Thursday, March 22, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Anti-aging animals...Now in Polar bear flavor
So, I've already unveiled my plan for an anti-aging panda puppy. Post 8/31/06 Now after seeing this video, I am thrilled to announce a follow-up. The ANTI AGING POLAR BEAR.
Just think of the possibilities!
Just think of the possibilities!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Work and Snow
1) I have a lot to do with work and such
2) It's snowing soooo hard right now.
Sum Effect? I will be inside and won't get to frolick in the snow on St. Patty's Day.
SUPER SAD PANDA
2) It's snowing soooo hard right now.
Sum Effect? I will be inside and won't get to frolick in the snow on St. Patty's Day.
SUPER SAD PANDA
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Beware the Ides of March
Cute email from my friend, Sharon.
Hi Syl,
Happy Ides of March!!! I hope your day is wonderful and not full of trouble and death as it was for Macbeth. (maybe if he has a spine and stood up to his wife, it wouldn't have been half as bad)
Love,
Sharon
Hi Syl,
Happy Ides of March!!! I hope your day is wonderful and not full of trouble and death as it was for Macbeth. (maybe if he has a spine and stood up to his wife, it wouldn't have been half as bad)
Love,
Sharon
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Painful Discussion
Elaine Elion has always been someone that I've feared.
Not because she's a tough professor, a ball buster of sorts. That, I can deal with. She's the opposite.
My first impression of her (and only one prior to today) came from beginning of the last semester. It was an organizational meeting and she was the course head. The course itself was designed to critically read and discuss papers. Of course, being newly admitted students, we had no idea what to expect. We had a lot of questions and was a bit intimidated by the format. We went to the meeting hoping that it will provide some clarification as to what's expected of us, logistical details, etc.
Man were we wrong. Personally, I only learned one helpful thing during that meeting -- Elaine Elion cannot do anything because she doesn't have an assistant. Since the class basically comprised of reading 2-3 papers per section, one student had asked if she can just xerox all of those papers into a handy little packet for all of us. It took Elaine 10 minutes to explain to us that she can't do it...because she doesn't have an assistant. Now, half an hour after class, we all receive an email. Apparently, one of our classmates had printed out the papers and made the copies for us. It's already ready for pick-up at the BBS administration office.
So today was my second encounter with Elaine. For the discussion, we were assigned two papers to read about telomerase. These are classic papers. One showed that overexpression of telomerase was required to immortalized cells and create tumors. The other had knocked out telomerase and showed that it wasn't required for cell line immortalization and tumor formation. On the outset, these papers are supposed to generate a lot of discussion. It's rare to find papers that take such pointed approaches and have such diabolically different results. Based on these papers, we're supposed to argue if telomerase makes a good target for cancer therapy.
So Elaine lead the discussion, and the activity level was dominant negative! (har har, bio pun completely intended) It was so quite. Now, my group is normally pretty active. This time, we were so quiet.
A good discussion leader will asked thought-provoking questions, that are open-ended. This way, others in the group will talk and there will be some verbal volleying. Elaine, on the other hand, asked VERY pointed questions, but in a very passive-aggressive manner.
Worst of all, there are moments where I think she has literally fallen asleep. There would be these pauses that are just way too long. Completely awkward silences. Ones where the sound of breathing may be too disruptive.
I can't deal with people like Elaine.
Not because she's a tough professor, a ball buster of sorts. That, I can deal with. She's the opposite.
My first impression of her (and only one prior to today) came from beginning of the last semester. It was an organizational meeting and she was the course head. The course itself was designed to critically read and discuss papers. Of course, being newly admitted students, we had no idea what to expect. We had a lot of questions and was a bit intimidated by the format. We went to the meeting hoping that it will provide some clarification as to what's expected of us, logistical details, etc.
