Hi.
I was hoping to post this around the time of thanksgiving, but unfortunately I wasn't so on the ball :P.
But I remembered this morning when I finally sat down and actually made some food. Not leftovers or things in the freezer or basics or snacks or things I picked up from outside. I finally did some cooking - It really felt like it had been awhile.
So before I get into my own Thanksgiving awesomeness - let's share some stories shall we?
12.21.2014
P&P
Hi.
When I happened upon the movie on HBO today, I realized I've never spent the time gushing over it. I've relayed my affections for the chronicles of Sherlock Holmes and the several movies/serializations of the character and his stories.
But of course, I have not gushed about one of my other favorites, a classic Jane Austen that most all know of: Pride & Prejudice.
Now I'm not here to bore you with why I love the book - many people already have their own opinions of the novel, with its so called cliches and the like - and I call them haters and don't believe that they've read the book. I personally love the way Austen writes; there is a touch of cynicism and she is never afraid to flaw her characters (leading to the resulting pitfalls). And P&P is at the top of the list very much for the ever present comedy (and that I draw similarities to certain characters ^_^).
So back to my actual point: the production of P&P.
Let me be clear, I am not referring to the adaptations or their movie counterparts (of which there are many and not just of P&P; including Sense & Sensibility, Emma and a few others). I purely am talking about the BBC and the main stream one that came out in 2005, both of which hold dear places in my heart. And to talk about all of them... well I've written some long posts, but that would be just too long.
[A shout out to the Tamil adaptation of Sense & Sensibility, one of my favorite Tamil movies of all time]
So back to the point: the 2 movie adaptations of the book.
When I happened upon the movie on HBO today, I realized I've never spent the time gushing over it. I've relayed my affections for the chronicles of Sherlock Holmes and the several movies/serializations of the character and his stories.
But of course, I have not gushed about one of my other favorites, a classic Jane Austen that most all know of: Pride & Prejudice.
Now I'm not here to bore you with why I love the book - many people already have their own opinions of the novel, with its so called cliches and the like - and I call them haters and don't believe that they've read the book. I personally love the way Austen writes; there is a touch of cynicism and she is never afraid to flaw her characters (leading to the resulting pitfalls). And P&P is at the top of the list very much for the ever present comedy (and that I draw similarities to certain characters ^_^).
So back to my actual point: the production of P&P.
Let me be clear, I am not referring to the adaptations or their movie counterparts (of which there are many and not just of P&P; including Sense & Sensibility, Emma and a few others). I purely am talking about the BBC and the main stream one that came out in 2005, both of which hold dear places in my heart. And to talk about all of them... well I've written some long posts, but that would be just too long.
[A shout out to the Tamil adaptation of Sense & Sensibility, one of my favorite Tamil movies of all time]
So back to the point: the 2 movie adaptations of the book.
12.14.2014
Adorable pointed baby hat
Hi.
So I mentioned that I'd like to start cataloging my crocheting projects, and considering that I've taken it upon myself to work on a few projects recently, it makes sense to immediately document these things. And hey maybe I'll even get a few more visits from some new folk looking for more crochet projects!
First up at the docket is a hat. A baby hat!
So I mentioned that I'd like to start cataloging my crocheting projects, and considering that I've taken it upon myself to work on a few projects recently, it makes sense to immediately document these things. And hey maybe I'll even get a few more visits from some new folk looking for more crochet projects!
First up at the docket is a hat. A baby hat!
Work with what you got
Hi.
Very recently (yesterday in fact) a friend asked me to help setup/decorate for her son's very first birthday party. Of course, I was happy to help - and trust me, when you're a mom with a baby - you'll know that the baby will be the fussiest thing ever the day of the event. So extra hands are always welcome.
And oddly enough, I'm not really new to this whole helping other people set up for parties. I've helped set up another first b-day party, an engagement party and of course a whole bunch of my mother's events. It's something that I'm kinda good at doing: organizing and decorating another's ideas in a classy and stylish way.
Very recently (yesterday in fact) a friend asked me to help setup/decorate for her son's very first birthday party. Of course, I was happy to help - and trust me, when you're a mom with a baby - you'll know that the baby will be the fussiest thing ever the day of the event. So extra hands are always welcome.
And oddly enough, I'm not really new to this whole helping other people set up for parties. I've helped set up another first b-day party, an engagement party and of course a whole bunch of my mother's events. It's something that I'm kinda good at doing: organizing and decorating another's ideas in a classy and stylish way.
