|
Making up for lost time
Saturday, January 27, 2001
10:11 p.m.
I've been meaning to get to a blog for some time now. I had a tentative blog on Tuesday, but I didn't post it as I wasn't sure about the facts. I'm sure now, so that'll be a part of this entry ^o^
It's out.
Yesterday, I pulled the proverbial trigger and released my anime paper to the Internet formally. I was concerned that some people might take offense, but it seems as if the fears were non-founded. I'm still here typing this aren't I ^_-. The paper is "A Strict Structure?: The Tokugawa Class System as a Model for the Fushigi Yuugi Community". I'll make a separate blog entry pointing to it no da.
Finally, it's working.
Also yesterday, we finally got our toilet fixed/replaced. It's much better than the old one. We had to hold the old one's lever down until it flushed -_-, but this one is just one flush and it's all done. Such a nice feeling ^^;; (no one cares do they? ;)
Blame Stephen!
I managed to ruin my group's experiment in biochemistry...or so some people claim ;). Effectively, we were running a modified Western (that is simply a protein gel electrophoresis) and transfering to membrane. However, our group's protein bands didn't show up very well and guess who was doing the gel ^^;;. I'm "really" upset over the loss--we just took another group's data. Might have been a flaw in the gel--we did see some staining, but not enough to decern whether the band was present. Heh...the lab had a long wait time...most people left during the hour--I stayed and talked and worked on some o-chem.
Our lab did better than the other one--there, 3/4 of the lab screwed up their gel--an error proprogated ^^;; Someone thought that they were supposed to rinse the membrane with dH2O and managed to convince others of that. That unfortunately was incorrect; it needed to be rinsed in a destaining solution.
Genetics paper topic?
I think I have what I'm going to write for my short genetics paper. I think I'll focus on genetically modified foods (with perhaps a slight emphasis on plants...it'll fit into my evil plans). Damn...I said too much again. {Stephen mock slaps his forehead in disgust}
Webpage redesign
{glimmers} Due to a somewhat convulted agreement, I'm going to get someone to redesign my web site. ^__^. Almost anyone can design better than me. Speaking about that, for any reader to this (I'm not actually sure who reads this at all)--I'd be grateful for help designing this blog.
Stephen's thoughts on reality TV
I'll shamefully admit it. I like 'reality TV' to some extent. COPS has its moments ^_^;;;;;, I watched Survivor and am now watching The Mole. I haven't decided if I'll watch Survivor II yet...I know it won't be as good as the first one and I've heard about all of the issues associated with the project ^_-. However, Temptation Island may be taking a bit far (haven't seen it...sounds like a twisted show). I laughed at the bit in the U of Regina's newspaper talking about "Syphillis Island" where 4 males, one infected visit an island with 11 women...line "Who will be infected first?". Sorry...twisted sense of humour.
Ah yes...reality TV has gone too far when there's a show in the works called "Who wants to date a Hooters waitress" ^^;;;;. Three words: "GET A LIFE". {look who's talking ^^;;;}
Interesting article in the Globe and Mail on Thursday about nudenews.com...well ^^;;; (haven't looked at the site :P)
Future topics
One future topic that I intend to elaborate on soon ^_^. I have a proposed "theory" explaining the existance and rarity of bishounen (pretty males). {tongue-in-cheek} I want my toilet back {growl}
Sunday, January 21, 2001
12:27 a.m.
Right now, our upstairs toilet is still dead ;_;. {growl--I want it fixed soon (I think it's getting fixed this Friday)}. It hampers the house a lot to only have one toilet for 4 people (it was 5 people last week when my grandmother was visiting). Not having the upstairs bathroom also hampered my weekend night as the upstairs bathroom is right beside my room (and I spend late nights on the weekend ^^;;). However, it means that my family uses my room as the 'anteroom' for the bathroom >_<. I'm still working on getting rid of that practice.
My special project is ready to go; it's online and looks nice. I'll decide whether I want to release it on Friday.
My Princess Maker FAQ is slowly coming along. I did some research and determined what levels statistics need to be for each of the 74 endings. I'm about half way through typing in the values, and then I just need a bit of an introduction and comments and then it's done. ^_^
On Friday, I had some fun in the o chem lab. First of all, I got to play with dry ice [as we all know, is solid CO2] (and touch it with my hands ^^;;). Basically, I quickly picked up the ice and tossed it in the beaker (often it spun around a bit ^^;;). Liquinit is more fun though (liquid nitrogen) ^_^ The ether fumes were interesting as well...fairly strong.
The clinical biochem paper is coming along okay, but after talking to my prof just now, I reminded him of another aspect to deal with. Gah -_-;;; I'll have to work on this area right after finishing this entry.