Man were we wrong. Personally, I only learned one helpful thing during that meeting -- Elaine Elion cannot do anything because she doesn't have an assistant. Since the class basically comprised of reading 2-3 papers per section, one student had asked if she can just xerox all of those papers into a handy little packet for all of us. It took Elaine 10 minutes to explain to us that she can't do it...because she doesn't have an assistant. Now, half an hour after class, we all receive an email. Apparently, one of our classmates had printed out the papers and made the copies for us. It's already ready for pick-up at the BBS administration office.
So today was my second encounter with Elaine. For the discussion, we were assigned two papers to read about telomerase. These are classic papers. One showed that overexpression of telomerase was required to immortalized cells and create tumors. The other had knocked out telomerase and showed that it wasn't required for cell line immortalization and tumor formation. On the outset, these papers are supposed to generate a lot of discussion. It's rare to find papers that take such pointed approaches and have such diabolically different results. Based on these papers, we're supposed to argue if telomerase makes a good target for cancer therapy.
So Elaine lead the discussion, and the activity level was dominant negative! (har har, bio pun completely intended) It was so quite. Now, my group is normally pretty active. This time, we were so quiet.
A good discussion leader will asked thought-provoking questions, that are open-ended. This way, others in the group will talk and there will be some verbal volleying. Elaine, on the other hand, asked VERY pointed questions, but in a very passive-aggressive manner.
Worst of all, there are moments where I think she has literally fallen asleep. There would be these pauses that are just way too long. Completely awkward silences. Ones where the sound of breathing may be too disruptive.
I can't deal with people like Elaine.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Coming Weekend FUN!
Tomorrow is the second recruitment weekend for the BBS program. I'm acting as a day host to two people and I'm so looking forward to all the free meals.
Tomorrow night, we're taking the recruits out for dinner. On Friday, I get a second dinner at the Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center. It's a restaurant located on the top floor of the tallest building in Boston. It's the tall building to the right in this picture.
On Saturday, there will be a reception at the Museum of Fine Arts. I am super excited for this, since last year, I went to the first recruitment weekend, which had its reception at the Harvard Natural History Museum.
To add to the excitement of all this broohaha, Holly is in town. I miss her so much. I don't know what we'll be doing, but she's coming to the MFA with me!
Following all these packed awesomeness is the Cell Biology Retreat. We'll be spending Monday and Tuesday at Cape Cod. While it's supposed to be a chance to learn more about the department, it's really another way to get myself fed well for two days and catch up on some HW.
With schedules like this, it's hard to be bored and aimless.
Tomorrow night, we're taking the recruits out for dinner. On Friday, I get a second dinner at the Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center. It's a restaurant located on the top floor of the tallest building in Boston. It's the tall building to the right in this picture.
On Saturday, there will be a reception at the Museum of Fine Arts. I am super excited for this, since last year, I went to the first recruitment weekend, which had its reception at the Harvard Natural History Museum.
To add to the excitement of all this broohaha, Holly is in town. I miss her so much. I don't know what we'll be doing, but she's coming to the MFA with me!
Following all these packed awesomeness is the Cell Biology Retreat. We'll be spending Monday and Tuesday at Cape Cod. While it's supposed to be a chance to learn more about the department, it's really another way to get myself fed well for two days and catch up on some HW.
With schedules like this, it's hard to be bored and aimless.
Restaurant Week II
Just came back from a wonderful dinner at Lineage in Brookline.
I had fried Maine Shrimp, Sirloin, and a chocolate tart. It was wonderful. The food isn't exactly fanciful, but it was still very good. Luckily, the portions are just right. I am so full from it. I love going to different places!
I had originally organized the dinner for about 12 people. However, about half backed out. While it was a pain to call and changed the reservations, it was nice to have a dinner with 6 people. It seemed to be the perfect size for a dinner party. Everyone can hear everyone else. In a table of 12, there would too many conversations to keep track of and often, there will be separation between the two ends of the table.
I had fried Maine Shrimp, Sirloin, and a chocolate tart. It was wonderful. The food isn't exactly fanciful, but it was still very good. Luckily, the portions are just right. I am so full from it. I love going to different places!