Looking back
Hi.
As we come to the end of the year (and the start of the fourth year of this blog), I decided to take a casual glance at some of the aspects of my blog, commenting, re-read older posts, viewing stats and the like. What's always interesting is what I rediscover about why I made certain decisions on formatting or posting styles and in fact what I've written about in the past.
A big thing I noticed, is that I didn't always write these monstrously long posts (or at least what it seems like). Sure my formatting was a bit atrocious - really packed paragraphs that didn't really lend well to reading conversational pieces - but the actual content did not seem to drag on.
It makes sense that when I started the blog, there was a larger range of topics I wanted to talk about (fresh ideas, new attempt, etc). But now, I have a more defined post format - which isn't a good or bad thing, just less spontaneous in nature - and I became more personally reflective after the first couple months. It is also getting easier to tie subjects together.
I rediscovered why I introduce every post with "Hi." and I can say that maybe that reasoning no longer applies as much: I'm getting better at making introductions to each post for sure.
I realize that I did explain the original title Eclipsed [blogged under the post Powerful Words] but did not do the same for Spelunking. So at some point I might rectify that - unless I change the name yet again ^_^.
Looking back, it's hard to say what my favorite posts were - I think the joy of it really comes from seeing that others have read them and knowing that they enjoyed reading them or synced with them, mainly when they comment on the posts. *hint hint nudge nudge - I'm telling you guys to comment more :P*
As an attempt at interacting with my readers - I ask you to tell me what your favorite posts were or what posts synced the most with you!
And now some Florence:
Just a quick update: I realize with working during the week, I don't always get a chance to sit down and write (but it might be easier with a little gadget I've picked up so we'll see about that ^_^). So I think I'll save the posts up and post them all together on Sundays - you know if there are any posts at all to put up :P.
A slightly unfortunate thing will be that they are listed in the reverse order that I post them. So I'll try not to reference them too heavily or I'll just reorganize the order they go up by changing the time stamps ^_^.
As we come to the end of the year (and the start of the fourth year of this blog), I decided to take a casual glance at some of the aspects of my blog, commenting, re-read older posts, viewing stats and the like. What's always interesting is what I rediscover about why I made certain decisions on formatting or posting styles and in fact what I've written about in the past.
A big thing I noticed, is that I didn't always write these monstrously long posts (or at least what it seems like). Sure my formatting was a bit atrocious - really packed paragraphs that didn't really lend well to reading conversational pieces - but the actual content did not seem to drag on.
It makes sense that when I started the blog, there was a larger range of topics I wanted to talk about (fresh ideas, new attempt, etc). But now, I have a more defined post format - which isn't a good or bad thing, just less spontaneous in nature - and I became more personally reflective after the first couple months. It is also getting easier to tie subjects together.
I rediscovered why I introduce every post with "Hi." and I can say that maybe that reasoning no longer applies as much: I'm getting better at making introductions to each post for sure.
I realize that I did explain the original title Eclipsed [blogged under the post Powerful Words] but did not do the same for Spelunking. So at some point I might rectify that - unless I change the name yet again ^_^.
Looking back, it's hard to say what my favorite posts were - I think the joy of it really comes from seeing that others have read them and knowing that they enjoyed reading them or synced with them, mainly when they comment on the posts. *hint hint nudge nudge - I'm telling you guys to comment more :P*
As an attempt at interacting with my readers - I ask you to tell me what your favorite posts were or what posts synced the most with you!
And now some Florence:
Just a quick update: I realize with working during the week, I don't always get a chance to sit down and write (but it might be easier with a little gadget I've picked up so we'll see about that ^_^). So I think I'll save the posts up and post them all together on Sundays - you know if there are any posts at all to put up :P.
A slightly unfortunate thing will be that they are listed in the reverse order that I post them. So I'll try not to reference them too heavily or I'll just reorganize the order they go up by changing the time stamps ^_^.
12.07.2014
Curly-Ass Hair
Hi!
Curly, crazy, frizzy, and a complete hassle to deal with. That is basically what my hair's been like forever. Ok, aside from when it was short and cute and easily tame-able, my hair has been a bit of a thorn in my side. And deciding to grow it out makes it a bit more so.
Curly, crazy, frizzy, and a complete hassle to deal with. That is basically what my hair's been like forever. Ok, aside from when it was short and cute and easily tame-able, my hair has been a bit of a thorn in my side. And deciding to grow it out makes it a bit more so.
