaming.
Long story short, The game is really hard for me right now. Perhaps I should consider a lower difficulty setting, but that would mean being lame. I'll try it a couple more times. After that, I'll start resorting to online resources.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Are you FUCKING KIDDING ME!
Wow. What happened in Virginia Tech is tragedy. This video has set a new low in exploiting national tragedies, almost as much as the constant invoking of 9/11 by the current administration.
McCain Interviews
McCain was just on the Daily Show. Some really good exchanges. Part II is especially good.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Creme Brulee
I finally used my creme brulee set that I received as a gift two years ago. Iused the insta-mix version and it's not sweet enough. The caramelized sugar makes it much better than it really is. I will try to make it from stratch next time and try to perfect it.
Monday, April 23, 2007
I, Rotaton
Since January, I've been rotating in Raghu Kalluri's lab. It's been a very busy three months and I felt that I got a lot done and have learned a lot of new techniques. For one, I know how to work with mice now.
Overall, I love that lab. The people are fun and very helpful. It's a big lab, with about 20 people and I have honestly asked every single person for help with something at one time of another.
The thing that drew me to Raghu's lab was his enthusiasm. Even I have to admit, science can be boring, but Raghu is a great salesman. He pitches his science so well that you would believe in it. He's already convinced 5 people in my year (including me) to try his lab out, and already has new rotation students from the incoming class next year lined up. His enthusiasm for science is an important consideration because I know that I often lose sight of the promises ahead when bogged by failures. I also find comfort in his spastic mind. To be able to integrate so many different fields (cancer biology, stem cell, kidney and liver fibrosis) takes a certain ingenuity. I definitely find myself lacking in those areas and hope that I can develop these qualities while I am still a graduate student.
Also, doing translational research is a goal of mine. However, I hate reading most papers on diseases because they rarely tell a neat little story. This is generally not a fault of the researchers, but a fault of the complex nature of diseases. Generally, I find basic research more satisfying because more often than not, it answers how and why. Yet, I recognize the drawback of just doing basic research. It sucks to have to constantly justify the "relevance" of your work. This is why I hope to use take a basic research approach towards clinical problems. Raghu's lab is more clinically focused. His approach to clinical problems isin line with how I would like to work.
While this is a pro, it is simultaneously a drawback. I am afraid that after being in the lab for a while, I start becoming laxer in my standards to basic research. Yes, even I think meticulous papers are boring to read, but I appreciate them for their rigor. I hate handwaving and in disease models, there's A LOT of that. I don't want to lose that constant drive to know.
In considering his lab for a thesis lab, I think there is great potential. My project, as it is conceived right now, is clinically oriented (cancer or kidney disease). The topic will be geared towards understanding a particular mechanism in disease biology and will aim to address issues about the general biology, instead of small details. In other words, if all things go well, I would like to contribute to a paradigm. The projects itself are exciting...
I started my new rotation today with Jeannie Lee at MGH.
In fall semester, I began second guessing my commitment to translational research because I am not too excited over it and I miss thinking about basic research. I decided that I will do my third rotation in a lab less concerned with disease, but more focused on a generally interesting phenomenon. Plus, I miss RNA. I originally had wanted to work on microRNAs, but that didn't work out. So I looked elsewhere.
Luckily, I meet with Jeannie and found her research to be completely fascinating. Jeannie studies dosage compensation in mammals. Females have two X chromosomes, but males have one. There is a problem in dosage of these chromosomes. For example, having two copies of a tumor gene, one in each X chromosome can potentially wreak havoc. Alternatively, if a gene in the X chromosome is very important, having only 1 copy of it may be very bad for males. This problem is resolved in mammals by essentially shutting down one X chromosome in females, so both sexes have one working X chromosome essentially. The way this is regulated will probably not of interest to those of you who read this, so I'll skip over the boring stuff. In short, the Lee lab is one of the pioneers in this field and the mechanism of how this happens is super awesome.