I had originally organized the dinner for about 12 people. However, about half backed out. While it was a pain to call and changed the reservations, it was nice to have a dinner with 6 people. It seemed to be the perfect size for a dinner party. Everyone can hear everyone else. In a table of 12, there would too many conversations to keep track of and often, there will be separation between the two ends of the table.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Boston Restaurant Week!
This is why I love Boston.
Every year, the expensive restaurants of Boston get together on one week to serve a 3-course prix fixe meal for $30.07. It may sound steep, but normally, that's the price of a single entree.
Being the piggie that I am, there's no way I'm passing up this opportunity. Last night, Adrienne and I went over to Upstairs at the Square with her coworker and roommate. I was told that this is one of those places that you go when your parents visit because they'll be around to pay for it. Definitely a great place to try. The portions were perfect, but of course, it was so delicious, I wanted more.
On Wednesday, about 12 of my classmates and I will be heading over to Lineage in Brookline for another dinner. Another well known place. We'll see how it goes.
With snowboarding, impulse shopping, a plane ticket home for spring break, and all this food, I am so broke this month. Worth EVERY penny, though.
Every year, the expensive restaurants of Boston get together on one week to serve a 3-course prix fixe meal for $30.07. It may sound steep, but normally, that's the price of a single entree.
Being the piggie that I am, there's no way I'm passing up this opportunity. Last night, Adrienne and I went over to Upstairs at the Square with her coworker and roommate. I was told that this is one of those places that you go when your parents visit because they'll be around to pay for it. Definitely a great place to try. The portions were perfect, but of course, it was so delicious, I wanted more.
On Wednesday, about 12 of my classmates and I will be heading over to Lineage in Brookline for another dinner. Another well known place. We'll see how it goes.
With snowboarding, impulse shopping, a plane ticket home for spring break, and all this food, I am so broke this month. Worth EVERY penny, though.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Snowboarding!
No pictures, but I did go snowboarding today. This is my second time and there is definite improvement from my first time about 3 years ago. This time, I managed to get down this beginner slope without falling at all. This is in contrast to the first time, where I just got a great upper body workout because I was so busy pushing myself up after falling.
So, I'm getting comfortable with snowboard, but I still need to work on it. The problem is that I'm doing well the toe side in stance. It started with just not fearing falling on my stomach. I can't do heel side in at all. For whatever reason, I can't seem to adjust my body weight on my heels as I can on my toes (naturally). Obviously, since I can't do one of the stances, I can't interchange between them with ease.
My right calf and ankle are super sore as a result. I've been on my tippy toes all day. It started cramped and hurting on the first run, but I was reassured that it happens. I kept on going. I can't imagine what sort of pain I would be in tomorrow.
I also kept on stopping by falling forward onto my knees. If i get an epic bruise, I'm gonna blog that.
After a full day of snowboarding. I'm tired out. Even though there are plans to go out to a dance club to celebrate a friend's bday, I just can't imagine standing on my feet any longer. I'm going to take a nice night in and catch up on a movie.
I'm glad I'm actually getting better. I think there's serious potential
So, I'm getting comfortable with snowboard, but I still need to work on it. The problem is that I'm doing well the toe side in stance. It started with just not fearing falling on my stomach. I can't do heel side in at all. For whatever reason, I can't seem to adjust my body weight on my heels as I can on my toes (naturally). Obviously, since I can't do one of the stances, I can't interchange between them with ease.
My right calf and ankle are super sore as a result. I've been on my tippy toes all day. It started cramped and hurting on the first run, but I was reassured that it happens. I kept on going. I can't imagine what sort of pain I would be in tomorrow.
I also kept on stopping by falling forward onto my knees. If i get an epic bruise, I'm gonna blog that.
After a full day of snowboarding. I'm tired out. Even though there are plans to go out to a dance club to celebrate a friend's bday, I just can't imagine standing on my feet any longer. I'm going to take a nice night in and catch up on a movie.
