This year, I made four pies to contribute to the gigantic Wong Thanksgiving feast: two apple, one mixed berry, and one pecan. The apple pies turned out fine, but the mixed berry was a mushy mess (my ill-conceived phyllo crust did NOT travel well).
I decided to try a new pecan pie recipe this year, one that was made with brown sugar only (no corn syrup). This is apparently the approach endorsed by Mark Bittman. However, Bittman's recipe seemed needlessly difficult (he blind bakes his pie crust AND then cooks the filling on the stove). So instead, I chose to use a recipe that I found online. The internet is not always a reliable reference for recipes, which is why I normally stick to recipes from sites like Allrecipes.com , which are reviewed by users. But this time I decided to just trust the recipe that Google found. And it turned out great! It's a little more crunchy than regular pecan pie, and it tastes really good.
So, here is my pecan pie recipe.
Pecan Pie
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
Mix cream cheese and butter well, stir in flour. Roll out and place in pie pan. Prick well with a fork and bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp. flour
1 c. pecan halves
Combine eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, butter and flour; beat well. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie shell. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
More reviews
Dove Nourishing hand wash (cool moisture)
At first I was kind of turned off by the smell of this stuff. I can’t really figure out what it is about the smell that bothers me, but eventually I got over it and now I like the soap. It’s a nice consistency, doesn’t lather excessively, and leaves your hands feeling soft and not overly perfume-y.
Dove Ultimate Clear Cool Essentials antiperspirant
This isn't actually clear - it's white in the tube but "invisible" when you put it on. However, it failed to live up to it's promise to "Stay on skin, not on clothes," and left a white residue on my clothes just like ever other non-gel deodorant does. It has the same smell as the hand wash, which took a little getting used to. I used to use the regular Dove deodorant, and this is basically the same except that it's more expensive and doesn't smell as good. Thus, I think I'd stick with regular Dove or Secret invisible gel (which doesn't leave a residue on clothes).
Pantene Ice Shine shampoo and conditioner
I’ve never really been on the Pantene bandwagon, but so far I like this stuff. It seems to keep my hair nice and soft and straight when I use it with my straightening iron. I like it enough that it’s displaced my old shampoo and conditioner, which I had no complaints with.
Purell
This is such a great invention! It helps prevent the spread of infection in hospitals, it reduces school absences due to illness, it can entertain pyromaniacs... What can't it do?
At first I was kind of turned off by the smell of this stuff. I can’t really figure out what it is about the smell that bothers me, but eventually I got over it and now I like the soap. It’s a nice consistency, doesn’t lather excessively, and leaves your hands feeling soft and not overly perfume-y.
Dove Ultimate Clear Cool Essentials antiperspirant
This isn't actually clear - it's white in the tube but "invisible" when you put it on. However, it failed to live up to it's promise to "Stay on skin, not on clothes," and left a white residue on my clothes just like ever other non-gel deodorant does. It has the same smell as the hand wash, which took a little getting used to. I used to use the regular Dove deodorant, and this is basically the same except that it's more expensive and doesn't smell as good. Thus, I think I'd stick with regular Dove or Secret invisible gel (which doesn't leave a residue on clothes).
Pantene Ice Shine shampoo and conditioner
I’ve never really been on the Pantene bandwagon, but so far I like this stuff. It seems to keep my hair nice and soft and straight when I use it with my straightening iron. I like it enough that it’s displaced my old shampoo and conditioner, which I had no complaints with.
Purell
This is such a great invention! It helps prevent the spread of infection in hospitals, it reduces school absences due to illness, it can entertain pyromaniacs... What can't it do?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Nicer than disposable
Lately, I've been scoring a lot of free stuff, courtesy of CVS. Since I don't have much to post these days, I thought I'd post some reviews.
Schick Quattro for women
I usually use cheap disposable razors, so I don’t know how it would stack up against other similarly-priced razors. I have noticed that I haven’t nicked myself at all since I started using this, but it’s not like I was cutting myself all the time before, either. It’s nicer than a disposable, but I guess that’s not saying a whole lot.
Colgate Sparkling White Vanilla Mint toothpaste
The golden color is a bit off-putting, and I don’t taste much vanilla, but I like this toothpaste. It seems to have a bit of extra “grit” to it, kinda reminds me of baking soda toothpaste. Anyways, it’s a good amount of minty and leaves my mouth feeling pretty clean. It doesn’t really whiten, but does any toothpaste actually whiten?
Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste
It’s a toothpaste with mini breath strips in it. It’s a silly idea, and it really doesn’t do much for me. I definitely prefer the Sparkling White.
Oral-B Hummingbird flosser
Mike really wanted to get this, and it was on clearance for only $4. He seems to like it, but my big gripe is that the replacement flosser heads are ridiculously expensive. They’re like $3.50 for a pack of 15 at CVS. If you use one every day, that works out to $7 per month! Compare that to a pack of regular floss, which only costs $2 and lasts at least 3 months.
It’s a rip-off, but it’s still worth it if it gets him to floss regularly.
Reach Act Restoring mouthwash
Finally. An answer to my nightly dilemma: whether to rinse with Listerine or fluoride mouthwash. This mouthwash is BOTH! It has the alcohol to kill germs and the fluoride to do whatever it is that fluoride does. I got three different flavors, but I’m using the spearmint now and I like it.
Playtex Sport tampons
Okay, I realize that no one wants to hear a review of these. And to be honest, I haven’t even tried them yet. But there is one thing I want to say about these. WHY OH WHY is there a “Fresh scent” variety? Does anyone really need scented tampons?
Schick Quattro for women
I usually use cheap disposable razors, so I don’t know how it would stack up against other similarly-priced razors. I have noticed that I haven’t nicked myself at all since I started using this, but it’s not like I was cutting myself all the time before, either. It’s nicer than a disposable, but I guess that’s not saying a whole lot.
Colgate Sparkling White Vanilla Mint toothpaste
The golden color is a bit off-putting, and I don’t taste much vanilla, but I like this toothpaste. It seems to have a bit of extra “grit” to it, kinda reminds me of baking soda toothpaste. Anyways, it’s a good amount of minty and leaves my mouth feeling pretty clean. It doesn’t really whiten, but does any toothpaste actually whiten?
Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste
It’s a toothpaste with mini breath strips in it. It’s a silly idea, and it really doesn’t do much for me. I definitely prefer the Sparkling White.
Oral-B Hummingbird flosser
Mike really wanted to get this, and it was on clearance for only $4. He seems to like it, but my big gripe is that the replacement flosser heads are ridiculously expensive. They’re like $3.50 for a pack of 15 at CVS. If you use one every day, that works out to $7 per month! Compare that to a pack of regular floss, which only costs $2 and lasts at least 3 months.
It’s a rip-off, but it’s still worth it if it gets him to floss regularly.
Reach Act Restoring mouthwash
Finally. An answer to my nightly dilemma: whether to rinse with Listerine or fluoride mouthwash. This mouthwash is BOTH! It has the alcohol to kill germs and the fluoride to do whatever it is that fluoride does. I got three different flavors, but I’m using the spearmint now and I like it.
Playtex Sport tampons
Okay, I realize that no one wants to hear a review of these. And to be honest, I haven’t even tried them yet. But there is one thing I want to say about these. WHY OH WHY is there a “Fresh scent” variety? Does anyone really need scented tampons?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
The Map Room.
Friday night, we went bowling. Afterwards, we decided to stop at a nearby bar called The Map Room. Turns out, they had four local bands playing that night, along with some pretty decent beer specials. So we decided to stick around, and had fun trying to guess what each band would be like, based solely on their name, apparel, and instruments.
The first band was basically just two solo artists who perform together. They were alright, but we only heard their last two songs, so it's kind of hard to judge them based on that.
The second band was named Rosemont. One of my guesses - Greendayesque - turned out to be pretty accurate. Mike's comment was "definitely pop-punk, with shades of Jimmy Eat World".
The third band was named April Invention. Mike thought they were going to play blues. I thought they might sound somewhat like the Killers. We were both wrong. Turns out they were Oasis imitators. Haven't heard that kind of music in a while. I really think it would have been better if they had played a cover or two, though.
The fourth band showed a great deal of promise right away. They were named The Fire Apes, and were wearing matching ties and jackets. They also had a synthesizer. Mike's guess was that they would sound like Fountains of Wayne, which was pretty much correct. They were awesome!!
The bar was pretty interesting - lots of empty space and a very eclectic crowd. Not enough maps to satisfy Mike, but it was a fun evening and I suspect we'll be back.
The first band was basically just two solo artists who perform together. They were alright, but we only heard their last two songs, so it's kind of hard to judge them based on that.
The second band was named Rosemont. One of my guesses - Greendayesque - turned out to be pretty accurate. Mike's comment was "definitely pop-punk, with shades of Jimmy Eat World".
The third band was named April Invention. Mike thought they were going to play blues. I thought they might sound somewhat like the Killers. We were both wrong. Turns out they were Oasis imitators. Haven't heard that kind of music in a while. I really think it would have been better if they had played a cover or two, though.