Spent an hour today working in the o chem lab doing melting points and what not? Have I said I hate doing melting points? Well I do. (though it worked fine today).
Tonight's exciting plans? Do some genetics problems and consider what I'm going to write for my genetics paper. Bunches of papers in hand, and a salute to a pen
Monday, January 15, 2001
05:14 p.m.
One who has been following the log might remember that on Friday, I was annoyed in that I couldn't find my pen. Well, I looked at home, and it wasn't anywhere to be found. I assume it got lost on transit (possible as I think I may have put it in my pocket and I took the bus that day). I salute my old pen, long live the pen :(.
It figured though, then after I concluded that the first pen was MIA, I was unble to find any more pen pillows and I thought that I had a packet of them on my shelf. Perhaps my brother has them--I think I may have to make a little 'inquiry' into this issue. (I really like those pen pillows--they make writing a lot more comfortable, as I grip pretty hard (as those of you who know in real life can attest to).
Let's see...I do have little snippets of events to put down in this log. On Saturday, friends of mine and I went out to celebrate my birthday (a little late, but it was the only time that really worked). We started off by bowling (in which one of the group decided to stay at home and admire 'bishies' :P [incidently, the hostess for the 2nd leg]. Apparently, we were lucky to get a lane, as the alley was booked/crowded beyond belief. (Phantom bowling in the mid afternoon). Oi...lot of kids.
My bowling didn't go as well as I would have liked to. I only got going in the 3rd game. In the first two, I kept losing control of the ball and having it curve where it shouldn't be (my technique is to throw it straight, with no curving). I only won one of the three games, M won the other two. S wasn't feeling well (still fighting a cold) and so was pretty tired at the end of the match.
NB: I'm currently feeling the effects of bowling today. ^^;;
We then went over to C's house (about 10 minutes away walking) with a variety of hijinks en route (including S trying to get her hands on my wallet ^^;;) finally arriving at C's with S all but draped on top of me (S is evil, and she knows it ^_-).
Finally making it to C's house, we ordered in pizza. Good good student discounts made it quite cheap. It was quite good as well [licks his lips]. I think we then played a round of "How's yours" in which one person leaves and the others choose something that they all have in common. The person returns and asks everyone "How's yours?" and tries to deduce what the thing is. Let's see, we had a watch, a computer, bedsheets, 'favourite anime character', bra ^^;;;; (I was guessing that time :P)...[incidently, I'm tempted to put down the line of questioning for that one, but I think I'll keep that one semi-private], teeth, something I can't remember and finally major (at school). Poor S, she got the hard ones (favourite character and major).
Cake came after games (mmmm...good) followed by a rousing discussion on arranged marriage between C, M and myself. Very interesting [C was arguing that arranged marriage was a human rights violation against women, while I was arguing that different cultures have different values and that one should not say the culture is bad just because you don't like their values. (well, I do see the flip side, especially with the girl to be whipped in Nigeria ;_;).
Some conversation later, I went to go catch my bus. However, my brother gave me the wrong time...I watched the bus pull away when I was about a block away. Gah >_<. I trudged back to C's to wait a while longer and then finally caught the bus back (which this time was late...if it came at that time the hour previously, I would have made it >_< {Growl}
Only one thing left to mention...the games I've been playing. I've gotten my hands on Princess Maker 2 [a GAINAX game...some of you may know what that means]. It's fun and addictive ^^;;;. My 'daughter' is a fabulous artist, though the fortune teller says that she'll be a housewife ^^;;;;. Um...may be that's because I've made her work in the inn and in the salon (she didn't succeed in the seedy bar though ^^;;;). Drat...I was hoping for one of the more twisted endings. ^^;;
Whew...I'm done now. Shoot...that reminds me, I have to photocopy one sheet that I still haven't done yet >_< A real sensual word...
Monday, January 15, 2001
04:04 p.m.
One word will all but make me ecstatic. That word you might ask? It's...
Wait for it...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Review.
What? You were expecting something else? ;P Yeah, I suppose you should have been. Anyhow, I've been staring at a computer screen looking at Medline trying to find papers on my topic (Enzymatic determination of creatinine). My eyes are starting to hurt at looking at the screen for such a long time. The word "Review", to me means that someone has done some research in the area for me, saving me hours upon hours of time ^_^
Kami-sama, my head hurts too much to really continue at this point in time. I'll continue later tonight (have to talk to a prof anyhow right away...hopefully that is O.o) Where's my pen?!
Friday, January 12, 2001
10:36 a.m.