I'm glad I'm actually getting better. I think there's serious potential
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Work
I'm working like a madwoman, but results seem promising. I like the lab that I'm in and I like my boss. But I still want to do one more rotation before deciding where to join. This should be really fun.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Blessings
Things were kind of low tonight. Thankfully, it came with a hidden blessing. Thanks everyone who called/im/email me out of the blue/replying to an old email/etc. It made me feel very special.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Wozzeck Connection
One of my favorite operas is Wozzeck. It's NOT a pretty opera like La Boheme or La Traviata, but content-wise, it holds a mirror to modern day society. In short, it's about this soldier in the army that's not too smart. He has a wife, but has trouble making ends meet. The opera is about his downward spiral, as he is a victim of societal constraints. His wife cheats on him with another officer. Unable to handle this, he kills her and falls into madness.
There is a scientist character in this opera. Wozzeck is his volunteer test subject. Basically this guy collects urine. In the end of the opera, he holds up a jar of Wozzeck's urine and scream to the world that it's his big breakthrough.
So what's up with this long story about Wozzeck? Basically I've turned into this Scientist. I'm happy when I'm able to collect mouse urine.
Sad isn't it?
There is a scientist character in this opera. Wozzeck is his volunteer test subject. Basically this guy collects urine. In the end of the opera, he holds up a jar of Wozzeck's urine and scream to the world that it's his big breakthrough.
So what's up with this long story about Wozzeck? Basically I've turned into this Scientist. I'm happy when I'm able to collect mouse urine.
Sad isn't it?
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Feeling a bit low about work
Lately, I've been feeling a bit unmotivated with work. It's great that I'm busy with trying to get a few projects off the ground. However, it's been very hectic and has certainly taken a toll on my attitude. I feel rushed to get these projects going. This is bad because I'm quite absent-minded and sloppy. I'm not one of those naturally meticulous people. I'm more of a bumbling fool. It took me a while to learn to not be sloppy in my old lab. However, this is a new lab with all new techniques, which makes it difficult for me to anticipate problems that may creep up. I'm reluctant to go too fast. Especially with these experiments, mistakes are time consuming and costly. To repeat them would be frowned upon.
Last year, I remember thinking how great it would be to just leave work and not have to think about it when I'm at home. I would love to spend my weekends visiting art museums or taking a walk in the park. Now, I realized that I may have relinquished these opportunities for the next six years.
Last year, I remember thinking how great it would be to just leave work and not have to think about it when I'm at home. I would love to spend my weekends visiting art museums or taking a walk in the park. Now, I realized that I may have relinquished these opportunities for the next six years.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Apologies to those who sent comments
I thought I'm such a loser because no one reads my blog and tags my posts. Of course that's because I didn't know I actually had comments submitted. So I approved all 12 of them that were waiting for me....
I looked again. The last comment submitted was back in october. Man, I'm such a loser.
I looked again. The last comment submitted was back in october. Man, I'm such a loser.
Happy Chinese New Year
Happy Chinese New Year, Everyone!
I decided to make myself a Chinese new year feast. Since I can't eat it alone, I invited Rebecca and her bf's roommates for it.
Here's the menu
Snacks
1. Coconut meat shreds
2. Fried dumplings with peanut and sesame filling
3. New years cake!
Dinner
1. BBQ pork (bought)
2. Chicken (bought)
3. Enoki mushrooms wrapped in beef
4. Greens and oyster sauce
5. Steamed cod with awesome soy sauce
6. Almond Jello!
It was crazy going into Chinatown to get these items. There were so many people there. The BBQ restaurant was jammed pack. I had to wait outside for 20 minutes before I could go in and order. For whatever reason, I wanted to get myself a roast pork suckling even though I never eat much of it. All along the streets were flower vendors trying to pander off a variety of festive florals. Since I fed 6 people, I didn't have any leftovers, except for Jello pudding.
Today, I was very lazy. I did absolutely nothing. I'm so bored that I actually did homework. Normally I'd go out for a walk or something, but I felt a bit sick, so I stayed in.
Anyhow, happy Chinese new year everyone, Health and prosperity to all y'all.