The fourth band showed a great deal of promise right away. They were named The Fire Apes, and were wearing matching ties and jackets. They also had a synthesizer. Mike's guess was that they would sound like Fountains of Wayne, which was pretty much correct. They were awesome!!
The bar was pretty interesting - lots of empty space and a very eclectic crowd. Not enough maps to satisfy Mike, but it was a fun evening and I suspect we'll be back.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Extreme Akim!
Today, we went out to dinner at a nearby Japanese restaurant. We walked into the restaurant and were immediately greeted by the sight of the one and only Akim Anastopoulo a.k.a. "Extreme Akim". He was there with his family. I suppose it was bound to happen at some point, since his law office is in our neighborhood. Anyways, he seemed to be enjoying himself and according to Mike, was flashing his American Express Black card. I really wanted to tell him that I like his new and improved "Bat of Justice," but I was too chicken.
If you've never seen "Eye for an Eye," it's kind of like a regular judge show (of which my favorite, by far, is "The People's Court") except that I'm pretty sure it's fake, and the case usually ends with the winner of the case exacting some ridiculous sort of revenge on the loser. I'm not really a big fan of the show, but I will say that Extreme Akim is better looking in person than he is on TV.
Extreme Akim!
If you've never seen "Eye for an Eye," it's kind of like a regular judge show (of which my favorite, by far, is "The People's Court") except that I'm pretty sure it's fake, and the case usually ends with the winner of the case exacting some ridiculous sort of revenge on the loser. I'm not really a big fan of the show, but I will say that Extreme Akim is better looking in person than he is on TV.
Extreme Akim!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Poi, my boy, will make a man of you
It's been quite awhile since our last post and a lot has happened since. First off, Becky and I got married on Aug 12. Wedding was great. Perfect weather, beautiful bride, and cotton candy. Couldn't have asked for more. We honeymooned in Oahu, first in Honolulu then at a great B&B on the North Shore. We had a great time although apparently there was a poi shortage in Hawaii. Everything was pretty much great until we got back to Charleston. After a couple days of travelling (Honolulu to Atlanta to Cincinnati to Detroit back to Atlanta then finally Charleston), we get back to our apartment around 9pm to find that we weren't the only ones having a ball during our honeymoon. A rat had found its way in and ate and pooped all over the place including our bed. Needless to say, we spent the night at the Holiday Inn Express. The next morning, we bought a new vacuum cleaner, rubber gloves, masks, and various cleaners and proceded to decontaminate the apartment.
After barricading all the rooms from each other, setting up glue traps and baiting the place with rat poison we left for Atlanta again. This time we were there to attend Husni and Karen's wedding. Great stuff. Congratulations again, guys! Anyway, we went up to D-town after the wedding to see the folks and have a party with the grandparents. When we returned to Charleston, we found some evidence that the rat had returned. Fortunately, it was not as much damage as before. But determined to catch this thing, Becky decided to bait the "pre-baited" traps with granola bars. The next morning, I woke up and found one less trap then we put out. We looked under the stove expecting to see a trapped rodent or some horrific scene where the rat chewed off its own paws to free itself from the glue. Thankfully for me, we found neither. The rat had chewed its way out of the trap but there were no remnants of paws. What we found was the hole in which it had entered our abode. I stuffed the hole with rat poison then duct taped it shut (many times over). Now it's been a couple of rat free days and I'm thinking we're in the clear (knock on wood). I know I've spent more time talking about the rat situation then the wedding, but this rat thing has been our main concern for the last week. Anyway, more posts to come.
After barricading all the rooms from each other, setting up glue traps and baiting the place with rat poison we left for Atlanta again. This time we were there to attend Husni and Karen's wedding. Great stuff. Congratulations again, guys! Anyway, we went up to D-town after the wedding to see the folks and have a party with the grandparents. When we returned to Charleston, we found some evidence that the rat had returned. Fortunately, it was not as much damage as before. But determined to catch this thing, Becky decided to bait the "pre-baited" traps with granola bars. The next morning, I woke up and found one less trap then we put out. We looked under the stove expecting to see a trapped rodent or some horrific scene where the rat chewed off its own paws to free itself from the glue. Thankfully for me, we found neither. The rat had chewed its way out of the trap but there were no remnants of paws. What we found was the hole in which it had entered our abode. I stuffed the hole with rat poison then duct taped it shut (many times over). Now it's been a couple of rat free days and I'm thinking we're in the clear (knock on wood). I know I've spent more time talking about the rat situation then the wedding, but this rat thing has been our main concern for the last week. Anyway, more posts to come.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Back to Capitalism
Why is it that the crazies always want to go into politics? I was looking over the candidates in Tuesday's primary elections, and found this:
http://www.billboltongovernor.org
Click on Q&A, and scroll down to the third question.
If a platform that includes "Encouraging Abortion" won't get you elected, then what will? And just in case his gubernatorial campaign doesn't work out, he has a backup plan.
And according to the AJC, he's not even the most colorful democratic candidate: "Most of the best lines of the night came from McCarley, a 78-year-old one-time Alabama lawmaker who had to hold his hand cupped to his right ear to hear the questions asked of him."
Obviously, neither is a front runner. However, unfortunately for many Georgians, if you want a candidate who supports gay marriage (or even civil unions) you're stuck choosing between one of these two. I guess that's Georgia politics for you...
http://www.billboltongovernor.org
Click on Q&A, and scroll down to the third question.
If a platform that includes "Encouraging Abortion" won't get you elected, then what will? And just in case his gubernatorial campaign doesn't work out, he has a backup plan.
And according to the AJC, he's not even the most colorful democratic candidate: "Most of the best lines of the night came from McCarley, a 78-year-old one-time Alabama lawmaker who had to hold his hand cupped to his right ear to hear the questions asked of him."
Obviously, neither is a front runner. However, unfortunately for many Georgians, if you want a candidate who supports gay marriage (or even civil unions) you're stuck choosing between one of these two. I guess that's Georgia politics for you...
Monday, June 26, 2006
Back in the USA
Flew back from Germany on Saturday without too much jetlag and it's now back to the old grind. The trip and the festivities were amazing. Everyone was out waving their flags and chanting football songs (which suprisingly borrow a lot of melodies from children songs, e.g. one I heard from the Swedes was to the tune of "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.")
The game at Kaiserslautern was great although quite meaningless after the English and Swedes drew in their match. Everyone was out for the Trinis (the Germans had adopted them) although there was a smattering of Paraguayan fans. We got our face painted and bought some T&T shirts on the street to join in on the fun. Our seats were 4th row behind the goal, not great because of the net but we were right there in the action, especially since most of the action seemed to happen on our half of the field.
Then it was off to Berlin on the overnight train. Probably not the best way to go, but Kaiserslautern is relatively small and without vacant hotel rooms when we were booking rooms. Still, it was quite the experience since we shared our compartment with Trinis until they got off at Frankfurt. Berlin was cool. At least, I thought so. Husni didn't think much of it, but I maintain that it was because he wasn't drinking nearly as much as when we were in Munich. The one thing Berlin can do better at though is definitely Mexican food. But I guess no one goes to Berlin for the burritos. I'll post again on the culinary experience in Germany and pics later as this post seems to be getting long.
Anyway, our last night in Germany we were back in Munich and back to the Marienplatz, the city center. And the place was packed. Swedes in town for their 2nd round game against Germany. Swiss and Ukrainian fans celebrating their advancements. Random Englishman and Americans. We taunted French fans and messed with a Norwegian reporter trying to do a story on the Swedes. I tried to learn a Swedish football song but I only heard the Swedish Chef. I also pretended to be Korean as I finally gave up trying to tell everyone I was American. Husni, being one of the brown folk, was alternatively mistaken for whichever jersey he was wearing that day: Spain, Brazil,etc. Except when he was wearing the German jersey, despite a large Turkish German population, go figure. Also, we were both stopped and made to take a picture with this lady because she wanted a picture with Trinidadians despite our repeated claims to be Americans.
The game at Kaiserslautern was great although quite meaningless after the English and Swedes drew in their match. Everyone was out for the Trinis (the Germans had adopted them) although there was a smattering of Paraguayan fans. We got our face painted and bought some T&T shirts on the street to join in on the fun. Our seats were 4th row behind the goal, not great because of the net but we were right there in the action, especially since most of the action seemed to happen on our half of the field.
Then it was off to Berlin on the overnight train. Probably not the best way to go, but Kaiserslautern is relatively small and without vacant hotel rooms when we were booking rooms. Still, it was quite the experience since we shared our compartment with Trinis until they got off at Frankfurt. Berlin was cool. At least, I thought so. Husni didn't think much of it, but I maintain that it was because he wasn't drinking nearly as much as when we were in Munich. The one thing Berlin can do better at though is definitely Mexican food. But I guess no one goes to Berlin for the burritos. I'll post again on the culinary experience in Germany and pics later as this post seems to be getting long.