More stories to share
Hello!
Hopefully you are enjoying the winter like season. Thankfully, the polar vortex only hit Chicago after my birthday, which meant I did not have to freeze my ass when I went out (though the super puffy winter jacket was pulled out of the closet for that night - I'd rather not shiver my way through the night thank you ^_^).
I'd like to share that one of my friends has started a blog to share her, shall we say, mis-adventures with the online and offline Indian dating scene. Her blog is here: How Not to Date a Desi Girl. Knowing that I'm entering that scene, it's quite scary just how many duds there are out there. I wish her all the best!
Hopefully you are enjoying the winter like season. Thankfully, the polar vortex only hit Chicago after my birthday, which meant I did not have to freeze my ass when I went out (though the super puffy winter jacket was pulled out of the closet for that night - I'd rather not shiver my way through the night thank you ^_^).
I'd like to share that one of my friends has started a blog to share her, shall we say, mis-adventures with the online and offline Indian dating scene. Her blog is here: How Not to Date a Desi Girl. Knowing that I'm entering that scene, it's quite scary just how many duds there are out there. I wish her all the best!
10.23.2014
Fashionista a bit
Hi.
There is one thing I love about Chicago, and it might just have to be going shopping. Or I should say, going window shopping ^_^.
I mean it's not like I'm on the forefront of fashion - that's not at all who I am. But there is something about walking into a designer's personal boutique (and yes I did say boutique) and getting intimate with what's on the edge.
And being able to appreciate that is, I think, a special thing. I don't think that it's something that everybody can do, more than being about the brand or the name on the label, it's about understanding what fits your own body and a new perspective. And above all, it's still about who you think you are.
There is one thing I love about Chicago, and it might just have to be going shopping. Or I should say, going window shopping ^_^.
I mean it's not like I'm on the forefront of fashion - that's not at all who I am. But there is something about walking into a designer's personal boutique (and yes I did say boutique) and getting intimate with what's on the edge.
And being able to appreciate that is, I think, a special thing. I don't think that it's something that everybody can do, more than being about the brand or the name on the label, it's about understanding what fits your own body and a new perspective. And above all, it's still about who you think you are.
10.16.2014
All about that Space
Hi.
So as I've mentioned I've been super busy with work. And of course a lot of that time was for taking measurements on the imaging system my company has developed. So it would only be natural that I have caught up on several episodes of Science Friday (both old and new)! And since there were just so many I wanted to share, I've grouped them into separate batches for easy digestion ^_^.
The first category I have for you is all about space. It's one of those topics that you just can't think about without a bit of wonder - after all, most of us grew up with stories and movies of flying through the stars. So I've put together a few of the stories that caught my wonder below!
So as I've mentioned I've been super busy with work. And of course a lot of that time was for taking measurements on the imaging system my company has developed. So it would only be natural that I have caught up on several episodes of Science Friday (both old and new)! And since there were just so many I wanted to share, I've grouped them into separate batches for easy digestion ^_^.
The first category I have for you is all about space. It's one of those topics that you just can't think about without a bit of wonder - after all, most of us grew up with stories and movies of flying through the stars. So I've put together a few of the stories that caught my wonder below!
10.15.2014
Special
Hi.
Happy October!!!! So work has been a real grind fest (which meant I didn't have the time to try to regain the Brewfest Kodo Dragon mount >.< ... I guess I'll have to wait till next year... speaking of which, I think I might be lost if I play WoW again, waaaaay too much has changed........ anyway....)
So finally, I've gotten the chance to post a thing or two!
Ok, so first things first, a few updates:
Happy October!!!! So work has been a real grind fest (which meant I didn't have the time to try to regain the Brewfest Kodo Dragon mount >.< ... I guess I'll have to wait till next year... speaking of which, I think I might be lost if I play WoW again, waaaaay too much has changed........ anyway....)
So finally, I've gotten the chance to post a thing or two!
Ok, so first things first, a few updates:
- I've joined a co-ed outdoor soccer team! It's fun, I get out of the house, and I get to hang out with a bunch of people I wouldn't have hung out with otherwise. Unfortunately, our team doesn't have consistent attendance, and since we need a minimum of 3 girls on the field for a team of 8, invariably we play under-staffed and I always have to stay on the field.