I decided to make myself a Chinese new year feast. Since I can't eat it alone, I invited Rebecca and her bf's roommates for it.
Here's the menu
Snacks
1. Coconut meat shreds
2. Fried dumplings with peanut and sesame filling
3. New years cake!
Dinner
1. BBQ pork (bought)
2. Chicken (bought)
3. Enoki mushrooms wrapped in beef
4. Greens and oyster sauce
5. Steamed cod with awesome soy sauce
6. Almond Jello!
It was crazy going into Chinatown to get these items. There were so many people there. The BBQ restaurant was jammed pack. I had to wait outside for 20 minutes before I could go in and order. For whatever reason, I wanted to get myself a roast pork suckling even though I never eat much of it. All along the streets were flower vendors trying to pander off a variety of festive florals. Since I fed 6 people, I didn't have any leftovers, except for Jello pudding.
Today, I was very lazy. I did absolutely nothing. I'm so bored that I actually did homework. Normally I'd go out for a walk or something, but I felt a bit sick, so I stayed in.
Anyhow, happy Chinese new year everyone, Health and prosperity to all y'all.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
An Evening with Kevin Smith 2
I'm watching "An Evening with Kevin Smith 2" It's so hilarious that I'm hyper-ventilating from the laughter.
Small Updates
Hi,
I haven't updated in a while. So I'd thought I'd give a little update for the 3 of you out there
1) Weather
It is cold, but not unbearable. Unless it's windy, then it's pretty much hell. At this point, you hate the exposed skin on your face.
I'm disappointed that haven't been snow yet. The cold would be worth it if I got snow. It'll be fun if I had snow. But it's just cold.
2) Celtics
Went to a Celtics game last night. Second professional, nationally-televised sport I've seen. The first one was baseball. Sad that the Celtics lost.
3) Lab
I'm doing my second rotation. I'm doing some research on cancer. It is definitely something that I've never thought I'd say. Oh, I'm doing cancer research. It makes me sound way too important.
I haven't updated in a while. So I'd thought I'd give a little update for the 3 of you out there
1) Weather
It is cold, but not unbearable. Unless it's windy, then it's pretty much hell. At this point, you hate the exposed skin on your face.
I'm disappointed that haven't been snow yet. The cold would be worth it if I got snow. It'll be fun if I had snow. But it's just cold.
2) Celtics
Went to a Celtics game last night. Second professional, nationally-televised sport I've seen. The first one was baseball. Sad that the Celtics lost.
3) Lab
I'm doing my second rotation. I'm doing some research on cancer. It is definitely something that I've never thought I'd say. Oh, I'm doing cancer research. It makes me sound way too important.
Ikea Run
Went to Ikea a week ago. I have some new furniture. Better yet, I have a few new plants. It makes my apartment so much more homely. Check it out.
This is my room. Notice the drawers and the orchid plant. I can't believe IKEA sells plants now. I also bought some purple curtains, but I haven't installed the curtain rods yet. Imagine the windows with these dark purple translucent curtains. (it's supposed to match my sheets!)
This is my living room. Notice how I have a legitimate coffee table and rug. The rug was $14.99. Such a great deal. The candles are Rebecca's and I think it adds a really nice touch. Ignore the trash. We're still trying to get things put together.
This is the plant. It was $10 dollars, which was well worth it. Now, my apartment looks less undergrad, and more adult. Definitely the cohesion I needed.
This is my room. Notice the drawers and the orchid plant. I can't believe IKEA sells plants now. I also bought some purple curtains, but I haven't installed the curtain rods yet. Imagine the windows with these dark purple translucent curtains. (it's supposed to match my sheets!)
This is my living room. Notice how I have a legitimate coffee table and rug. The rug was $14.99. Such a great deal. The candles are Rebecca's and I think it adds a really nice touch. Ignore the trash. We're still trying to get things put together.
This is the plant. It was $10 dollars, which was well worth it. Now, my apartment looks less undergrad, and more adult. Definitely the cohesion I needed.
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