Jeannie's papers are SUPER meticulous. Yes, it is a pain to read, but by the end of the paper, it's so well argued that it's hard not to buy the model. I love that! That sort of scientific rigor is what I strive for.
Today was my first day in the Lee lab and people have been very nice already. I'll be looking at some really interesting things. However, I must admit that I was a bit surprised at the topic that was chosen. I can't talk about it because it's confidential info, but I definitely did NOT expect studying this. Nonetheless, the project so contained that it won't blossom into a thesis project. I also look forward to working at MGH. It's closer to home and the walk back home will be very scenic! Now that it's coupled to sailing, oh the possibilities are endless!
Anyhow I can't wait to see how this pans out. As I was winding down in Raghu's lab, I started to feel very attached to it. Things were going well and I woudl have been happy just to stick around. But part of me wanted to try something else, just to make sure. As I was winding down, I thought that I may be very bias in the new rotation. Today's meeting with Jeannie has reinvigorated me to think differently. It's like like "Kalluri Lab who?" but more that I feel more open now to give the Lee lab its fair chance.
I know that I will end up picking either Raghu or Jeannie's lab. If all things were equal and if it fell strictly on the science, it will be a tough choice because the labs are so different, and they appeal to different sides of what I want to become. Oh this is exciting!
Overall, I love that lab. The people are fun and very helpful. It's a big lab, with about 20 people and I have honestly asked every single person for help with something at one time of another.
The thing that drew me to Raghu's lab was his enthusiasm. Even I have to admit, science can be boring, but Raghu is a great salesman. He pitches his science so well that you would believe in it. He's already convinced 5 people in my year (including me) to try his lab out, and already has new rotation students from the incoming class next year lined up. His enthusiasm for science is an important consideration because I know that I often lose sight of the promises ahead when bogged by failures. I also find comfort in his spastic mind. To be able to integrate so many different fields (cancer biology, stem cell, kidney and liver fibrosis) takes a certain ingenuity. I definitely find myself lacking in those areas and hope that I can develop these qualities while I am still a graduate student.
Also, doing translational research is a goal of mine. However, I hate reading most papers on diseases because they rarely tell a neat little story. This is generally not a fault of the researchers, but a fault of the complex nature of diseases. Generally, I find basic research more satisfying because more often than not, it answers how and why. Yet, I recognize the drawback of just doing basic research. It sucks to have to constantly justify the "relevance" of your work. This is why I hope to use take a basic research approach towards clinical problems. Raghu's lab is more clinically focused. His approach to clinical problems isin line with how I would like to work.
While this is a pro, it is simultaneously a drawback. I am afraid that after being in the lab for a while, I start becoming laxer in my standards to basic research. Yes, even I think meticulous papers are boring to read, but I appreciate them for their rigor. I hate handwaving and in disease models, there's A LOT of that. I don't want to lose that constant drive to know.
In considering his lab for a thesis lab, I think there is great potential. My project, as it is conceived right now, is clinically oriented (cancer or kidney disease). The topic will be geared towards understanding a particular mechanism in disease biology and will aim to address issues about the general biology, instead of small details. In other words, if all things go well, I would like to contribute to a paradigm. The projects itself are exciting...
I started my new rotation today with Jeannie Lee at MGH.
In fall semester, I began second guessing my commitment to translational research because I am not too excited over it and I miss thinking about basic research. I decided that I will do my third rotation in a lab less concerned with disease, but more focused on a generally interesting phenomenon. Plus, I miss RNA. I originally had wanted to work on microRNAs, but that didn't work out. So I looked elsewhere.
Luckily, I meet with Jeannie and found her research to be completely fascinating. Jeannie studies dosage compensation in mammals. Females have two X chromosomes, but males have one. There is a problem in dosage of these chromosomes. For example, having two copies of a tumor gene, one in each X chromosome can potentially wreak havoc. Alternatively, if a gene in the X chromosome is very important, having only 1 copy of it may be very bad for males. This problem is resolved in mammals by essentially shutting down one X chromosome in females, so both sexes have one working X chromosome essentially. The way this is regulated will probably not of interest to those of you who read this, so I'll skip over the boring stuff. In short, the Lee lab is one of the pioneers in this field and the mechanism of how this happens is super awesome.