Gah...I find myself in class without my normal pen :( [specs are Papermate Flexgrip, black fine [prefered...will use medium if I have to] with a pen cushion modification on it.] I hope I haven't lost it, as it was almost ready for retirement (couple of weeks to go). Hopefully, I left it around somewhere in my room, but I don't recall taking it out last night. Hmmm...
I have come up with a topic for my clinical biochemistry paper. "Enzymatic determination of creatinine". That's one little thing done. Now, I just have to come up with a genetics topic. o.o;
Yay...free lunch today; that's good. ^_^ (have to attend seminar though for it...can't win everything can I? ^^;; Searching Medline...
Wednesday, January 10, 2001
10:30 a.m.
I'm still trying to find that illusive topic for my paper...but I think I'm getting that much closer now. Hmmm...it's a real challenge here, finding something that's interesting with enough information.
Now, I'm searching Medline (glimmer) to try and get a survey of the literature. I can never remember the addy offhand, so I go to medline.com and follow the link at the bottom...I'm sure that the company loves my hitss o.o;
Yesterday, I saw a disturbing ad on the university wall--I doubled taked at it. Its contents basically said that:
Women required for website:
10-50 dollars per hour.
Call some number
Only three positions open.
Well, rather obvious what this position will entail >_<. I may be mostly liberal in my social views, but even still...ugh.
Back to searching. NB: I may get around to updating a few older entries and putting names there, but don't count on it ;) Happy birthday/Bonne fête
Monday, January 8, 2001
10:43 p.m.
Pas de français s'il vous plaît! ^_-. Yeah, that's enough French for today and for a long while (no, I'm not a big fan of French).
Indeed, today was my birthday--I entered my 3rd decade and turned 20. No special significance behind this year beyond the asthetic appeal of the number. ^o^ Just a normal day at school, and no lab (like every Monday). BTW, again a belated happy birthday to you Prasanna. :)
I guess there were a few special things associated with today for me. Firstly, I can eat solid food again. Yay!! I just can't open my mouth super wide, but I'll live with it for a few more days. Secondly, I finally finished judging fanfiction o.o; The last work took over 3 hours, and I'm still not done (21/27 chapters complete). I don't think the score will change, but if there are changes, I'll make it (I only submitted an unofficial tally).
Now...just need to come up with topics for my papers (genetics & clinical biochemistry)... Phew -_-
Saturday, January 6, 2001
12:46 p.m.
It took about 20 minutes of my time, but I finally sorted out the lab problem >_<. I just switched it with my o chem lab (so now, ecology on Thursday PM, o chem on Friday PM). I don't see why ~I~ have to go through the hassle of changing it; my class selection was listed as offficial by the Registrar's Office. Sigh.
Started the readings...have to re-read my Chem 240 notes for 241 (the first organic chem class' notes). That'll be...fun.
From what I gather, this semester will be the toughest semester I have faced yet. 4 labs, two papers (one is 5 pp on any genetic topic, the other is < 20 pp on some field of clinical biochemistry...kind of like a review article of some type. That last one will be fun. Three tough finals in a row worth fairly big points (Clinical Biochemistry on a Monday, Metabolism on a Tuesday and Organic Chemistry II on a Wednesday.
Interesting that the ecology class has no midterm...it's just a final, a lab exam and lab quizzes...not sure what to expect yet.
Back to my holiday stories...I'll finish one point off. This break, I actually had friends over. Gah...I think the last time before that was almost 18 months before o.o; It was a nice time, though it was somewhat disappointing, (but understandable) that C had to leave early and miss the dinner. This did force me to clean my room up ^_^;;;. Now...all I need is some more boxes to store notes, and shelf space to store texts ^^;;;;;;;.
I did sneak out for New Year's over to C's for a small gathering. C & S were quite impressed that I came over with no trouble at all ^^;;; Well, the buses were free and I didn't have anything (really) to worry about.
My teeth still hurt (yes, I'll keep going on about this point if I want to ^_-)...a little more than it did yesterday. I think the swelling subsided a little, but I'm not sure. Hmmm...
One last point and then I'm entirely caught up. The last semester's marks were pleasing to me. Some marks were lower than I thought they'd be, while others were higher. All in all, it worked out. >_<
Friday, January 5, 2001
01:00 p.m.
One more class to go...that's good. What's not good is that the (explitive deleted) biology department has decided to cancel one of my labs--which forces me to run around and try and get everything sorted out. Grrr.
My face is doing better, though my right facial cheek still hurts (had to watch what I said ^_-). The swelling is subsiding, so I don't look like a "f****** chipmunk" (my words.
Too lazy to finish my earlier thoughts...so I'll put them off for a bit. Again ^o^ Third strike
Thursday, January 4, 2001
09:12 p.m.