So ok, that's not exactly horrible, but it would be nice to occasionally get a break during some of the more running-intensive games we play. Or the games when I get beat up a little more than usual... I still stand by my sole purchase of shin guards over cleats, considering the potential bruising I have avoided. But when it rains, and the field has little grass, I very much wish I had gotten the cleats. But since the "season" is almost done, it doesn't exactly make much sense to get them now.
It is nice that I'm finally not being overlooked as a player on the field. It means that though I was an awesome mid-fielder, I am truly shining on D, which means I do get passed the ball, and I am recognized on the field as a contributing team mate. It is astonishing how long it can take to get through to certain egoistic males...
So despite the long commute and a few other kinks, it's a lot of fun! - I think I need to start keeping track of the wines I have been drinking lately. There's this awesome store a few blocks from my place that has a selection from all over the world. And since some of them are very affordable, I end up curious and trying a lot of different blends and grapes.
Since I've been thinking about doing so for a while, I've already taken snapshots of the bottles so that I might remember what I have consumed. Unfortunately, a lot of the labels are not in English, so I end up only remembering whether it was a red or white wine instead of which name is the grape and which name is the winery/castle/brand. - As we move on into the last part of the year, I'm very excited for Codeduck who is moving onto the next step in what is the saga that is life. And I can't wait to go and see her new digs - and go wine tasting and food eating and trail blazing and a whole lot of stuff!!!!! WooHOOOOOO! Haha, ok, I really am excited for her, not just you know to visit her :P.
- On a slightly different note, boys are stupid. Ok, that really wasn't an update, since it's more of a known fact, but it had to be restated.
In a previous post, I had mentioned taking a hands off position with respect to a certain guy. After a bit of figuring things out, I realized that I might as well go full throttle at the start. So if things bomb, I can say that I tried everything I could; therefore, it's really not on me that things didn't pan out.
Of course, guys are stupid, so progress has stagnated to a halt. And to bother to get into the details is waaaaaay more effort than is whole thing is worth.
So moving forward with said groom quest, I go forth with the mantra, If they want to talk to you, they will talk to you. And considering experience and who I've heard this from, a very wise mantra indeed. - I am currently discovering a new line of curly hair care and I'm really excited to try it out. I've been trying to grow my hair out and taking care of said hair is a gargantuan task - especially considering that I want to my hair to be luxurious in its length. So here's to hoping for the best!
And I think that is all for the life updates, so continue on for the actual post!
9.09.2014
Never let me go
Hi.
So it turns out that I completely didn't plan to write this post. But hey, I think it was time for one of those again right? And at some point I'll totally get to finishing the ones I was actually thinking about writing. ^_^
It was really a coincidence of a few things that led me to this post:
I've always loved driving. Especially when I get to gun the engine and take things a little over the top. Cranked up music, endless winding roads, being one with the car and all that. But my favorite part? Driving at night.
To me there is always something somewhat magical about driving at night, with clear skies and clear roads. In fact, there need not be any music at all. It's a little hard for me to explain this well, since it's just a sense of being that fills up inside me. I even recall a post I had considered way back when to gush about that very thing.
But if I could use words to roughly translate the feeling... There's this vast road like a vast world, but the world is really small cause it's just the space in your car, and there's this kind of peace and the almost hypnotic lighting overhead. Like the world is passing you by, but the sky is still there above you (ok, that's you know relativity and all that but moving on)... It's really just you but you're snug and warm - cuddled in the embrace of your car. And you feel almost overcome but so calm like you can't breathe but you haven't breathed so deeply before...
Ok that's about as much as I can get across without going into physical gestures or making even less sense, and I'm not even sure if that would work.
Now, if we really go back, you could say that maybe my enjoyment is rooted in my childhood - when we often too road trips all over the place.
There was always something quiet about being on the road at night. Most of the rest of the car was usually asleep - which meant the music had probably finished, or was only softly playing through the car's speakers. And there was this un-named sense that filled me (you know probably the same thing I tried to describe above).
And on the occasions we pulled out the Dodge Grand Caravan (RIP), and the rare occasions I'd have that clear sky, I'd push back the back seat of the car to lie back and watch the unreachable black canvas above. Somehow, I'd always get this immeasurable joy and peace - like somehow everything was ok.
So of course it was no shock that I'd get hit with this nostalgia driving home. But I can't say I expected the sudden emptiness beside me.
That what was missing was the person to share this with.
That absence of warmth surrounding me.