Anyway, our last night in Germany we were back in Munich and back to the Marienplatz, the city center. And the place was packed. Swedes in town for their 2nd round game against Germany. Swiss and Ukrainian fans celebrating their advancements. Random Englishman and Americans. We taunted French fans and messed with a Norwegian reporter trying to do a story on the Swedes. I tried to learn a Swedish football song but I only heard the Swedish Chef. I also pretended to be Korean as I finally gave up trying to tell everyone I was American. Husni, being one of the brown folk, was alternatively mistaken for whichever jersey he was wearing that day: Spain, Brazil,etc. Except when he was wearing the German jersey, despite a large Turkish German population, go figure. Also, we were both stopped and made to take a picture with this lady because she wanted a picture with Trinidadians despite our repeated claims to be Americans.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Day 1 in Munich
Husni and I arrived in Munich at about 2:30 pm yesterday afternoon. I think we were both dead tired, but there was no way we were sleeping yet. So after getting to the hotel and dropping off our stuff, we got some Turkish sandwiches that it seems everyone in this part of town sells. It was mighty delicious.
Then it was off to a Bavarian tapas bar to watch Brazil play Australia. Afterwards, we headed onto the old Olympic Park to watch South Korea-France at the Fan Fest. The place was a massive party with Brazilians and Australians still partying from earlier in the day. We got 1L mini pitchers of Lowenbrau off the carousel bar. Talked drunkenly to a lot of drunken people from all over. Finally, I got to sleep but Husni wasn't finished drinking so he headed out to the Hostel Bar again.
Needless to say, the boy is still sleeping while I'm trying to rehydrate myself before we head out to the English Gardens for more drinking. Hopefully, we'll get to see more things than just the inside of beer halls.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Ah, sweet nectar of the gods (possibly)...
Becky was reproposing her peppermint soda idea tonight. I think that it would be a fine and refreshing drink. But during our discussion, I came up with another idea: bottled horchata. Horchata is a Mexican rice drink with hints of cinnamon and almond. Anyway, it's delicious but unfortunately there's no bottled form and the powder drink mix you can buy at Wal-Mart is just plain disgusting. If you want to drink horchata you have to find an establishment that makes it or make it yourself from scratch which takes a while... until now. A quick google search produced this article on Bev.net from last week. I haven't tried Rosa's Original yet and unfortunately the nearest Walgreen's that stocks it is near Myrtle Beach. And the Georgia locations are in Gainesville. I'm curious about the strawberry and melon flavors. Those sound like bad ideas but who knows? I must find a way to get a hold of some. hIn the meantime, we found out the Rio Grande restaurant down the street serves mini-pitchers of horchata for $2.50 with free refills on the weekends. So I now know where I can get my horchata fix in Charleston. Unfortunately, there are no giant tortas to be found along side them.
Yes, I know. I once believed that Wild-Cherry Pepsi was the nectar of the gods, but I now feel that a well-made horchata may be the nectar of the gods.
Yes, I know. I once believed that Wild-Cherry Pepsi was the nectar of the gods, but I now feel that a well-made horchata may be the nectar of the gods.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Kazaam!
The Heat won tonight saving me the indignity of cheering for the Pistons, really what was I thinking?
HOW I WATCHED THE GAME
So, I don't have cable and the game was on ESPN. I usually go to a bar or something to catch games on cable, but I just didn't feel like it much tonight. I was content on following the game using GameCast on espn.com but I found another way today. CCTV-5 which is a sports channel in China have rights to the game in China and they broadcast their feed online. The streaming stinks (it actually is barely existent) and the commentary is in Mandarin (which I don't understand), but I thought it would be a fun and interesting (but ultimately very frustrating) way to watch the game. I did catch this phrase in English by one of the announcers: "All time great coach." I assume he was talking about Riley. Anyway, fun times, fun times.
HOW I WATCHED THE GAME
So, I don't have cable and the game was on ESPN. I usually go to a bar or something to catch games on cable, but I just didn't feel like it much tonight. I was content on following the game using GameCast on espn.com but I found another way today. CCTV-5 which is a sports channel in China have rights to the game in China and they broadcast their feed online. The streaming stinks (it actually is barely existent) and the commentary is in Mandarin (which I don't understand), but I thought it would be a fun and interesting (but ultimately very frustrating) way to watch the game. I did catch this phrase in English by one of the announcers: "All time great coach." I assume he was talking about Riley. Anyway, fun times, fun times.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Hooray for e-heckling! Brad totally reacted to my comment on his blog. So satisfying.
Man, it looks like I won't need my remote for the rest of the week. When did Fox suddenly become my main source of television enjoyment? Prison Break, 24, American Idol, House... Plus they show reruns of That 70's Show every night. Anyways, tonight is the big American Idol showdown. My main man, Taylor Hicks, stands to win it all, and become the most bestest American Idol ever.
Man, it looks like I won't need my remote for the rest of the week. When did Fox suddenly become my main source of television enjoyment? Prison Break, 24, American Idol, House... Plus they show reruns of That 70's Show every night. Anyways, tonight is the big American Idol showdown. My main man, Taylor Hicks, stands to win it all, and become the most bestest American Idol ever.
Monday, May 22, 2006
It's that time of year again...
Sorry for my extended absence from this blog. I tried to convince Mike to post more often, since I was so busy working on my thesis, but he only managed three lousy posts. Anyhow, I've finished the thesis, graduated, and am back.
As seems to have become a yearly tradition, the Pistons will face the Heat in the NBA playoffs. During the rest of the year, Mike and I can usually agree on which teams to root for, but when the NBA playoffs come around there is no compromise.
I root for the Pistons.
Mike roots for whatever team Shaq is on.
Usually, once the Pistons beat Mike's team, he holds a grudge for the rest of the playoffs. But this year, in the event that the Pistons beat out the Heat, he has promised to root for the Pistons in the finals. I'm going to hold him to that promise.
Also, last night NBC aired a sequel to the epic disaster movie 10.5. The sequel is, like it's forefather, based on a predictable script, bad acting, and an extremely poor grasp of geology. I don't know why I enjoy movies like this so much, but I do. The only thing that would make it better was if I could heckle Brad while I watched. In fact, maybe I'll head on over to Brad's webpage to "e-heckle" him...
As seems to have become a yearly tradition, the Pistons will face the Heat in the NBA playoffs. During the rest of the year, Mike and I can usually agree on which teams to root for, but when the NBA playoffs come around there is no compromise.
I root for the Pistons.
Mike roots for whatever team Shaq is on.
Usually, once the Pistons beat Mike's team, he holds a grudge for the rest of the playoffs. But this year, in the event that the Pistons beat out the Heat, he has promised to root for the Pistons in the finals. I'm going to hold him to that promise.
Also, last night NBC aired a sequel to the epic disaster movie 10.5. The sequel is, like it's forefather, based on a predictable script, bad acting, and an extremely poor grasp of geology. I don't know why I enjoy movies like this so much, but I do. The only thing that would make it better was if I could heckle Brad while I watched. In fact, maybe I'll head on over to Brad's webpage to "e-heckle" him...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
YEA!
Congratulations to Ms Reik for finishing her thesis! She was done earlier this week but technically wasn't done until Thursday when the slacker at the IRB office finally got around to signing her paperwork. But she got it in on time and will be graduating on the 15th. Hooray!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
So So Def Afroman
On the drive back from Hartsfield airport going north on the I-75/85 connector, there used to be a giant billboard for Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings. The billboard was sort of an Atlanta institution, at least in my mind. Basically, the billboard was of the So So Def Afroman and stated "Welcome to Atlanta, Home of So So Def Recordings," but the So So Def Recordings part was just the Afroman pic. Unfortunately, the billboard is no longer there.
But I recently came across a website where you can buy the So So Def Afroman figurine for $200. Man, I wish I had $200. Cause that's what I would buy. Or $200 worth of pudding.
By the way, So So Def was the label that first signed Kriss Kross. Daddy Mack will make ya Jump! Jump!
CORRECTION: I took Becky to the airport today and on the way back I saw the So So Def billboard. So, it is still up and the billboard says "Welcome to Atlanta, Home of So So Def Recordings" with the Afroman logo on the left of the text. I don't know what I was smoking but I really thought it was no more. But I'm glad it's still up to welcome visitors to the ATL. -Michael (05/06/06)
But I recently came across a website where you can buy the So So Def Afroman figurine for $200. Man, I wish I had $200. Cause that's what I would buy. Or $200 worth of pudding.
By the way, So So Def was the label that first signed Kriss Kross. Daddy Mack will make ya Jump! Jump!
CORRECTION: I took Becky to the airport today and on the way back I saw the So So Def billboard. So, it is still up and the billboard says "Welcome to Atlanta, Home of So So Def Recordings" with the Afroman logo on the left of the text. I don't know what I was smoking but I really thought it was no more. But I'm glad it's still up to welcome visitors to the ATL. -Michael (05/06/06)
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Lakers 3 Suns 1
My current working theory on why the Lakers are suddenly the team to beat in the playoffs is the following: The Lakers have the freshest legs of all the playoff teams. All the other teams have played 82 games prior to the playoffs, while the Lakers have sat around watching Kobe play 82 games. Still, I maintain my boycott of cheering for the Lakers until Kobe no longer wears their uniform. I'd like the Lakers (the team) to do well, but I fear in my efforts to not cheer for them I'm slipping into actively rooting against them.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Crazy is as crazy does.