Jeannie's papers are SUPER meticulous. Yes, it is a pain to read, but by the end of the paper, it's so well argued that it's hard not to buy the model. I love that! That sort of scientific rigor is what I strive for.
Today was my first day in the Lee lab and people have been very nice already. I'll be looking at some really interesting things. However, I must admit that I was a bit surprised at the topic that was chosen. I can't talk about it because it's confidential info, but I definitely did NOT expect studying this. Nonetheless, the project so contained that it won't blossom into a thesis project. I also look forward to working at MGH. It's closer to home and the walk back home will be very scenic! Now that it's coupled to sailing, oh the possibilities are endless!
Anyhow I can't wait to see how this pans out. As I was winding down in Raghu's lab, I started to feel very attached to it. Things were going well and I woudl have been happy just to stick around. But part of me wanted to try something else, just to make sure. As I was winding down, I thought that I may be very bias in the new rotation. Today's meeting with Jeannie has reinvigorated me to think differently. It's like like "Kalluri Lab who?" but more that I feel more open now to give the Lee lab its fair chance.
I know that I will end up picking either Raghu or Jeannie's lab. If all things were equal and if it fell strictly on the science, it will be a tough choice because the labs are so different, and they appeal to different sides of what I want to become. Oh this is exciting!
Small News
Several things about my life that I want to touch upon
1) For some reason, Boston totally skipped over spring. Today was a sunny 86 degree day. I wished there was spring, but you can't win all the time.
2) I signed up for Sailing Class today. I'm super excited! I can't wait to just spend a couple hours every week out in the waters and just enjoying the sun and the beautiful cityscape of Boston. I promise there will be pictures
1) For some reason, Boston totally skipped over spring. Today was a sunny 86 degree day. I wished there was spring, but you can't win all the time.
2) I signed up for Sailing Class today. I'm super excited! I can't wait to just spend a couple hours every week out in the waters and just enjoying the sun and the beautiful cityscape of Boston. I promise there will be pictures
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Fountains of Wayne
After 7 years of being a fan, I finally got to see one of my favorites bands, Fountains of Wayne, live.
The band is coming out with a new album and did a very nice mix of both old and new songs. They played at Paradise Rock Club, a really intimate venue of maybe 500 people. We took seats at on the of side levels to get a good view.
I loved all the older songs and was glad that the new songs didn't disappointed. Of course, the crowd pleaser is Stacey's Mom. Since we were sitting up in the stands, It was hard to just get up and dance to it. So much of a good show is being able to enjoy the music and rock out with it. I felt totally constrainted. Even though I knew most of the words to the older songs, being able to partake in the music is definitely makes a difference in the overall experience.
I'm surprised at the allocation of songs. Yes, there's a fair amount from the new album, and those were good. There's also a lot of songs from their third album, Welcome Interstate Manager. What's surprising is that they many songs from my favorite album of theirs, Utopian Parkway, but skipped over Red Dragon Tattoo (which is where my SN is loosely based on.) That was a bit of a downer.
Overall, wonderful show. Wished I can rock out with them.
The band is coming out with a new album and did a very nice mix of both old and new songs. They played at Paradise Rock Club, a really intimate venue of maybe 500 people. We took seats at on the of side levels to get a good view.
I loved all the older songs and was glad that the new songs didn't disappointed. Of course, the crowd pleaser is Stacey's Mom. Since we were sitting up in the stands, It was hard to just get up and dance to it. So much of a good show is being able to enjoy the music and rock out with it. I felt totally constrainted. Even though I knew most of the words to the older songs, being able to partake in the music is definitely makes a difference in the overall experience.