So it turns out that I completely didn't plan to write this post. But hey, I think it was time for one of those again right? And at some point I'll totally get to finishing the ones I was actually thinking about writing. ^_^
It was really a coincidence of a few things that led me to this post:
- I was driving back home on my own
- It was night time
- Stars were visibly out
- The song playing on the stereo
I've always loved driving. Especially when I get to gun the engine and take things a little over the top. Cranked up music, endless winding roads, being one with the car and all that. But my favorite part? Driving at night.
To me there is always something somewhat magical about driving at night, with clear skies and clear roads. In fact, there need not be any music at all. It's a little hard for me to explain this well, since it's just a sense of being that fills up inside me. I even recall a post I had considered way back when to gush about that very thing.
But if I could use words to roughly translate the feeling... There's this vast road like a vast world, but the world is really small cause it's just the space in your car, and there's this kind of peace and the almost hypnotic lighting overhead. Like the world is passing you by, but the sky is still there above you (ok, that's you know relativity and all that but moving on)... It's really just you but you're snug and warm - cuddled in the embrace of your car. And you feel almost overcome but so calm like you can't breathe but you haven't breathed so deeply before...
Ok that's about as much as I can get across without going into physical gestures or making even less sense, and I'm not even sure if that would work.
Now, if we really go back, you could say that maybe my enjoyment is rooted in my childhood - when we often too road trips all over the place.
There was always something quiet about being on the road at night. Most of the rest of the car was usually asleep - which meant the music had probably finished, or was only softly playing through the car's speakers. And there was this un-named sense that filled me (you know probably the same thing I tried to describe above).
And on the occasions we pulled out the Dodge Grand Caravan (RIP), and the rare occasions I'd have that clear sky, I'd push back the back seat of the car to lie back and watch the unreachable black canvas above. Somehow, I'd always get this immeasurable joy and peace - like somehow everything was ok.
So of course it was no shock that I'd get hit with this nostalgia driving home. But I can't say I expected the sudden emptiness beside me.
That what was missing was the person to share this with.
That absence of warmth surrounding me.
8.07.2014
Scene 3, Take 1. Action.
Hi.
In the myriad of close encounters I've had, I'm sure I've mentioned that dating has not been one of them. Sure there might have been something that bordered on becoming that, but it went on its way down another path.
I could say that last week I had my first encounter - if you will - of that nature, but it doesn't seem like it really fits the bill. Sure we'll call it a first date. But somehow it's an incomplete definition.
So of course, I get to deal with all the distracting doubts that dig into my head. But hey, what better way to flush them out than by dumping them out here, right?
In the myriad of close encounters I've had, I'm sure I've mentioned that dating has not been one of them. Sure there might have been something that bordered on becoming that, but it went on its way down another path.
I could say that last week I had my first encounter - if you will - of that nature, but it doesn't seem like it really fits the bill. Sure we'll call it a first date. But somehow it's an incomplete definition.
So of course, I get to deal with all the distracting doubts that dig into my head. But hey, what better way to flush them out than by dumping them out here, right?
*Heads up, it's a soundtrack post! It's been awhile hasn't it ^_^.
p.s.: if you can't listen while reading, wait till you can!
p.s.: if you can't listen while reading, wait till you can!
8.06.2014
Quasars
Hi.
Quasars, the oldest remnants of our universe and the furthest things from us that we've been able to detect. Totally cool.
Doubly cool, cuz my brother had a physics course in which he got to calculate ways to track quasars that we can no longer see or something about their life spans, or something. Ok that was a bad explanation. What can I say, physics is not my strong suit. But dude, it was kinda awesome.
Right so, on with the listening!
Listen HERE.
Quasars, the oldest remnants of our universe and the furthest things from us that we've been able to detect. Totally cool.
Doubly cool, cuz my brother had a physics course in which he got to calculate ways to track quasars that we can no longer see or something about their life spans, or something. Ok that was a bad explanation. What can I say, physics is not my strong suit. But dude, it was kinda awesome.
Right so, on with the listening!
Listen HERE.
7.14.2014
All over
Ok no time for greetings. Let's amend that last one asap.
No music and no white wine. Even if the last glass goes to waste.
(ok well, that's actually not going to happen, so maybe I just finish it in one fell swoop so that I don't extend the side effects to another sitting...)
>.<
No music and no white wine. Even if the last glass goes to waste.
(ok well, that's actually not going to happen, so maybe I just finish it in one fell swoop so that I don't extend the side effects to another sitting...)
>.<
All over
Hi.