Cynthia McKinney is crazy. I mean talks-to-herself, bag-lady, paranoid-conspiracy-theorist crazy. She's so crazy, it's actually fun to watch!
The latest story is that she was caught on camera calling her own staffer a "fool." As far as putting her foot in her mouth goes, she's in the same league as Ray Nagin. She has previously been involved in six different altercations with the U.S. Capitol Police. She also introduced a bill, H.R.4968, "To provide for the expeditious disclosure of records relevant to the life and death of Tupac Amaru Shakur. " Plus, she totally looks crazy.
I just hope she gets re-elected this fall. Maybe if I move east a couple of blocks, I could live in the 4th district and have the dubious honor of being represented by her.
The latest story is that she was caught on camera calling her own staffer a "fool." As far as putting her foot in her mouth goes, she's in the same league as Ray Nagin. She has previously been involved in six different altercations with the U.S. Capitol Police. She also introduced a bill, H.R.4968, "To provide for the expeditious disclosure of records relevant to the life and death of Tupac Amaru Shakur. " Plus, she totally looks crazy.
I just hope she gets re-elected this fall. Maybe if I move east a couple of blocks, I could live in the 4th district and have the dubious honor of being represented by her.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Mmmm...red meat. Uh? Wait. No thanks.
I went to Hardee's today and saw a poster for their new burger: the Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger. At first you might think that this sounds kind of appealling: a burger with white Cheez Whiz, grilled onions, and bell peppers. But that's not what it is. They basically took their cheeseburger (or Thickburger) and added a Cheesesteak sandwich on top sans roll. I can't think of anything better than eating two sandwiches at once. This is serious multitasking. When I can't decide whether to have a burger or a cheesesteak, I can now have both. But I'm pretty sure I can decide when I want one over the other. Seriously, this is sandwich overkill. Of course, I shouldn't be one to talk. I have had their Monster Thickburger before (and finished it) but my stomach didn't like it.
You can check all this out on the Hardee's website but it's a stupid flash website without a no-flash backup.
You can check all this out on the Hardee's website but it's a stupid flash website without a no-flash backup.
Dolphin Sighting
When I was driving over the Ashley River Bridge yesterday after my exam, I saw a dolphin in the water. That's all. Just wanted to share.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Who do I look like?
Over at the Roadtrip blog, Calvin posted a link to a site where you can submit a photo of yourself and a computer program tells you what celebrities you look like. Supposedly, the software was designed to recognize relatives.
Mike uploaded a photo of me, and I scored simultaneous matches with Gwyneth Paltrow, Roseanne Barr, Oprah Winfrey and Condeleeza Rice. I'm not entirely sure how to feel about that. I'm simultaneously flattered and insulted. Also, other pictures of me landed totally different matches: Kim Basinger, Anne Hathaway, Brittany Murphy... But there wasn't a single match to Michelle Williams, the one celebrity I've actually been told I resemble (by Jaime's Mexican cousin, no less!).
Mike got an entirely different profile when he uploaded a picture of himself. Almost no "celebrities" - the list read like a Who's Who of intellectuals. Chess champions, political figures, writers, and more than one Nobel Prize winner. I'm blaming the glasses. His few celebrity matches included Eddie Murphy and Hayden Christensen.
Congratulations on finishing your exams, Mike!
Mike uploaded a photo of me, and I scored simultaneous matches with Gwyneth Paltrow, Roseanne Barr, Oprah Winfrey and Condeleeza Rice. I'm not entirely sure how to feel about that. I'm simultaneously flattered and insulted. Also, other pictures of me landed totally different matches: Kim Basinger, Anne Hathaway, Brittany Murphy... But there wasn't a single match to Michelle Williams, the one celebrity I've actually been told I resemble (by Jaime's Mexican cousin, no less!).
Mike got an entirely different profile when he uploaded a picture of himself. Almost no "celebrities" - the list read like a Who's Who of intellectuals. Chess champions, political figures, writers, and more than one Nobel Prize winner. I'm blaming the glasses. His few celebrity matches included Eddie Murphy and Hayden Christensen.
Congratulations on finishing your exams, Mike!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Diver Bill
Happy Easter, everyone!
Yesterday, I watched an awesome show on PBS. It's this BBC show called Cathedral, and the episode I saw was about Winchester Cathedral. The cathedral dates back to 1202, and is one of the largest in England. However, in the early 1900's, it was discovered that the foundation was waterlogged and the whole cathedral was at risk for collapse. Architects and engineers were brought in to figure out what to do, and they discovered that the entire cathedral had been built on a RAFT. That's right, the entire cathedral was built on top of a raft made out of tree trunks. The tree trunks had begun to rot, and thus the cathedral was cracking and warping. At the engineer's suggestion, workers attempted to pump the water out from under the cathedral so that they could get beneath it and build up a proper foundation. However, pumping disrupted the soil around it and had to be abandoned.
At that point, the engineer concluded that the cathedral could only be saved by bringing in a DIVER to build up a foundation from beneath. Diver William Walker was hired, and spent 6 years packing the foundation with bags of concrete. The cathedral was saved, and Walker was honoured with the title Member of the Royal Victorian Order.
Yesterday, I watched an awesome show on PBS. It's this BBC show called Cathedral, and the episode I saw was about Winchester Cathedral. The cathedral dates back to 1202, and is one of the largest in England. However, in the early 1900's, it was discovered that the foundation was waterlogged and the whole cathedral was at risk for collapse. Architects and engineers were brought in to figure out what to do, and they discovered that the entire cathedral had been built on a RAFT. That's right, the entire cathedral was built on top of a raft made out of tree trunks. The tree trunks had begun to rot, and thus the cathedral was cracking and warping. At the engineer's suggestion, workers attempted to pump the water out from under the cathedral so that they could get beneath it and build up a proper foundation. However, pumping disrupted the soil around it and had to be abandoned.
At that point, the engineer concluded that the cathedral could only be saved by bringing in a DIVER to build up a foundation from beneath. Diver William Walker was hired, and spent 6 years packing the foundation with bags of concrete. The cathedral was saved, and Walker was honoured with the title Member of the Royal Victorian Order.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Easter Cute Parade!
In honor of Sunday being Easter, and my recent discovery of cuteoverload.com, I give you... THE EASTER CUTE PARADE!!!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
A list
Things that are very popular, but whose appeal escapes me
1. Scrapbooking
2. Myspace
3. Nascar
4. T-shirts and/or bumper stickers with hostile sayings on them.
5. SUV's
6. Espadrilles
7. Matthew McConaughey
8. Linkin Park
1. Scrapbooking
2. Myspace
3. Nascar
4. T-shirts and/or bumper stickers with hostile sayings on them.
5. SUV's
6. Espadrilles
7. Matthew McConaughey
8. Linkin Park
Thursday, April 06, 2006
I don't know how she does it.
My family is driving back home after their 4 day visit to Atlanta. It was nice to see them, and I hope they had a good time.
The thing that amazes me most is that my sister managed to survive an entire vacation with our parents. I mean, I love them and all, but they can be really annoying sometimes. You know, that special kind of annoying, where if it was someone else's parents you would find it funny or cute, but coming from your own it drives you crazy.
Last night, we went out to eat at the Angel. It turned out to be Trivia Night, which was kind of a mixed blessing. On one hand, it provided entertainment and the potential chance to pay for our meals. On the other hand, it brought out the full competitive streak that runs in our family. My sister got really anxious, and wouldn't allow us to pay for the meal until the contest was over (since she was so determined to win). My dad berated us for saying the answers aloud, as he was certain that the table next to us was eavesdropping and stealing our answers. Mom tried to convince us to cheat. When we missed the last question, a full-fledged argument broke out over who was to blame.
We didn't win anything, but it was still fun.
The thing that amazes me most is that my sister managed to survive an entire vacation with our parents. I mean, I love them and all, but they can be really annoying sometimes. You know, that special kind of annoying, where if it was someone else's parents you would find it funny or cute, but coming from your own it drives you crazy.
Last night, we went out to eat at the Angel. It turned out to be Trivia Night, which was kind of a mixed blessing. On one hand, it provided entertainment and the potential chance to pay for our meals. On the other hand, it brought out the full competitive streak that runs in our family. My sister got really anxious, and wouldn't allow us to pay for the meal until the contest was over (since she was so determined to win). My dad berated us for saying the answers aloud, as he was certain that the table next to us was eavesdropping and stealing our answers. Mom tried to convince us to cheat. When we missed the last question, a full-fledged argument broke out over who was to blame.
We didn't win anything, but it was still fun.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
6.6 Billion +1
Congratulations Nori and Robert! Welcome Maya. Be nice to your mom and dad. This is their first time. The rest of your family is a little crazy, but don't worry, the food is great.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
FYI
Dear Professors/Advisors/Mentors,
I know that the end of the semester is rapidly approaching. And yes, I am aware that my thesis must be completed in order for me to graduate. However, the looks of alarm that you have been giving me lately DO NOT HELP. I am doing the best I can, given the situation. I don't need to be reminded that "the thesis deadline is coming up", or that I "don't have much time left", or that I "really need to get my thesis done". I KNOW.
