Shaft-less

Read Emmy's Xanga to make sense of this.

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Worlds Within

Last night I went to the Body Worlds exhibit at the California Science Center with Devin and had one of the most eye-opening experiences of my short little life. At first, we didn't think we were going to get in, as the exhibit was sold out, but after the malfunctioning doors prevented us from exiting, we saw the light thanks to William and patrons who had returned their tickets.

The exhibit is a collection of plasticized human beings who have been preserved to show off their inner workings. Everything from the nervous and cardiovascular to reproductive and musculatory systems were on display in full detail. And when I say full detail, I mean it. The people were posed in various positions with their skin stripped from their bodies, showing which and where ligaments connected the muscles to the bones and how the internal organs are positioned inside of the body. One could see the nerves moving in and out of the muscles, along with major veins and arteries, and how everything connected to the brain. An absolutely fantastic display which really gave me an understanding of how intricate our bodies really are. Of course, like everyone else, I'd seen such things in biology books and things of that sort, but once it was right in front of me and the realization hit that the things I was looking at came from a formerly living person, I was absolutely and completely awe-struck. I don't know how to describe it in any other way.

The most amazing exhibit was that of a family of three who were composed of nothing except for their circulatory system. The blood vessels intertwined throughout the body and the outlines of the kidneys, heart, and brain could be seen due to the density of said structures in those locations. Also rather amazing, but slightly depressing, was a woman who had died while pregnant with the 7-month old child still in her womb. The exhibit also showcased the development of a baby while in the womb, with actual embryos taken from the progressive stages of pregnancy, ranging from one week to four or five months. After leaving, I had this overwhelming feeling, as if I had, for the first time, understood what life really was. If the exhibit ever comes to a city near you, pay the ten bucks and go; it's an experience you will never forget.

But, if you live in Los Angeles and missed it, don't fret...Body Worlds 2 is being exhibted at the California Science Center next weekend.

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Meet the Parents

Emmy got her car(!) today and I met her parents for the first time. To be honest, I was a bit anxious about how the evening would play itself out, but who wouldn't be? Emmy picked me up in her Camry (very comfortable, btw) and we drove around with her friends before heading out to pick up her parents at their hotel.

We decided to eat at Buca di Beppo in Santa Monica after I gave them a few dinner options. The food was delicious and the company was nice. Her father is extremely laid back and her mother is a bit hyper, so they made for a fun night. We talked about how they met and what they like to do in their free time as I volunteered information about myself and my family. We shared some laughs and everything went rather well. It was a nice evening that concluded with the four of us taking a stroll up Third Street and stopping in a few different shops. I didn't know exactly how I should act toward Emmy in front of her parents (ie: like a boyfriend or like a friend,) but she was quite gracious in giving me her hand and hugging my arm at times, relaxing me and making me feel comfortable in what could have been an awkward situation. Her parents were very affectionate toward one another, so that made things a bit easier. It was actually incredibly cute and very sweet. We said our goodbyes after I told her father a wrong turn off the freeway and that was the end of the night. All in all, a success.

[NOTE: written on Jan 26]

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CD's and Car Shows

A couple quick updates on this past week's happenings, posted in a style quite unlike my usual:

Got the Gwen Stefani CD, Love. Music. Angel. Baby. Hated it the first time I listened to it, but now I think it's super. Some of the tracks are really weird (Harajuku Girls,) but most of them are cool 80's throwbacks. Best songs: The Real Thing (slow version), Serious, the extremely suggestive Crash, and of course, What You Waitin' For. Cool isn't so bad either. Hollaback Girl, on the other hand, is garbage.

Went to the LA Auto Show on Wednesday with Emmy; figured she'd want to go, so I went along for the ride. Saw lots of cool cars and posted pics, no thanks to me, of some of them below. I sat in a Subaru Impreza WRX for the first time, and although it's not the most comfortable of all small cars, I'm still in love with it. The Scion tC is excellent as well. Reminder: go test drive.

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Spring Preview

The first week of classes is over and I'm excited. All of my classes seem really interesting and I've got this genuine motivation to learn, a rare feeling during semesters of late. My schedule is rather random, but it does allow time for things such as reading and working out during the day, so I can earn money or relax at night. The purpose of this post, however, is to enlighten you to some of the more interesting things about each of my classes.

In psychology class we're using clickers to participate in real-time voting and question answering. Basically, each student has a remote keypad that they use to answer multi-choice questions the professor might ask during lecture. Results are tabulated in the computer and displayed on the projector screen instantly, allowing the professor to get a feel for where she needs to elaborate on a subject or speed things along. It also allows for anonymity so that a student can answer truthfully. Although they probably won't be used, the clicker also has buttons that can indicate if you feel very confident or not very confident about your answer before you answer.