I'm surprised at the allocation of songs. Yes, there's a fair amount from the new album, and those were good. There's also a lot of songs from their third album, Welcome Interstate Manager. What's surprising is that they many songs from my favorite album of theirs, Utopian Parkway, but skipped over Red Dragon Tattoo (which is where my SN is loosely based on.) That was a bit of a downer.
Overall, wonderful show. Wished I can rock out with them.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Irony
After many days of dreariness and miserableness, the day was finally nice again.
I definitely know that spring is coming since my allergies have arrived already.
Sucks to not be able to enjoy the beauty outdoors when I'm sneezing and sniffling all the time.
Sad Panda.
I definitely know that spring is coming since my allergies have arrived already.
Sucks to not be able to enjoy the beauty outdoors when I'm sneezing and sniffling all the time.
Sad Panda.
Monday, April 16, 2007
I want to prance around in shorts, tank, and flipflops
This is not just my Californian side whining.
I am so freaking tired of rain. We're being pounded by a fierce spring nor'easter. It's a lot of rain and a lot of wind. To some degree, it doesn't even matter if you have an umbrella. It's gonna flip. Or the wind will get you. Umbrellas are absolutely obselete.
I am so done with wearing a huge jacket all the time. It's practically the end of APRIL! I all I want is to walk around in a hooded sweatshirt at best. I want the sun to shine and the day be nice so I can walk home from work. I want to walk across Harvard Bridge and enjoy the beautiful Boston skyline with little white sail boats bobbing along the Charles!
Ugh, but no. It's miserable.
I am so freaking tired of rain. We're being pounded by a fierce spring nor'easter. It's a lot of rain and a lot of wind. To some degree, it doesn't even matter if you have an umbrella. It's gonna flip. Or the wind will get you. Umbrellas are absolutely obselete.
I am so done with wearing a huge jacket all the time. It's practically the end of APRIL! I all I want is to walk around in a hooded sweatshirt at best. I want the sun to shine and the day be nice so I can walk home from work. I want to walk across Harvard Bridge and enjoy the beautiful Boston skyline with little white sail boats bobbing along the Charles!
Ugh, but no. It's miserable.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Holding Loose, Ain't Letting Go
Had a pretty eventful night last night.
First, went to a concert at the Avalon. It had John McLoughlin, Matt Wertz, and Steven Kellogg and the Sixers. Each of these bands were pretty good.
J.M. was a solo act with a piano. It's pretty cool to hear him play the piano, since it's so uncommon. He was very talented and at times, super intense.
M.W. is probably my favorite act, mostly because I had some "training", that is to say, I've listened to some of his stuff and really liked it. My favorite song by far is 5:19. Definitely digging it.
SKn6 actually was a very fun act to see. Although I heard some of their stuff before hand, I thought it was great that they actually put a nice spin on their songs. Live shows need to feature something that's not found on an album, and SKn6 definitely put on a good show. All the songs had this country-folk tinge, which was not that apparent on the album. Overall, the lead singer (SK) had a fun stage personality. Oh yeah, super cool that his bandmates were had good solos too! The guitarist can shred! (Actually, I'm not sure what "shredding" means, but I'm sure it's something that means "good on guitar")
After the concert, I met up with some classmates to head out dancing at Gypsy Bar. Actually a really fun place. The DJ has ADD. He plays about a quarter of every song, but he segues into the next song really well. I find it really nice because you just listen to the best first part of the song and not get tired of it. Plus, great mix of songs!
That's my night.
I better get to work now. I have a paper to write up. Mus stop procrastinating.
First, went to a concert at the Avalon. It had John McLoughlin, Matt Wertz, and Steven Kellogg and the Sixers. Each of these bands were pretty good.
J.M. was a solo act with a piano. It's pretty cool to hear him play the piano, since it's so uncommon. He was very talented and at times, super intense.
M.W. is probably my favorite act, mostly because I had some "training", that is to say, I've listened to some of his stuff and really liked it. My favorite song by far is 5:19. Definitely digging it.