So if you could please refrain from staring at me as if I were prey in the process of being mauled by a bear, and stop endlessly repeating your alarmist comments, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you very much.
Yours Truly,
Becky
I know that the end of the semester is rapidly approaching. And yes, I am aware that my thesis must be completed in order for me to graduate. However, the looks of alarm that you have been giving me lately DO NOT HELP. I am doing the best I can, given the situation. I don't need to be reminded that "the thesis deadline is coming up", or that I "don't have much time left", or that I "really need to get my thesis done". I KNOW.
So if you could please refrain from staring at me as if I were prey in the process of being mauled by a bear, and stop endlessly repeating your alarmist comments, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you very much.
Yours Truly,
Becky
Monday, March 27, 2006
Wildlife Sighting
I was driving back from Johns Island today (this is a rural part of Charleston County) and I saw something that I don't think I've every seen before. Maybe in a zoo once but I'm not even sure about that. Anyway, I was driving and I see this black thing fly down to the street. When I first saw it, it was only about a foot of the ground and it was pretty far away so I couldn't really judge its size. I thought, "Looks like someone's got a chicken loose," thinking that there were some farms nearby. Then I thought more clearly and figured it was just a crow.
But then I got closer. "That's one big crow," I thought. And I as I passed it, I realized what it was. A freakin' vulture! There was a second one that I didn't even see until I passed them. They were feasting at what looked like possum roadkill. Two vultures scavenging on some possum! Man, I wish I had a cameraphone.
But then I got closer. "That's one big crow," I thought. And I as I passed it, I realized what it was. A freakin' vulture! There was a second one that I didn't even see until I passed them. They were feasting at what looked like possum roadkill. Two vultures scavenging on some possum! Man, I wish I had a cameraphone.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Uninformed Sports Opinion
My bracket was completely obliterated by the Sweet 16. I got 1 Elite Eight team right (UConn) and 0 Final Four. This has definitely been the worst year ever. Fortunately, Mr Reik didn't have a family pool this year and I was able to save my quarter. I guess my limited knowledge beforehand methodology didn't work at all. I've got a whole year to devise a new system. Maybe something statistically based. Or which mascot would beat which mascot in a real-life fight like a tiger would beat a longhorn but not a bruin? Or maybe which team has the hotter cheerleaders? Any suggestions?
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Bad Karma or Good Karma?
I guess I wasn't feeling like Ice Cube today because it just hasn't been a good day. It took me forever to get up. And just when I thought everything was copacetic, I ended up at the bus stop without my id (which works as my pass) and no cash so I had to drive to school. I hate doing that because of traffic and I'm a cheap treehugger. Of course, I couldn't just go back to my apartment because by the time I got back the bus would have left.
Then I went to the hospital to pick up my clinical assignment for tomorrow. I had a feeling I wouldn't get the wound care rotation this week, but getting it would have been nice because then I wouldn't have to preplan. What I got was the worst though. Next to my name was the word "wound," but then it was scribbled out and a patient's name was written to the right of it. Just my luck. But I guess that means I'm up next week. To add to my misery, the patient's chart was with the docs doing rounds so I couldn't look at it right then. Of course, that's the only place with the information I needed since the hospital doesn't use a computer system at all! So, I had to come back at 4 after my psych class to do my preplanning. I leave the hospital at 5 and it takes me an hour plus to go the 8 miles home.
As I re-read the last two paragraphs, I realized that if this is what I have to complain about then my life is pretty sweet. Being stuck in traffic and having to do work that I signed up for. Geez, I really should stop whining and appreciate what I have. Dang. This post even has a cheesy afterschool special message to it. Schweet!
Then I went to the hospital to pick up my clinical assignment for tomorrow. I had a feeling I wouldn't get the wound care rotation this week, but getting it would have been nice because then I wouldn't have to preplan. What I got was the worst though. Next to my name was the word "wound," but then it was scribbled out and a patient's name was written to the right of it. Just my luck. But I guess that means I'm up next week. To add to my misery, the patient's chart was with the docs doing rounds so I couldn't look at it right then. Of course, that's the only place with the information I needed since the hospital doesn't use a computer system at all! So, I had to come back at 4 after my psych class to do my preplanning. I leave the hospital at 5 and it takes me an hour plus to go the 8 miles home.
As I re-read the last two paragraphs, I realized that if this is what I have to complain about then my life is pretty sweet. Being stuck in traffic and having to do work that I signed up for. Geez, I really should stop whining and appreciate what I have. Dang. This post even has a cheesy afterschool special message to it. Schweet!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Fuzzy Bug
I wanted to try out Picasa and so here is a picture of a fuzzy bug I took outside my apartment a few weeks ago.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
A Family Band at last!
When my brother and I were younger, we compiled a list of "Things to Get." The things we wanted to get ranged from a go-cart to a porch couch. One of the items on the list was "A family band."
Well, I think we can officially cross that off the list now.
Turns out that there is a Mexican boyband called "Reik." It is astonishingly popular. Their debut album went gold, and they were nominated for Billboard awards and MTV Latin America awards.
Where was I during all this? There are crowds of squealing girls chanting my last name over and over! Weird.
If you want to see one of their music videos, click on this link. Then click on "Reik - Yo Quisiera".
Enjoy.
All that Mike's namesake has to offer is a Southern California Magician. He reenacts Houdini performances and he trained orangatans and polar bears while in college. Which I guess actually makes him pretty cool. Just maybe not as cool as a Mexican boy band.
Well, I think we can officially cross that off the list now.
Turns out that there is a Mexican boyband called "Reik." It is astonishingly popular. Their debut album went gold, and they were nominated for Billboard awards and MTV Latin America awards.
Where was I during all this? There are crowds of squealing girls chanting my last name over and over! Weird.
If you want to see one of their music videos, click on this link. Then click on "Reik - Yo Quisiera".
Enjoy.
All that Mike's namesake has to offer is a Southern California Magician. He reenacts Houdini performances and he trained orangatans and polar bears while in college. Which I guess actually makes him pretty cool. Just maybe not as cool as a Mexican boy band.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Real quick...
OK, so I've finally filled out my NCAA bracket.
What? But the tournament has already started, you say? ???
Yeah, I know, but I haven't gotten around to filling one out until today.
Since I really don't pay attention to college basketball until the tourney comes around, I applied my usual system of looking up what experts have picked and then copying them. I don't just copy one person, though, I synthesize the picks of several different people.
My final four are: Duke, UCLA, UConn and BC. Duke and UConn play for the Championship and UConn wins.
On American Idol, Melissa went home last night. I wasn't that surprised, because as much as I dislike Kevin, he seems to have a lot of support. Melissa, on the other hand, screwed up Stevie Wonder's lyrics too many times to maintain much of a fan base. It was kind of surprising that Ace was in the bottom three, but I think his teenybopper fans might have been diverted towards some of the girls (or to Kevin and Chris).
What? But the tournament has already started, you say? ???
Yeah, I know, but I haven't gotten around to filling one out until today.
Since I really don't pay attention to college basketball until the tourney comes around, I applied my usual system of looking up what experts have picked and then copying them. I don't just copy one person, though, I synthesize the picks of several different people.
My final four are: Duke, UCLA, UConn and BC. Duke and UConn play for the Championship and UConn wins.
On American Idol, Melissa went home last night. I wasn't that surprised, because as much as I dislike Kevin, he seems to have a lot of support. Melissa, on the other hand, screwed up Stevie Wonder's lyrics too many times to maintain much of a fan base. It was kind of surprising that Ace was in the bottom three, but I think his teenybopper fans might have been diverted towards some of the girls (or to Kevin and Chris).
Drink: Left Hand Milk Stout
Becky and I went to the Mac last night and met up with Husni and Karen. I was trying to catch one of the WBC games but the Mac didn't have the channel or it wasn't being broadcasted. Anyway, I figured I could work on my passport list.
I tried the Old Savannah Pale Ale first. It's alright. It's definitely not as hoppy as Terrapin (which for me means it's drinkable). At the same time, it wasn't a particularly flavorful pale ale. I'd drink it again but it wouldn't be my first choice.
After Becky pointed it out on the menu and then recommended by the server, I selected a Left Hand Milk Stout. The brewery is in Longmont, CO. A very interesting beer. Great coffee flavors. But what makes it stand out is the milk sugars that make it taste like a cafe au lait. I would definitely drink again and recommend you at least try this one.
The last beer of the night was a Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar. Can't go wrong with Rogue and they prove me right again. A very flavorful beer but I almost feel I need a fireplace to really enjoy it.
My passport now has 99 stamps. 26 to go. After a couple of years, I may just be able to do it. Of course, Husni finished in 6 months. That lush.
I tried the Old Savannah Pale Ale first. It's alright. It's definitely not as hoppy as Terrapin (which for me means it's drinkable). At the same time, it wasn't a particularly flavorful pale ale. I'd drink it again but it wouldn't be my first choice.
