A quote I'd like to share.

A quote from Michael J. Fox: "For everything this disease has taken, something with greater value has been given. So, sure, it may be one step forward and two steps back, but after a time, I've learned that what is important is making that one step count."

The problem with DRM'ed music

Best anti-McCain ad ever.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

My urge to run up the down-escalator has been monotonically increasing with age

The mythbusters have been a constant source of disappointment. I have looked past their total disregard for experimental protocol one too many times. I can no longer look the other way... Recently, I sent an email to the ambiguously gay duo, Jamie and Adam, castigating them for their lack of consideration for the basic the scientific principles of precision and recall. I also criticized several of their experimental procedures for being poorly crafted and "makeshift." For professionals, they sure know how to put on a 3rd grade science show; I doubt they could make it to the big leagues - 9th grade.

Of course, I wasn't entirely negative in my correspondence. For the most part, yes, but entirely no - my mom would be proud, I had something positive to say. At any rate, I complimented their attempt to delineate a solid hypothesis with aim to verify it. They also outlined the possible outcomes of their experiments clearly, and described how that relates to their initial hypothesis. Unfortunately, they more often than not, change their hypothesis during the course of the show. I suppose that that is okay.

Eventually, I received a response from the producers of the show. I was very surprised that it was a personal response, but very disappointed in the content. It went something along the lines of:

"We appreciate your concerns and comments. It is reassuring to know that scientists watch and appreciate the show [how did they come to that conclusion? they really know how to read between the lines]. Although we will take your comments into consideration, it is difficult for us to follow scientific principles to the degree which you are describing. Our show is not geared to those who will follow technicalities, but rather to those who have a basic understanding of scientific principle. We are bound to our network for ratings, and to ensure that we retain funding. With that said, we believe that the experiments that we presented are readily reproducible under the right guidance."

Well, I guess they are sellout scientists. Speaking of sellouts, I am disappointed in my fellow Pennsylvanians. Google parodies are still all kinds of awesome.

You loved the previews and hate the movie.

Sometimes, I rewrite song lyrics. I don't do this out of compulsion. I don't do it to be funny; although I have come up with some wickedly hilarious stuff. I do it, because songs on the radio suck. I mean seriously, how can these musicians listen to half the stuff they put out. I miss the music of the 90s and 80s. I also miss the music of my parents' generation - though my Dad can't tell the difference between the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Point is, he can enjoy it, I can enjoy, and I'm sure my children will be able to enjoy it. Anyways, for the first time, I sent one of my song rewrites [of a pop-rock song currently on the radio] to the record label that produces the artist. Surprisingly, they got back to me, and were "impressed." Unfortunately, they won't be using the lyrics since the single is already in circulation. However, they encourage me to send future songs that I conjure up in for their review. Whatever that means. 

I don't know what's more disappointing, music or politics. Probably music. Politics is a game, and people play it; hardcore. Rush Limbaugh is awesome at the game. If any Hillary Clinton supporters are reading this, you may want to jump forward. I'm not going to go and list all the reasons I think she is a poor choice for President, or why she's a poor choice to run against McCain. I'm not going to rant about her experience, her failed efforts, infeasible plans, and every other reason I think she is a poor choice for the Democratic Party. These folks do that for you, in an amusing way (though their reasons may not be so salient). And yes, she is the analog of Yoko Ono in politics. That brings me back to Rush. He's got a great idea. Get the candidate who is more likely to lose to McCain, the DNC's nomination. A brilliant, simple, elegant idea. Anyone who says that this is "dirty politics" should probably go vote for Hillary. After all, she does gets the shaft in every debate. This falls under the rules of the election process - fair game. Am I happy about this? No, certainly not. Sure sounds like I am - adulating Limbaugh and all. I'm aggravated that even though exit polls clearly indicate that republicans in open primary states are voting for Clinton, she doesn't concede this fact, but instead takes those votes as legitimately earned. Listen lady, I know you are hungry for the presidency, but seriously, these people want to ensure that you don't get it, and that no democrat does. Suck it up. Throw in the towel before you shoot your party in its proverbial foot.

Unlike music and politics, one thing that doesn't suck is television. Well, there is reality TV - that sucks hard. Really hard. Reality and TV don't go together. Perhaps for the majority of the viewing public it doesn't suck; reality TV makes sense since they are too lazy to do anything but watch what they could be doing in reality. Anyways, TV is about mimicking life, not just showing it - showing people in situations viewers can understand and relate to but would never actually be in, saying things how we would want to say it if we weren't limited by social conventions... that sort of thing. Don't nitpick - this is what I like about TV - there's a lot more to it than this of course. I'm an avid fan of "How I Met Your Mother." There is not one character on that show I cannot relate to. Let's start with the most ludicrous character, Barney. He has the unrelenting self confidence that I wish I had, he posses the rapist wit which I admire, and he can make any social situation awkward. Of course, I don't admire, let alone condone, the way he treats women - but the point of that character attribute is clearly that people who treat the opposite gender as he does, aren't ever taken seriously, and fill their lives with meaningless hobbies, possessions,  and other superficialities to compensate for what they would get by having a close relationship with someone. Next, Marshall and Lilly... I'll treat them as one, because well, the show does. They've been together forever, they care for one another and are always looking out for each other's interests. They never want to hurt each other, but are upfront when they need to be. Their relationship has characteristics that I would want in a relationship. I really identify with Marshall. He's thoughtful, diligent, and enjoys what he does. He's made compromises in his professional life, but has found a way to keep his passions alive. He comes off as naive and trusting (which in my mind often goes hand in hand), but at the same time is very capable and is a good shoulder for his friends. He pursues everything wholeheartedly, and gets disappointed when things don't work out - often thinking he could have done more to make things work. Robyn is Canadian. She doesn't count. Ted, the main character of the show. I feel that I am a lot like him. Sometimes he lets his job get in the way of life, but only because he's passionate about it. He really wants to excel at what he does, and is proud of his accomplishments. He does get hurt, but doesn't let it get to him. He's on the quest to find his future wife, the premise of the show, but is still trying to figure out what it is he wants in his future spouse. Deep down, I think he just wants someone to care for, who can care for him, and that he can relate well too. He just makes excuses by honing in on trivial character flaws when he doesn't find it. "How I Met Your Mother" is by far the best show I've watched in the last three years, next to "House, M.D." of course. I suggest you watch it.

You're never too old for footed pajamas

I like to sing (not that I do so all that well). Correction, I love to sing; particularly while driving. I've had to borrow my mother's car for the past week, and I found a CD with covers of songs by some of my favorite musicians. As favorite song finally approached (one that is perfect for belting out at any time), the CD began to skip. I treated it as a remix. The driver of the car next to me, who also had her windows open, was amused.

My advisors are stellar. They're supportive, friendly, understanding, and encouraging. At times, it's a bit unnerving for fear of disappointing them. This I believe is the root of my issues with closure - that I am never satisfied in my work, especially when they feel it is going to be impactful. Recently, they've left me to my own devices; perhaps they have been testing me to see if I can be ready to devise, execute, and present my work without their help. Either that, or they just don't give a shit. I doubt that that is the case.

One year as of last Monday, cancer free. Apparently it's a big deal. I don't think so. It wasn't a big deal before having it. It isn't a big deal not having it. It is a big deal being able to appreciate people and life. You shouldn't need the help of a disease for that though. I guess sometimes though, it helps.