I"m slowly adjusting this blog so it kind of looks nice (or at least looks/is suited more to me). Be patient no da ^_-
Before continuing on where I left off, I just want to say that I beat Chrono Trigger today ^_^. Small accomplishment, especially considering that my characters were fairly juked (about level 53) [it still took almost 20 minutes to deal with Lavos in his last two forms]. Final team was Chrono, Luccia and Ayla--basically a tech battle throughout (had it so Flare only cost 10 MP...very nice ^o^). Anyhow, I'm rambling, aren't I? (Square's endings are pretty long...I think this ending (best ending to get New Game + was over 20 minutes long (I didn't time it exactly though)
Where was I then...oh yes, the shocking stories of Stephen actually socialising this holiday season. Let's see...what did I do actually? After my last final, I went out to Bonanza with friends of mine (though I just ordered the salad bar)...nothing too fancy (and found out that you get a free meal on your birthday, though I'll probably won't be able to take advantage of that offer due to my condition.
Continuing on, I showed up to a Christmas party that S was hosting. I (due to my lack of internet access actually forgot when the party was occuring and showed up at 7, instead of 6)--it ~was~ an honest mistake. The fondue was quite nice....and I think everyone had a good time ^_^. I really like the gifts I got...still waiting for my chibi though ;P
Enough for now? I think so...I think two more points to really go, and then I've basically summarised everything ^^ Time to reload again...(for another semester)
Thursday, January 4, 2001
10:44 a.m.
Another day, another entry?! I'm killing a bit of time before my class starts (at 11:30) so I'm reading my e-mail and reading some of the journals I should be reading, but never get a chance to (looking at New Scientist about the status of Arabidopsis ^^;;)
With another semester starting, it means yet another chance to be screwed in multiple orifices by the bookstore. Goddamn the prices >_<. At least I have fun bitching about the robbery with my friends (though paying the amount isn't that fun). I should ask K about how much she had to pay for books...I remember shuddering at the amount of texts and the dollar amount one semester (and it was in US funds >_<).
My jaw still hurts kind of, though the swelling has somewhat subsided. I've managed to get to solid food now (mashed potatoes), but I still have a bit of trouble speaking easily and opening my mouth up wide.
So...I suppose I should talk about my holidays, because C has been telling me about my avoidance techniques (BTW, you haven't seen anything yet ^_-). They were quite good actually in that I got to sleep in much more than normal ^o^. Slowly, I kind of caught up on the sleep I had lost earlier in the semester. By the end of the break, I went back to my normal sleeping pattern (that is in length of time slept). ^^;; I'm sure that I'll be busy this semester but I'll comment on that in another installment ^o^;;
What else have I done? I started a book Art of Genes by Cohen...which I started earlier last year, but never got around to finishing. I only have a little more to go (4 chapters), so my goal is to finish this weekend. I also have one more fic to read...and I ~really~ want to get that done soon o.o;.
Let's see...I made some minor revisions to my site and put some pages on that hadn't been on before. I still haven't updated "BSSM for Neophytes" yet...that's a future task (all it is is just a matter of time--the changes aren't really taxing at all). I finished my essay project over the break; I'm still waiting for 5 of the 7 pre-readers to get back to me...you know who you are :P
gasp I've even managed to socialise a bit...I'll talk about that in a different post no da ^^
Bye for now. First principles
Tuesday, January 2, 2001
11:23 p.m.
Hey hey...I suppose this marks the first entry (inaugural even) into my blog.....and the world has Priya to thank for it. Direct all 'inquiries' to her if you don't mind ^o^ BTW, the world is safe--she won't be taking it over if ~I~ have anything to say about it ;)
I wouldn't have thought of such a thing actually without Priya's suggestion/goading. However, this does have the advantage in that I can *gasp* keep my friends informed on the little bit of news that occurs in my life...and allows me to shirk a bit on my letter writing obligations (don't worry C--I'll still keep writing my long letters to you [Stephen likes getting mail ^o^]. Speaking about that, I should start one of these days ^^;; (instead of starting your letter yesterday, I worked on my web page)
Speaking about my web page, I managed to make some updates to the site and update the mirror (for the first time in ages). I pretty much put up the essays I had written this summer and just hadn't HTMLized them yet. They look pretty good thanks to my lovely style sheet (okay, so it isn't perfect, but I like how the site looks now).
Today, I'm dealing with having had my wisdom teeth removed (earlier today). I'm still in some pain, but it isn't as bad as it was earlier today when the freezing slowly wore off (took most of the afternoon for the freezing to go away). With any luck, I should be primed for school's start on Thursday.
Got to head off now...take care everyone.
|