After Becky pointed it out on the menu and then recommended by the server, I selected a Left Hand Milk Stout. The brewery is in Longmont, CO. A very interesting beer. Great coffee flavors. But what makes it stand out is the milk sugars that make it taste like a cafe au lait. I would definitely drink again and recommend you at least try this one.
The last beer of the night was a Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar. Can't go wrong with Rogue and they prove me right again. A very flavorful beer but I almost feel I need a fireplace to really enjoy it.
My passport now has 99 stamps. 26 to go. After a couple of years, I may just be able to do it. Of course, Husni finished in 6 months. That lush.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
March Madness
I just got my bracket filled out. I did it practically blind since I haven't watched college ball all season. Not that I know anything about college ball anyway. But I do know these things: great run by Syracuse and Gerry McNamara in the Big East tourney, Allen Ray got his eye popped out, UNC finished strong, and, of course, Duke sucks (but everyone knows that).
My Final Four are Syracuse, Gonzaga, UNC and BC with Gonzaga beating UNC 56-50. Pretty unlikely I know, but I'm working on the premise that the less I know the more successful I'll be.
By the way, I'm glad people are starting to get interested in the WBC. I've wasted a lot of time the last couple of weeks tracking games with GameDay. Just twenty days til opening day at Dodgers Stadium. Killer infield this year. Too bad we'll probably suck again. Seriously, Grady Little? I'm also excited for minor league ball this year although the Riverdogs are the Yankees Class A team.
My Final Four are Syracuse, Gonzaga, UNC and BC with Gonzaga beating UNC 56-50. Pretty unlikely I know, but I'm working on the premise that the less I know the more successful I'll be.
By the way, I'm glad people are starting to get interested in the WBC. I've wasted a lot of time the last couple of weeks tracking games with GameDay. Just twenty days til opening day at Dodgers Stadium. Killer infield this year. Too bad we'll probably suck again. Seriously, Grady Little? I'm also excited for minor league ball this year although the Riverdogs are the Yankees Class A team.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Would you vote for this man?
News reports suggest that Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas is planning on running for President in 2008. Supposedly, his recent weight loss improves his chances.
But I think he has a bigger problem: His frightening resemblance to the fictional President Logan on 24. If you watch 24, then you know that is definitely NOT a good thing.
But I think he has a bigger problem: His frightening resemblance to the fictional President Logan on 24. If you watch 24, then you know that is definitely NOT a good thing.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
While we're on the subject...
Guess who beat me to the stock-photography punch?
http://www.schia.org/
Also, I recently discovered this website, which amuses me quite a bit. Especially because it features a lot of A2-area places that I am familiar with.
http://www.schia.org/
Also, I recently discovered this website, which amuses me quite a bit. Especially because it features a lot of A2-area places that I am familiar with.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup
Last week I got an email from someone at Emory who is making a promotional video for the School of Public Health. They said they wanted to get some B-roll of laboratory work, and asked if they could shoot in our lab. I said yes, since I've gotten pretty good lately at doing lab work for show. I figured that they would send some guy with a camcorder, he would videotape me doing something lame while wearing a lab coat, and that would be the end of it.
So yesterday the lab doorbell rings and I answer it to find this guy has a whole TON of camera equipment. He had to set up lighting and a giant camera and everything. I had been given specific instructions by my boss not to have any pathogens out while he was here, which pretty much rules out nearly all of the work that I do, so I figured I'd just do some plasmid preps for the video. The cameraman seemed pleased with that, saying that repetitive motions work well for his purposes. So there I was, trying to do some simple plasmid preps, but I've got lights and crazy camera angles and a guy asking if I can make certain parts last longer and if I can hold the tubes up higher.
Anyways, in the middle of the shoot, it dawned on me. You know when you watch the news, or CSI or a show like that and they cut to a shot of a "Scientist" doing "Science" where they're wearing gloves and a lab coat and dropping solutions into a test tube or something? Well, now that's gonna be me. Cameraman got extended footage of me in a lab coat and gloves, squirting solutions into tubes and then holding them up to the light while turning them upside down, doing my best to look like I'm intently interested in the major discovery I'm about to make for science.
I'll admit, I was aiming for something like this:
But the footage I saw looked almost exactly like this instead.
So yesterday the lab doorbell rings and I answer it to find this guy has a whole TON of camera equipment. He had to set up lighting and a giant camera and everything. I had been given specific instructions by my boss not to have any pathogens out while he was here, which pretty much rules out nearly all of the work that I do, so I figured I'd just do some plasmid preps for the video. The cameraman seemed pleased with that, saying that repetitive motions work well for his purposes. So there I was, trying to do some simple plasmid preps, but I've got lights and crazy camera angles and a guy asking if I can make certain parts last longer and if I can hold the tubes up higher.
Anyways, in the middle of the shoot, it dawned on me. You know when you watch the news, or CSI or a show like that and they cut to a shot of a "Scientist" doing "Science" where they're wearing gloves and a lab coat and dropping solutions into a test tube or something? Well, now that's gonna be me. Cameraman got extended footage of me in a lab coat and gloves, squirting solutions into tubes and then holding them up to the light while turning them upside down, doing my best to look like I'm intently interested in the major discovery I'm about to make for science.
I'll admit, I was aiming for something like this:
But the footage I saw looked almost exactly like this instead.
Monday, March 06, 2006
I am awesome
As of award-show time I had changed my pick for Best Picture to Crash, and decided to go with Rachel Weisz for Best Supporting Actress. Both proved to be wise decisions.
I'm particularly proud that this year I got all the Major Awards right - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress. All in all, I got 6 wrong and 18 right. My misses were for Cinematography, Best Original Song, Costumes, Short subject Documentary, Short Film - Animated, and Short Film - Live Action. Given that those last three picks were made 5 minutes before the Oscars started on the basis of their names only, I think that's a pretty good record.
And, I happen to think that my alter-ego looked pretty good, too.
In other news, I picked up my wedding dress on Saturday. It's a little big in the bodice, but the length came out right, and, most importantly, I still love it. It's too early to have the alterations done, so for now it just has to live in my closet. But now that I have it, I can start working on all the accessories. DSW, here I come!
I'm particularly proud that this year I got all the Major Awards right - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress. All in all, I got 6 wrong and 18 right. My misses were for Cinematography, Best Original Song, Costumes, Short subject Documentary, Short Film - Animated, and Short Film - Live Action. Given that those last three picks were made 5 minutes before the Oscars started on the basis of their names only, I think that's a pretty good record.
And, I happen to think that my alter-ego looked pretty good, too.
In other news, I picked up my wedding dress on Saturday. It's a little big in the bodice, but the length came out right, and, most importantly, I still love it. It's too early to have the alterations done, so for now it just has to live in my closet. But now that I have it, I can start working on all the accessories. DSW, here I come!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Oscar picks
I normally like to change my predictions up until the show starts, andI still reserve the right to do so. But I figured I'd post my current picks.
Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain, I suppose. Although it was, in Debbie's words, "long and boring", it seems to be the favorite. Crash could do okay, but it seems like a lot of people hated it. This does break my usual rule of picking the movie about Jews or the mentally handicapped, but so be it.
Leading Actor: I've said it before and I'll say it again - Philip Seymour Hoffman all the way.
Leading Actress: Reese Witherspoon. Also breaking the rule about always picking Dame Judi Dench for any award where she is nominated.
Supporting Actor: This is a tough one. I think it's 50/50 between Paul Giamatti and George Clooney, but I'll pick George Clooney because this has been a good year for him.
Supporting Actress: The smart money says Rachel Weisz. But I can't resist the chance to pick my own doppelganger, Michelle Williams. Still mulling this one over.
Directing: Ang Lee.
Adapted screenplay: Brokeback Mountain.
Original screenplay: Crash.
Documentary feature: March of the Penguins.
Animated feature: Wallace & Gromit. Such a good movie!
I won't post the rest here, because you probably don't care about who I think will win for Best Sound Mixing. Heck, you probably don't care about any of my predictions. Oh well. Have a great weekend!
Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain, I suppose. Although it was, in Debbie's words, "long and boring", it seems to be the favorite. Crash could do okay, but it seems like a lot of people hated it. This does break my usual rule of picking the movie about Jews or the mentally handicapped, but so be it.
Leading Actor: I've said it before and I'll say it again - Philip Seymour Hoffman all the way.
Leading Actress: Reese Witherspoon. Also breaking the rule about always picking Dame Judi Dench for any award where she is nominated.
Supporting Actor: This is a tough one. I think it's 50/50 between Paul Giamatti and George Clooney, but I'll pick George Clooney because this has been a good year for him.
Supporting Actress: The smart money says Rachel Weisz. But I can't resist the chance to pick my own doppelganger, Michelle Williams. Still mulling this one over.
Directing: Ang Lee.
Adapted screenplay: Brokeback Mountain.
Original screenplay: Crash.
Documentary feature: March of the Penguins.
Animated feature: Wallace & Gromit. Such a good movie!
I won't post the rest here, because you probably don't care about who I think will win for Best Sound Mixing. Heck, you probably don't care about any of my predictions. Oh well. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Happy Fat Tuesday!
A.K.A. Mardi Gras, Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday, or Paczki Day.