SKn6 actually was a very fun act to see. Although I heard some of their stuff before hand, I thought it was great that they actually put a nice spin on their songs. Live shows need to feature something that's not found on an album, and SKn6 definitely put on a good show. All the songs had this country-folk tinge, which was not that apparent on the album. Overall, the lead singer (SK) had a fun stage personality. Oh yeah, super cool that his bandmates were had good solos too! The guitarist can shred! (Actually, I'm not sure what "shredding" means, but I'm sure it's something that means "good on guitar")
After the concert, I met up with some classmates to head out dancing at Gypsy Bar. Actually a really fun place. The DJ has ADD. He plays about a quarter of every song, but he segues into the next song really well. I find it really nice because you just listen to the best first part of the song and not get tired of it. Plus, great mix of songs!
That's my night.
I better get to work now. I have a paper to write up. Mus stop procrastinating.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
Shellshocked by Walmart
So I finally went to my first Walmart. I'm supporting the devil. It was a weird experience.
I can't believe how much stuff they had there. They have EVERYTHING. There's no need to go anywhere else. Seriously At the same time, the merchandise was pretty crappy looking. It gave off this weird vibe. It's practically the disgusting overweight cross of Costco and Target.
A few things struck me as weird
1) Jay Chow CDs
It's no surprise to see Spanish albums and cds, but to see Chinese cds being sold at Walmart is just weird. They had a full rack for that.
2) Book section
I can't believe how skewed the book selection was. It's only one aisle. One side is devoted to magazines. On the other side of the aisle, the following genres were represented in equal parts
1) Paperback Romance Novels
2) Teen books
3) Various bibles for various stages of your life
4) Horror and Suspense Thrillers
5) Various bible for various stages of your life in Spanish
6) Bestsellers (definitely NOT your NYT bestseller)
They can have all the DVDs in the world, but when it comes to books, it's a very limited and narrow selection. There weren't even popular books like from Mitch Albom. There was Barack, one weight loss book, and one chick lit (The Nanny Diaries), but seriously, they didn't have any of the normal staples of a book store (ie anything in international relations, politics, Dr. Phil self help, cookbooks, more chick lit)
In summary, Walmart is this weird universe unto itself. I miss Target.
I can't believe how much stuff they had there. They have EVERYTHING. There's no need to go anywhere else. Seriously At the same time, the merchandise was pretty crappy looking. It gave off this weird vibe. It's practically the disgusting overweight cross of Costco and Target.
A few things struck me as weird
1) Jay Chow CDs
It's no surprise to see Spanish albums and cds, but to see Chinese cds being sold at Walmart is just weird. They had a full rack for that.
2) Book section
I can't believe how skewed the book selection was. It's only one aisle. One side is devoted to magazines. On the other side of the aisle, the following genres were represented in equal parts
1) Paperback Romance Novels
2) Teen books
3) Various bibles for various stages of your life
4) Horror and Suspense Thrillers
5) Various bible for various stages of your life in Spanish
6) Bestsellers (definitely NOT your NYT bestseller)
They can have all the DVDs in the world, but when it comes to books, it's a very limited and narrow selection. There weren't even popular books like from Mitch Albom. There was Barack, one weight loss book, and one chick lit (The Nanny Diaries), but seriously, they didn't have any of the normal staples of a book store (ie anything in international relations, politics, Dr. Phil self help, cookbooks, more chick lit)
In summary, Walmart is this weird universe unto itself. I miss Target.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
I'm bummed for Cecelia
Ever since working in the Martinson Lab, I've been following PhD comics. It speaks volumes of truth about grad student life (constant scavenging for free food, procrastination, fear of boss looming over your shoulders, avoidance of real work)
Of course, I've been cheering for the local female nerd, Cecilia. I was so excited to see that Cecelia has met a good man in this new story arc, for it suggests that I may have hope. Unfortunately, things have changed......
Of course, I've been cheering for the local female nerd, Cecilia. I was so excited to see that Cecelia has met a good man in this new story arc, for it suggests that I may have hope. Unfortunately, things have changed......
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