Also, for the first time, I'm in a discussion section led by the professor herself, rather than a TA. Although it might sound a bit intimidating, I'm planning to take full advantage of it because it's basically forced office hours. Also, I know that she's going to lead the most-informed midterm reviews, since she writes all of the tests. Three midterms, lowest grade dropped, and a final that apparently can't be studied for worth 5% of the overall grade.

In philosophy, I've got a grad student as an instructor, which isn't at all a negative because the guy is (seemingly) very smart and articulates the material very well. He's hairless and talks like an intellectual surfer dude while teaching us all about reasoning and logical thought processes. Quite funny, but not the most interesting thing about the class. That distinction goes to the fact that the class is actually not a semester long, but rather, is made up of two half-semester classes, almost quarter-like in feel. The first eight weeks are one class - worth two units - with a final on March 3rd, and the second eight weeks - another two units - apply the concepts learned in the first class to actual philosophical diatribes. The second class does not need to be registered for at all, but the first class must be completed to enroll in the second half. At first thought, I actually like the idea; I'll let you know if my thoughts change in the future.

In anthropology 499 I'm learning all about Japanese pop culture and its global influence. 15% of our grade comes from our three show-and-tells and we're required to post our thoughts about the lecture/readings on our class web log, with the participation accounting for 20% of our final grade. Four papers, not a single test, and one of the required readings is a book about Pikachu, the Pokemon character. Needless to say, the class should be excellent.

By registering for anthropology 371, I've killed two birds with one stone by fulfilling a major requirement (upper division social science class) and fulfilling my diversity requirement. The class material seems like it'll become pretty repetitive, but we're going to have guest speakers (read: former gang members and cops) and we have the opportunity to write a research paper on the topic of our choice. I say opportunity because I'm actually somewhat excited. Gangs, to me, are somewhat mysterious, so this gives me the chance to go out and maybe......in....ter....view.....some current gang members to get a perspective other than what the media spins. I'll have to talk to my professor about it first, however. If you'd like to come along, spit a comment my way.

Finally, I'm taking a class on vocal performance, a.k.a. singing. I needed a two-unit class to get my scholarship's worth, and couldn't decide between it and ballroom dancing. Commitment phobia (not mine) actually became a blessing in disguise as I realized that vocal class would probably benefit you all as well. We don't have a final, but we do have a recital. Tickets are going fast, so get yours now before the eBayers snatch them up!

Also, in other news not related to classes, I'm going to be busy with work (still a Trainer) and as the Trojan Knights activities director. I'm also co-director of the Trojan Knights/Helenes Songfest show coming up on April 1st, which is shaping up to be quite the production. Friends are leaving in a few months, so I also plan to hang out with them more. Needless to say, this semester is going to really test my time-management skills, which, to be quite honest, could use a little work.

Well, that's that.

Welcome back Matt.

(rhyme)

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Citrus for Life

Just thought I'd let everyone know that, for those of you who use Bittorrent, the Orange Bowl broadcast has been posted for all to enjoy. Word of caution, it's about 2 GB in size.

Download it HERE.

Thanks, Lee D. (rhyme)

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SoCal Sarah

So, I convinced my sister to come back to California with me last week since UNM doesn't start school until the 18th. Our journey commenced on Wednesday as we headed out from Vegas to Oceanside to visit our grandparents down in Oceanside. Thing was, my grandparents didn't know that my sister was going to join me for the visit.

Andrew gave me a ride from LA to Oceanside and came in to meet my grandparents, and my sister waited in the car. Then, after a few minutes and a bathroom break, he went back to the car and sent my sister up to the door. When the doorbell rang, my grandma immediately thought that Andrew had forgotten something, and opened the door to a smiling Sarah. Needless to say, both of my grandparents were extremely happy and quite surprised to see her standing there. They thanked the two of us profusely for coming, and were particularly happy that I thought of such a nice surprise for them. We then met up with my uncle John and my fifteen-year old cousin, Trevor for dinner at Applebees.

After coming back, we put my sister and grandfather to sleep with Gosford Park, and then my grandma and I stayed up talking until about 1:15 or so. I love talking to my grandmother. She's so much like me, so I can relate to what she's saying, but has experienced so much in her life, so I feel that I can learn from her. She's really one of the most special people in my life, next to my father and is just the type of woman that I would want in a wife.

For Thursday afternoon, we had plans to tour the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA is a school for aspiring gem and precious stone cutters and is the headquarters for all for the four different campus' in the US. Apparently the tour is quite fun as they have a museum of gems and things and as you get to watch the students work (learn?). However, when we got there, the day's tours were all booked up, so we had to go to plan B: The Museum of Making Music, located right next door.