Mmmm.... paczki. I don't think you can get them here in Atlanta. Maybe I'll just have to settle for some donuts instead...
Anyways, my family has always given up sweets for Lent. If you've ever been around my family for very long, then you know how difficult this is for us. We loooove our sweets. So, since Fat Tuesday is the last day before Lent, we always ate a TON of candy and desserts on that day. Not only that, but when I went to Christian school, Fat Tuesday was the one day of the year when we were allowed to bring in candy and eat it all day.
Since Debbie is in Texas tonight, maybe I'll just skip dinner and go straight to dessert. I have a feeling this is going to be a tough Lent, what with the entire case of cotton candy, giant bag of Skittles, pound of Jelly Bellies and pint of Haagen Dazs in my apartment. And just to make it clear, all of the above mentioned candies were unsolicited gifts from my family. My sweet-loving family.
Mmmm.... paczki. I don't think you can get them here in Atlanta. Maybe I'll just have to settle for some donuts instead...
Anyways, my family has always given up sweets for Lent. If you've ever been around my family for very long, then you know how difficult this is for us. We loooove our sweets. So, since Fat Tuesday is the last day before Lent, we always ate a TON of candy and desserts on that day. Not only that, but when I went to Christian school, Fat Tuesday was the one day of the year when we were allowed to bring in candy and eat it all day.
Since Debbie is in Texas tonight, maybe I'll just skip dinner and go straight to dessert. I have a feeling this is going to be a tough Lent, what with the entire case of cotton candy, giant bag of Skittles, pound of Jelly Bellies and pint of Haagen Dazs in my apartment. And just to make it clear, all of the above mentioned candies were unsolicited gifts from my family. My sweet-loving family.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Confession.
I'll admit it. After 4 seasons of blissfully ignoring the show, Debbie has finally managed to get me hooked on American Idol.
Taylor Hicks, you're my main man. I actually tried to vote for him, but the line was busy.
I was a little sad that Bobby got kicked off, although I figured as much. It's not that I thought his singing was great, it's just that he is so much more entertaining than all the boring other guys that I was hoping he could last a few weeks more. Oh well. Bobby, you will be missed.
Today's mashup: "No One Takes Your Freedom"
Taylor Hicks, you're my main man. I actually tried to vote for him, but the line was busy.
I was a little sad that Bobby got kicked off, although I figured as much. It's not that I thought his singing was great, it's just that he is so much more entertaining than all the boring other guys that I was hoping he could last a few weeks more. Oh well. Bobby, you will be missed.
Today's mashup: "No One Takes Your Freedom"
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Weir's greatest hits
A sampling of classic quotes from figure skater Johnny Weir:
And, on a sports-related sidenote, I just heard that NBC is planning to call its primetime Sunday NFL broadcast "Football Night in America", a totally transparent take-off of "Hockey Night in Canada". What's next, "Shuffleboard Night in Boca Raton"?
Today's mashup: "Sweet Home Country Grammar"
"The next morning the papers came out and all of a sudden I was causing a stir because I told Phil Hersh he looked thin and I was wearing a chinchilla scarf that someone thought was a boa. First of all, boas are so out. Secondly, I would never wear a boa to a press conference."
"I'm not worried about PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The first time I see a chinchilla wearing a person, I'll stop wearing fur. "
"I never felt comfortable in this building. I didn’t feel my inner peace. I didn’t feel my aura. I was black inside."
"I am a princess."
"The costume is hard to get into. I have to squeeze myself in like a sausage."
"That girl, I would buy her diamonds if I could afford it. It seemed like the type of fall that could render someone unable to have children. It looked like it hurt that much." (about Zhang's fall in the pairs skating competition)
And, on a sports-related sidenote, I just heard that NBC is planning to call its primetime Sunday NFL broadcast "Football Night in America", a totally transparent take-off of "Hockey Night in Canada". What's next, "Shuffleboard Night in Boca Raton"?
Today's mashup: "Sweet Home Country Grammar"
Thursday, February 16, 2006
We report. You decide.
As Mike mentioned, Charleston residents seem to have him mistaken for William Hung.As you can see, there is a slight resemblance, but only insofar as William Hung looks like a much less attractive version of Mike, with Down's syndrome and crooked teeth.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Olympic fever
I'm soooooo bummed I missed Johnny Weir's short program last night. He describes his costume as a "sexy swan" and named it "Camille." Now that's entertainment, people.
Even though the Winter Olympics are kind of like the ugly stepchild of the Summer Olympics, I still really enjoy them. I just wish that I had cable so that I could see more of the action.
Today's mashup: The Temptations "Papa was a Rolling Stone" with Coldplay's "Clocks".
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Ethical Dilemma
It's a pretty trivial but here's my dilemma:
I was running late for my clinical this morning and so I decided to park at the hospital visitors' lot although students aren't really allowed to do so before 4pm. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the student parking lots via shuttle bus and I figured that it would cost me less than $10 to park for the day and so it was worth not being late for clinical.
Anyway, when I was leaving, the lady at the booth starting questioning me. She asked me if I had gone to see a patient. I thought she was on to the fact that I wasn't suppose to be parked there, so I said yes. Then, she asked me the patient's name like she didn't believe me. So, I made up a name and said, "Smith." Then, she asked me the patient's room number like she really didn't believe me. So, I made up a room number. "Are you sure?" she asked as she jots something down on a piece of paper. Of course, I was sure. Can I have my change and get out of here? The questioning was making me very uncomfortable. I was really starting to feel guilty about do something that was pretty trivial. I mean, who would really want to pay $8.25 a day to park when you could do it for free elsewhere?
Back to the story, she hands me what I thought was $2 and a receipt and let's me go. I was really due back only $1.75 but I figured maybe she didn't have any quarters. When I get home, I realized that she gave me $7 dollars back. The receipt was actually a five. At first, I thought she gave me change for a twenty and not a ten, but the math didn't add up. Then I realized that they must give a discount to MDs who come in for short patient visits. She must have thought I was a resident or something. A Chinese man with glasses in Charleston near the hospital must be a doctor. Seriously, I didn't even have my ID badge on. But it's definitely better than being mistaken for William Hung and that's happened a few times here already.
So that's my dilemma. I accidently ripped off a little old lady for $5.25. The question is should I do anything about it? On one hand, it was an accident and parking is exorbitantly priced. On the other hand, it's not my money and it was a little old lady.
I was running late for my clinical this morning and so I decided to park at the hospital visitors' lot although students aren't really allowed to do so before 4pm. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the student parking lots via shuttle bus and I figured that it would cost me less than $10 to park for the day and so it was worth not being late for clinical.
Anyway, when I was leaving, the lady at the booth starting questioning me. She asked me if I had gone to see a patient. I thought she was on to the fact that I wasn't suppose to be parked there, so I said yes. Then, she asked me the patient's name like she didn't believe me. So, I made up a name and said, "Smith." Then, she asked me the patient's room number like she really didn't believe me. So, I made up a room number. "Are you sure?" she asked as she jots something down on a piece of paper. Of course, I was sure. Can I have my change and get out of here? The questioning was making me very uncomfortable. I was really starting to feel guilty about do something that was pretty trivial. I mean, who would really want to pay $8.25 a day to park when you could do it for free elsewhere?
Back to the story, she hands me what I thought was $2 and a receipt and let's me go. I was really due back only $1.75 but I figured maybe she didn't have any quarters. When I get home, I realized that she gave me $7 dollars back. The receipt was actually a five. At first, I thought she gave me change for a twenty and not a ten, but the math didn't add up. Then I realized that they must give a discount to MDs who come in for short patient visits. She must have thought I was a resident or something. A Chinese man with glasses in Charleston near the hospital must be a doctor. Seriously, I didn't even have my ID badge on. But it's definitely better than being mistaken for William Hung and that's happened a few times here already.
So that's my dilemma. I accidently ripped off a little old lady for $5.25. The question is should I do anything about it? On one hand, it was an accident and parking is exorbitantly priced. On the other hand, it's not my money and it was a little old lady.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Dick Cheney shot a guy.
Cheney's Top Ten excuses for shooting his hunting partner:
10. Sure, like you've never seen seen giant game birds wearing day glo orange vests
9. Warrantless domestic spying revealed he was getting phone calls from al Queda
8. If the Vice President does it, it's not against the law
7. Hoping to put him in a persistent vegetative state so the GOP could pass a law to keep him alive
6. Thought he was hunting Dan Quayle
5. The love between them could not survive back in Washington
4. Birds, Cows, People-- with my eyesight I'm lucky I hit anything
3. Positive the guy's family will welcome him as a liberator
2. Pheasants? I thought we were hunting peasants
1. It was just collateral damage
(found on Slate's discussion board here and here)
10. Sure, like you've never seen seen giant game birds wearing day glo orange vests
9. Warrantless domestic spying revealed he was getting phone calls from al Queda
8. If the Vice President does it, it's not against the law
7. Hoping to put him in a persistent vegetative state so the GOP could pass a law to keep him alive
6. Thought he was hunting Dan Quayle
5. The love between them could not survive back in Washington
4. Birds, Cows, People-- with my eyesight I'm lucky I hit anything
3. Positive the guy's family will welcome him as a liberator
2. Pheasants? I thought we were hunting peasants
1. It was just collateral damage
(found on Slate's discussion board here and here)
Friday, February 10, 2006
Dirty Pictures in My Pocket
I got one of those Kansas state quarters today and a thought occurred to me. I know it's probably not a conspiracy and the artwork for the back was chosen for aesthetic and state-specific reasons. But after reading the articles in Slate about the Kansas state attorney general's campaign against teens necking, I have to wonder if the anatomically correct buffalo on some of the new nickels didn't make the cut because that would have been too shocking.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Grammy Recap
Of my list from yesterday, only 1.5 wins. That's worse than random chance.