I need to stop watching/reading romantic things. It keeps getting me waaaay too far into things that I shouldn't when things haven't gone anywhere.
Slow. I needs to take it slow. I mean not cut everything off, but slow is good. Taking things as they go without jumping the gun is good.
Only unfortunate thing? It's everywhere. And I mean, everywhere.
Ok guys, this is going to be hard.
I need to stop watching/reading romantic things. It keeps getting me waaaay too far into things that I shouldn't when things haven't gone anywhere.
Slow. I needs to take it slow. I mean not cut everything off, but slow is good. Taking things as they go without jumping the gun is good.
Only unfortunate thing? It's everywhere. And I mean, everywhere.
Ok guys, this is going to be hard.
7.10.2014
Hoppy Cephalopods?
Hi.
I recently downloaded the Science Friday app on my phone. We recently acquired a bluetooth speaker in the lab, and realized that it would be nice to play these podcasts on the speaker. Unfortunately, I don't have bluetooth capability on my ipod, hence the downloading of the app. However, I can't exactly pick up where I left off - I think it only loads a month's worth of podcasts.
Here are the first two that I listened to (as in the ones that I thought were the most interesting from the recent podcasts)
Maybe because there are too many complexities to understand compared to wine - at least according to the microbiologist's claims during this podcast. There are different micro organisms, different ways to add in ingredients, and well, there are just a whole lot of different ingredients.
At least now I get that I'm not really a fan of super hoppy beer - I'm actually more of a medium to low hops kinda gal. And the odd coffee flavor in some porters? Well, that's actually from the juice of dandelion roots, which is kinda similar to a cocoa bean extract.
But you don't need to take my word for it - Listen HERE.
But first let me start you off where I began my cephalopod appreciation this week: Listen HERE.
One of the most fascinating things about these animals is that they are ridiculously smart, and therefore ridiculously adapted to their surroundings. They are basically the humans of the water - but actually they're quite older than we are (it might have helped that the oceans were more stable than the land throughout the ages... but still, they came about waaaaaaaay before we did).
After sharing the octopus video from above, I heard a ridiculous story about one in a lab. This lab had two separate tanks - one for this octopus and the other for a bunch of other fish they were studying. After situating the creatures in their tanks, everyone left for the night. However, upon returning the next morning, there was a suspiciously empty tank (I'll assume you know which). Not sure how this happened, the scientists re-situated another school of fish in the tank. Of course, the next morning they discovered that once again the tank was suspiciously empty.
So after refilling the tank's population, they set up cameras and left for the night. Upon discovering the same loss of the days before, they reviewed the camera's footage to discover something ridiculously incredible. The octopus had climbed out of its tank, clambered down to the floor, across to the other side of the lab, up the table and into the tank of fish for a huge buffet dinner. But of course the journey was not finished. It made the return trip to its own tank, to chill, digest, and act like it had nothing to do with anything at all.
Like woah, seriously intelligent creatures. Seriously Intelligent. Literally the brains of the ocean, but with awesome camouflage and a whole bunch of extra appendages.
But let me not spill the beans and ruin all the surprise for you. You can go and watch the videos HERE.
But since I know there are a few of you lazy bones out there, so I've embedded them for you below.
And I really do hope that you take a look at the videos, cuz well, they are awesomely ridiculous and make me really excited about science and stuff - and I just want to share that with you all ^_^.
with a little Football spirit, cuz it's world cup yo!
I recently downloaded the Science Friday app on my phone. We recently acquired a bluetooth speaker in the lab, and realized that it would be nice to play these podcasts on the speaker. Unfortunately, I don't have bluetooth capability on my ipod, hence the downloading of the app. However, I can't exactly pick up where I left off - I think it only loads a month's worth of podcasts.
Here are the first two that I listened to (as in the ones that I thought were the most interesting from the recent podcasts)
Hoppy
As a very novice beer enthusiast, I'm just really confused about how to understand beer. I mean I get wine, but for some reason I just don't get beer.Maybe because there are too many complexities to understand compared to wine - at least according to the microbiologist's claims during this podcast. There are different micro organisms, different ways to add in ingredients, and well, there are just a whole lot of different ingredients.
At least now I get that I'm not really a fan of super hoppy beer - I'm actually more of a medium to low hops kinda gal. And the odd coffee flavor in some porters? Well, that's actually from the juice of dandelion roots, which is kinda similar to a cocoa bean extract.