The museum was an excellent plan B, however. Looking at the changing genres, instruments, and voices dating from the 1880's, the museum had excellent hands-on exhibits and stations where one could hear the music from the times. Although a bit small in size, it was quite informative. The best part of the tour, however, was the final room, set up with various instruments that you could play on. They were all electric, so nobody would be able to hear you, even if you were banging away on the drums, as I did. They also had a theremin! I had just heard about theremins on the Win Ben Stein's Money marathon that was on in Colorado on New Year's Eve, and now I was able to play one.

Popularized in the song "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys, it's the only musical instrument played in space. Basically, there are two antenna sticking out from a box, and as you move your hands in front of them, the wavelengths are change in pitch, thus changing their 'sound.' The other hand controls volume. It was really rather strange and I couldn't do anything that sounded even remotely nice, but it'll look good on my resume one day.

After that we went to Gordon Biersch for lunch, and then the video store for a couple movies. We rented and then watched The Terminal and Love Actually. We all went to sleep relatively early that night.

Friday was relaxed and we hopped on the train back to LA at 3:30. Toby happened to be on the train as well, so we talked for a majority of the way and shared stories about our winter break (first time skiing for either of us) until my book, Word Freak, beckoned unto my name.

My sister and I made our way back to my apartment and then met up with BJ, Chris Fong, Rizza, and Jason for dinner at a really trendy Thai food place called (something) Nataliee. We saw a 'celebrity' there that I still can't name, and had a good time together. Got back to citypark and wasted time trying to decide what to do before deciding on a viewing of Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. Funny film. BJ also 'gave' me his old electric razor since he bought himself a new one for Christmas. I'll write about my thought on it at a later date.

Saturday I picked up Emmy from the Burbank airport. Only having been there once, and for a drop off, I totally botched the romantic, waiting at the exit gate thing you see in the movies by waiting in the wrong place. Even though it didn't work out as I had planned it, I'll still never forget it. She seemed happy to be home and was then introduced to my sister. Their meeting was supposed to be a surprise as well, but I blew it while talking to Emmy on the phone at my grandparents' house a couple nights before. Like the entrance thing, it was probably a bigger deal for me than for Emmy anyway.

After dropping off her things and relaxing for a bit, Sarah and Emmy came with me to the Sports Arena to watch the men's basketball game against Washington State and to see me be Tommy for the first time. The game sucked (52 - 69) but I think they had fun anyway. Midway through the game, the snaps in the new Tommy head broke, so I had to resort to using the old one. Regardless, the pictures came really nicely.

Later that night the three of us and Tippi went to BJ's in Westwood for dinner and had one of the nicest waiters ever. I started chatting it up with him and after finding out that we were Trojans and that we were planning to go to Didi Reese for dessert, decided to give me (us) a free 'birthday' Pizooki!! We decided to pay for it anyway...by adding the price of it to his tip.

We all hung out for a bit at the apartment with Devin and Asheem before heading to sleep. I took my sister home early this morning and we realized that she met 18 of my friends this weekend. I didn't even realize how many different people come through my life day in and day out, but I am definitely blessed. I missed you guys this break; it's good to be back.

If only I similar feelings about lecture....

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Okla-choke-a

Thought this was too good to pass up, so it's been posted for all to see...thanks Joe.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY BULLETIN:

The American Medical Association (AMA) has announced a new national symbol for choking. Please inform all personnel of the change.

OLD SYMBOL:



NEW SYMBOL:

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BEAT, the Rainbows!

I must say, it feels pretty damn good to be wrong! 55-19, who predicted that?? Thanks to Asheem, Andrew, Susanna, and Jessica for driving all the way from LA to keep me company during the game, as well as my father and my good friend Phil for sharing in the good times tonight. Chili's has never seen such happy people before, I can guarantee that. Anyhow, just thought I'd post to say that I just got back from the Bellagio to cash in my winning ticket and on my way out, played $20 - Bellagio minimum - on Red. I went with my lucky feeling and Trojan spirit and ended up winning another $20! Not a bad day for betting, but sure enough to last me for a few good months.

Today, my friends, it feels good to be a Trojan. Good night.

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BEAT, the Sooners!