Why Kelly Clarkson? She won a surprising number of awards. I don't know if she's preferable to Mariah or not, but I just don't see it. Plus, Kelly Clarkson had a song about her dysfunctional relationship with her dad, which automatically puts her into the "should be forever disqualified for any awards" category in my book.
When Mariah came out to perform, I thought to myself "Wow! A dress that's actually tasteful." Then, I realized that what she was wearing was actually a skanky dress with a long, flowing skirt attached. I genuinely expected that bottom portion to come off mid-performance, at which time the crowd would have cheered and she would have launched into a more up-tempo song. Didn't happen, but that's probably for the best.
I waited all night for the Kanye West/Jamie Foxx performance, and I was not disappointed. As I told Mike, it was so good it almost reached Outkast-level goodness.
Was the Jay-Z/Linkin Park/Paul McCartney performance a way of subtly showing approval for Danger Mouse's Grey Album? Maybe, because I can summarize the flaw in that performance with two words: Linkin Park.
Today's mashup is "Beethoven's Fifth Gold Digger."
Why Kelly Clarkson? She won a surprising number of awards. I don't know if she's preferable to Mariah or not, but I just don't see it. Plus, Kelly Clarkson had a song about her dysfunctional relationship with her dad, which automatically puts her into the "should be forever disqualified for any awards" category in my book.
When Mariah came out to perform, I thought to myself "Wow! A dress that's actually tasteful." Then, I realized that what she was wearing was actually a skanky dress with a long, flowing skirt attached. I genuinely expected that bottom portion to come off mid-performance, at which time the crowd would have cheered and she would have launched into a more up-tempo song. Didn't happen, but that's probably for the best.
I waited all night for the Kanye West/Jamie Foxx performance, and I was not disappointed. As I told Mike, it was so good it almost reached Outkast-level goodness.
Was the Jay-Z/Linkin Park/Paul McCartney performance a way of subtly showing approval for Danger Mouse's Grey Album? Maybe, because I can summarize the flaw in that performance with two words: Linkin Park.
Today's mashup is "Beethoven's Fifth Gold Digger."
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards will be handed out tonight. I don’t make predictions for these awards because I care too much. Instead, I just watch, root for my favorites, and boo the unworthy winners.
The thing that always confuses me is that a lot of the nominated stuff just seem so OLD. I mean, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”!?!?! Wasn’t that song popular, like, 5 years ago? And I distinctly remember Maroon 5’s “This Love” being popular when I was still living in Michigan.
Anyway, here's a list of who I’ll be rooting for:
Record of the Year: “Gold Digger,” Kanye West
Album of the Year: L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani
Best New Artist: Given the track record of those who have won this award, wouldn’t it be smarter to root for someone I don’t like?
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing," Jack Johnson
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal: "My Doorbell," The White Stripes
Best Pop Vocal Album: Extraordinary Machine, Fiona Apple
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: "Revolution," Eric Clapton
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal: "Speed of Sound," Coldplay
Best Hard Rock Performance: Really tough choice between "Doesn't Remind Me" by Audioslave and "B.Y.O.B." by System of a Down. I mean, I really like "B.Y.O.B", but I also enjoy Audioslave simply for the fact that probably bugs Brad.
Best Rock Song: "Beverly Hills," Rivers Cuomo
Best Rock Album: X&Y, Coldplay
Best Alternative Music Album: Get Behind Me Satan, The White Stripes
The problem is that the awards rarely go to the nominees I like. So I'm fully expecting Mariah to win every award she's nominated for.
In related news, I have lately discovered the joys of mashups - the musical genre that takes two or more songs and jumbles them together into a totally new song. And you can download them! For free! Some of them are funny!
For instance: This mashup combines the surf-song "Wipeout" with D4L's "Laffy Taffy." Maybe not the greatest musical triumph ever, but quite humorous nonetheless. Now if only I could find someone to turn my mashup fantasy into reality: "Get Back" by Ludacris with "Don't Stand so Close to Me" by the Police.
The thing that always confuses me is that a lot of the nominated stuff just seem so OLD. I mean, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”!?!?! Wasn’t that song popular, like, 5 years ago? And I distinctly remember Maroon 5’s “This Love” being popular when I was still living in Michigan.
Anyway, here's a list of who I’ll be rooting for:
Record of the Year: “Gold Digger,” Kanye West
Album of the Year: L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani
Best New Artist: Given the track record of those who have won this award, wouldn’t it be smarter to root for someone I don’t like?
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing," Jack Johnson
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal: "My Doorbell," The White Stripes
Best Pop Vocal Album: Extraordinary Machine, Fiona Apple
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: "Revolution," Eric Clapton
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal: "Speed of Sound," Coldplay
Best Hard Rock Performance: Really tough choice between "Doesn't Remind Me" by Audioslave and "B.Y.O.B." by System of a Down. I mean, I really like "B.Y.O.B", but I also enjoy Audioslave simply for the fact that probably bugs Brad.
Best Rock Song: "Beverly Hills," Rivers Cuomo
Best Rock Album: X&Y, Coldplay
Best Alternative Music Album: Get Behind Me Satan, The White Stripes
The problem is that the awards rarely go to the nominees I like. So I'm fully expecting Mariah to win every award she's nominated for.
In related news, I have lately discovered the joys of mashups - the musical genre that takes two or more songs and jumbles them together into a totally new song. And you can download them! For free! Some of them are funny!
For instance: This mashup combines the surf-song "Wipeout" with D4L's "Laffy Taffy." Maybe not the greatest musical triumph ever, but quite humorous nonetheless. Now if only I could find someone to turn my mashup fantasy into reality: "Get Back" by Ludacris with "Don't Stand so Close to Me" by the Police.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
A list of things about me that evidently impresses people:
1. Purely by coincidence, I own a pair of shoes and pants that are exactly the same shade of green.
2. I remember to put clear packing tape over the address when mailing a package.
3. I am observant enough to notice when the person sitting next to me on an airplane leaves something behind on their seat.
4. I have the ability to perform repetitive tasks for long stretches of time.
5. I include the specific type of jelly I want when ordering a peanut butter and jelly bagel at Einstein’s.
6. I can apply eyeshadow with my fingers.
Friday, February 03, 2006
I think this explains why I was late for work today.I made the mistake of turning on the TV while I was eating breakfast, and what do I see? The entire studio audience is full of English and French bulldogs. At that point, you couldn't have pried me away from the television with a crowbar. I love French Bulldogs like a fat kid loves cake.
The guest included Tyson, the Skateboarding Bulldog and an absolutely adorable little Frenchie who could say "I love you". At the end of the show, Martha introduced her newest pet, a little fawn colored Frenchie.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Surprise!
Well, Michael's blog progress has slowed so much that it's actually going backwards (posts are starting to disappear!).
So, I've managed to recall my password and now I, Becky, am here to save the day.
My first order of business: Happy Birthday to Debbie! Welcome to the quarter-century club!
Next: The Oscar nominees were announce earlier this week. And thus I now begin the arduous task of choosing who I think will win. As perhaps very few of you know, Eulynn, Clare and I have an ongoing competition over who can make the most accurate Oscar picks each year. I have had a semi-decent record over the years, but Clare and Eulynn are formidable opponents. Plus, they often have the advantage of having actually seen some of the nominated films.
So this year I've decided to step it up. I have plans to go see Brokeback Mountain this weekend. After that, it'll either be Capote or Walk the Line. Whichever one is showing at the dollar theater.
I do have one iron-clad pick, though: Philip Seymour Hoffman for Best Actor. He's one of my favorite actors and I think this might be his year.
So, I've managed to recall my password and now I, Becky, am here to save the day.
My first order of business: Happy Birthday to Debbie! Welcome to the quarter-century club!
Next: The Oscar nominees were announce earlier this week. And thus I now begin the arduous task of choosing who I think will win. As perhaps very few of you know, Eulynn, Clare and I have an ongoing competition over who can make the most accurate Oscar picks each year. I have had a semi-decent record over the years, but Clare and Eulynn are formidable opponents. Plus, they often have the advantage of having actually seen some of the nominated films.
So this year I've decided to step it up. I have plans to go see Brokeback Mountain this weekend. After that, it'll either be Capote or Walk the Line. Whichever one is showing at the dollar theater.
I do have one iron-clad pick, though: Philip Seymour Hoffman for Best Actor. He's one of my favorite actors and I think this might be his year.
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