But you don't need to take my word for it - Listen HERE.
Cephalopods
So you may or may not recall one of the first SciFri videos I shared (Badass). Well it turns out, that on Science Friday, instead of celebrating shark week, they decided to celebrate Cephalopod Week! They decided to return to this awesome creature, and of course share more videos - cuz I mean, what's the fun just talking about it when you can see the awesomeness, right?But first let me start you off where I began my cephalopod appreciation this week: Listen HERE.
One of the most fascinating things about these animals is that they are ridiculously smart, and therefore ridiculously adapted to their surroundings. They are basically the humans of the water - but actually they're quite older than we are (it might have helped that the oceans were more stable than the land throughout the ages... but still, they came about waaaaaaaay before we did).
After sharing the octopus video from above, I heard a ridiculous story about one in a lab. This lab had two separate tanks - one for this octopus and the other for a bunch of other fish they were studying. After situating the creatures in their tanks, everyone left for the night. However, upon returning the next morning, there was a suspiciously empty tank (I'll assume you know which). Not sure how this happened, the scientists re-situated another school of fish in the tank. Of course, the next morning they discovered that once again the tank was suspiciously empty.
So after refilling the tank's population, they set up cameras and left for the night. Upon discovering the same loss of the days before, they reviewed the camera's footage to discover something ridiculously incredible. The octopus had climbed out of its tank, clambered down to the floor, across to the other side of the lab, up the table and into the tank of fish for a huge buffet dinner. But of course the journey was not finished. It made the return trip to its own tank, to chill, digest, and act like it had nothing to do with anything at all.
Like woah, seriously intelligent creatures. Seriously Intelligent. Literally the brains of the ocean, but with awesome camouflage and a whole bunch of extra appendages.
But let me not spill the beans and ruin all the surprise for you. You can go and watch the videos HERE.
But since I know there are a few of you lazy bones out there, so I've embedded them for you below.
And I really do hope that you take a look at the videos, cuz well, they are awesomely ridiculous and make me really excited about science and stuff - and I just want to share that with you all ^_^.
Oh and here's a song for you too!
with a little Football spirit, cuz it's world cup yo!
6.29.2014
Curious
Hi.
Sometimes I just wonder. And sometimes I am in wonder. I mean think about it, how long did it take to go from a single cell organism to a microscopic organism, to finally get all the way to something the size of the blue whale? Or from the small organism to something so crafty as the cephalopod?
And then you realize that we are now speeding the forces that evolve the environment of the planet, at a rate that would have normally introduced newer species, but instead is outpacing the rate of evolution, and I think again to the beginning and how fast that evolution takes.
And when we discover new environments that hold species of these single cell organisms I wonder - how long would it take for a more complex organism to evolve from these little guys?
Then I think about how once a single cell organism evolves into a multi-cellular organism, the multi-cellular organism more often than not feeds on the single cell organism... and I remember that nature is quite harsh.
Dude. Seriously.
Anywho... Listen HERE.
Sometimes I just wonder. And sometimes I am in wonder. I mean think about it, how long did it take to go from a single cell organism to a microscopic organism, to finally get all the way to something the size of the blue whale? Or from the small organism to something so crafty as the cephalopod?
And then you realize that we are now speeding the forces that evolve the environment of the planet, at a rate that would have normally introduced newer species, but instead is outpacing the rate of evolution, and I think again to the beginning and how fast that evolution takes.
And when we discover new environments that hold species of these single cell organisms I wonder - how long would it take for a more complex organism to evolve from these little guys?
Then I think about how once a single cell organism evolves into a multi-cellular organism, the multi-cellular organism more often than not feeds on the single cell organism... and I remember that nature is quite harsh.
Dude. Seriously.
Anywho... Listen HERE.
6.25.2014
We live on a floating shell
Hi.
Hello.
Hi.
During the hours I spend at work in front of a system just taking measurements or doing repetitive analysis, I had started to get very annoyed at any and every station of music I'd been listening to. Then, realizing that I have been slacking on keeping up to date with the piling lists of podcasts on my computer ('Wait wait don't tell me', 'Science Friday audio', 'Science Friday video'... yes there clearly is a theme), I figured that I could use that time catching up. And since I was catching up, I figured I might as well share the ones that catch my attention in the mean time.
Of course sometimes I can't listen to podcasts, because I need to use my brain for what I'm working on... sometimes I can't multitask... it's horribly sad, and obviously a sign of a decaying mind... sigh...