I just got back from the Claude Monet exhibit at the Bellagio fine arts gallery with my mother and while walking past the race and sports book, decided to make a wager on tonight's USC / Oklahoma football championship game. Apparently, the casino can't decide who's going to win tonight, so they got rid of the point spread and made the game a "pick 'em."Apparently a pretty rare move by the casino as the woman informed me, it basically means that if you pick someone to win and they do, then you win; it doesn't matter if it's by one point or thirty. I put $50 down on USC, so if they win, in addition to becoming a student at the University of Successive Championships I'll be at student who's $45.45 richer. But boy am I extremely nervous because it's going to be close.

My predictions: USC is going to hold the edge simply because of special teams, everything else inteh game will be pretty equal. Oklahoma is going to have to drive so far every time that they'll be out of field goal range most of the time, but they will have some long passes that go for touchdowns. USC will chug along down the field, but will have trouble in the red zone and as a result will walk off with many field goals. Oklahoma's starting yardage will average the 25, USC's will average the 40. USC will score one touchdown off a turnover and four field goals. Oklahoma comes away with two touchdowns - both from White - and a field goal. Final score: USC 19, Oklahoma 17. Personally, however, I don't care how it's done as long as we...

FIGHT ON AND BEAT THE SOONERS!!

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A Survey For '04

Because I don't have time enough to write a proper update about my week in Colorado, I've decided to attend to another post I've been meaning to write: a survey courtesy of Devin Stambler on the year two double-ought four. Enjoy, and goodnight.

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1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
Had a stint as a camp counselor. Acted in a film. Went to E3. Was commissioned as a photographer. Played Texas Hold 'Em. Went skiing. Made party punch. Consumed an entire bag of Chesse Puffs, on multiple occasions.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions?
I don't make new year's resolutions. If I think I should change something about myself, I change it immediately rather than wait for January 1. Carpe diem, my friends. Carpe diem.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My good high school friend Vanessa Oduca gave birth to master Kadence Ngueyn and my sister-in-law gave birth to wonderful Justin McConnell, my nephew.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
Just a weekend trip to Rosarito, Mexico this year around. Alas, my trip to South America - Peru, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela - just didn't pan out as planned.

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
Better money management skills.

7. What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 21st, the day I realized why fate made me a Campus Cruiser trainer.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Realizing my goal of uniting with my father's side of the family.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not learning to play the guitar.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. I've been very healthy all year long.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket to Florida last January for my cousin Iain's wedding/the McConnell-family reunion.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
One of my best high school friends, Michael Lum, got married in May to the radiant Ashley.

13. Whose behavior appalled and depressed you?
One of my best high school friends, Michael Lum, flew all the way to Hawaii to get married to the radiant Ashley and didn't tell any of his good friends about it in advance.

14. Where did most of your money go?
I wish I knew. Nothing tangible, that's for sure.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My very first skiing trip. So awesome!

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
The Killers - Somebody Told Me. Runner up: Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get Retarded.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Last year: just saw USC win a National Championship live from row M of the Rose Bowl.
This year: just returned from the second-best vacation of my entire life.
I'm always happy, so it's a tie.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Travel. Work out. Read for pleasure.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spend time being unproductive in general.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Enjoying the company of my family and working on a model car.

22. Did you fall in love in 2004?
The answer to this question deserves more than just a couple of lines, so I'll save it for another day.

23. How many one-night stands?
10,640. Seriously folks, you'll never get this out of me.

24. What was your favorite TV program this year?
HBO takes the cake with Six Feet Under and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate people.

26. What was the best book you read?
Culture of Fear, by Barry Glassner.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ben Gibbard in Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service. The Killers are a close second with Keane coming in third.

28. What did you want and get?
A promotion at work, a executive board position in the Trojan Knights, and my traffic citation excused.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I've got a few, in the order that I saw them: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Saved!, The Incredibles, Finding Neverland, and Closer.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Served the most incredible party punch to 65 friends and strangers and danced for a solid three hours on my 22nd birthday celebration.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
My life is immeasurably satisfying. But, I guess a car would've been nice.

34. What kept you sane?
My father. I can always count on him to be there for me.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Natalie Portman. Two new films this year, lucky me!

37. Who did you miss?
All of the people I became fast friends with this summer during camp.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Hands down, Emily Estelle. I also value the friendships of the people I met this summer; you know who you are.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
Oh man, there are so many, but I think the best is to take chances, because otherwise you'll never really know what might have been.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"In this world we're just beginning, to understand the miracle of living."
- Belinda Carlisle in Heaven is a Place on Earth

Also, Devin, if you know what happened to questions 21, 29, 33, and 36, please let me know. I'd like to answer them as well. Thanks.

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Back From Breck

I'm back from my ski trip, but I've got a lot to report and I'm too tired to do it tonight, so check back Sunday evening for probably one of the longest posts in the history of Blogger. Good night and Happy New Year!

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