Wow my parents know me so well. While I'm here pondering over stuff, they already know what my problems are and have discussed it without me. I'm impressed. And I think what they said is right.. hmm.. kinda.. Cos if they're right, then I'm not the only person with this pondering to do..

We've had those around-the-fire/ pot/ table/ alcohol talks before and we all had our lists. Is it just that the criteria on the list is not fulfilled? Are those things that important to me? What should I be treasuring? I guess I should stop blogging. This is getting nowhere. //

So my next project is to create a sonic creature, meaning make a creature out of sound. It should have a character, a distinguishable size and sounds for rest, movement and communication. Fun. Any ideas are welcome. I'm a dabbler this quarter. Dabble in all sorts of fields, collect samples from all sorts of things. I like moving from a rookie to an amateur. It's fun. It's not so fun moving from an amateur to an intermediate. And I don't know how much fun it is to get to the advanced/ professional level cos I haven't been there.

Earth Day

PROTECT THE EARTH, DON'T GIVE BIRTH, MAYBE NO BABY,
CREATE DONT PROCREATE,
BE A LEADER,NOT A BREEDER,
BE RESOLUTE, DON'T POLLUTE, AND MORE CO2?
YIKE, LETS BIKE AND HIKE !!

~ Dr Saier in advance of Earth Day

Peter Elbow wrote a book about playing the "believing game", meaning you should try to believe everything you hear first, think about why the speaker/ writer came to such conclusions and then you can debunk it as much as you like. He thinks that you shouldn't attack a theory until you can justify the theory. He says that you have to play this game in order to take in new ideas. I think believing is much easier than doubting.. and I believe way too much.

Heard a talk by the director of Torrey Pines therapeutics today. He said that most people talk too much and listen too little. I agree. That's why people don't get along, they don't listen to others enough. And I still think that research is all about luck and opportunities. Having great skills and brains definitely help, but luck is so so important. You have to hit on the right target to research on, pick the right strategies.. So it's best if you have the resources to try 10 things at the same time.

So Urinetown is over. Sad. It's been fun working hard and being so involved in something because we really want it to be good. And it's always a bummer when it just ends. The bubble of excitement just bursts. Pop. Back to life.

People keep saying, do what you're passionate about, listen to your heart, follow your heart.
I don't know how to listen to my heart.
You have to listen carefully.... See, even your heart knows that you should listen to your heart..

Household DNA extraction

Extract a long thread of DNA! All you need is a blender, cells, detergent, salt and alcohol. Cool eh?
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/activities/extraction/

Laughter brings out a red nose

http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080401/full/news.2008.715.html

A hearty laugh was associated with "both a reddening of the nose and a white
area directly around the mouth", says Wiseman. "These features form a key part
of the make-up traditionally associated with clowning, and could explain why
this unusual type of face-painting is associated with humour."