Regardless, here's the first for you all to enjoy
Listen HERE
(in case you're wondering how long I've not kept up to date, well, let's just say the dates correlate to late 2012... in my defense, I was a lot better with the videos - until I wasn't obviously)
Hello.
Hi.
During the hours I spend at work in front of a system just taking measurements or doing repetitive analysis, I had started to get very annoyed at any and every station of music I'd been listening to. Then, realizing that I have been slacking on keeping up to date with the piling lists of podcasts on my computer ('Wait wait don't tell me', 'Science Friday audio', 'Science Friday video'... yes there clearly is a theme), I figured that I could use that time catching up. And since I was catching up, I figured I might as well share the ones that catch my attention in the mean time.
Of course sometimes I can't listen to podcasts, because I need to use my brain for what I'm working on... sometimes I can't multitask... it's horribly sad, and obviously a sign of a decaying mind... sigh...
Regardless, here's the first for you all to enjoy
Listen HERE
(in case you're wondering how long I've not kept up to date, well, let's just say the dates correlate to late 2012... in my defense, I was a lot better with the videos - until I wasn't obviously)
6.10.2014
All that's left is to accept it
Hi.
I realized that just after posting my awesome list of what I want to read, I ended up uncovering another series that my brother uploaded, and furiously started reading it... only to discover that he not only hadn't uploaded all the books released so far but the series isn't even complete... as if I need another series to run around after... (if you are curious, it is the Godstalker Chronicles - a very good read in my opinion, I just wish I could read it to the end... though some books you never want end... sigh, ok I'm getting extremely side-tracked here)
Hmm, let's see... now how do I start this without making it seem like I want pity...
I realized that just after posting my awesome list of what I want to read, I ended up uncovering another series that my brother uploaded, and furiously started reading it... only to discover that he not only hadn't uploaded all the books released so far but the series isn't even complete... as if I need another series to run around after... (if you are curious, it is the Godstalker Chronicles - a very good read in my opinion, I just wish I could read it to the end... though some books you never want end... sigh, ok I'm getting extremely side-tracked here)
Hmm, let's see... now how do I start this without making it seem like I want pity...
5.23.2014
Just a yearning
I find myself drawn towards that smile. It's like I'm willing to do anything for it. I want to be the source of that smile, be it through wit, joy, or frivolity. It pulls at me inside, but I don't know why. This can't be appropriate.
I want to be its focus - the sun to its planet. I want to bask in its warmth, like sunshine after weeks of stormy skies, and burrow into its cozy heat.
I think I've been down the this road before, and I shouldn't be misled - no, drawn in - again. This is no lurid confession.
It's a symptom of an underlying condition.
It's just a yearning.
Just a yearning.
4.09.2014
Worming through
Hi.
I need to go out dancing. I can feel it. But I have priorities, i.e. leisure reading. Seriously.
A side note: I realize, that I really must update my current music playlists - I feel tired of quite a few songs on my latest playlist. But there's only 12 songs so far (I usually build up to 25-30 songs), and there are still a few songs I'd like to carry over. Usually, I like to leave those be - since I invariably get tired of them sooner than the rest. Even if I carry them over to the newer list, I don't like the fact that they're in 2 playlists. Don't ask, I just don't like it. And then there's a part of me that realizes that I'd be on my 13th playlist, and well, that's a lot of playlists on top of the rest of them... But I needs my new songs man... I needs them...
So if you care to provide an opinion, don't be shy.
Now onto the post.
I need to go out dancing. I can feel it. But I have priorities, i.e. leisure reading. Seriously.
A side note: I realize, that I really must update my current music playlists - I feel tired of quite a few songs on my latest playlist. But there's only 12 songs so far (I usually build up to 25-30 songs), and there are still a few songs I'd like to carry over. Usually, I like to leave those be - since I invariably get tired of them sooner than the rest. Even if I carry them over to the newer list, I don't like the fact that they're in 2 playlists. Don't ask, I just don't like it. And then there's a part of me that realizes that I'd be on my 13th playlist, and well, that's a lot of playlists on top of the rest of them... But I needs my new songs man... I needs them...
So if you care to provide an opinion, don't be shy.
Now onto the post.
3.17.2014
New Vibes
Hellllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooo!
Sigh... it's so beautiful... I wish you were in my budget... seen and gone in a day... ok, I need to get over these shoes and another pair I found last week...
So, right. Onto the words.