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Thursday, October 29th, 2009
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Wait... what the fuck is livejournal?
I have one?
Apparently no one else does anymore.
:-p
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Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009
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[mood| reflective]
[music| "zombie" -the cranberries]
In addition to making the Dean's List last semester with a 3.7 GPA while producing my film, this semester is turning out to be decent as well. Aced my Statistics exam today, and my Physics class posted grades so far. 95. The Physics department doesn't curve scores, but they do have a different grading system. An 85 is an A, because it is considered among the more difficult departments Temple has. It's absurd to think for the four years prior, my fate in the University had been up in the air. I was vulnerable for dismissal on more than one occasion and made Academic Probation half of the time. I know I've spoken about this ad nauseum, but it's kind of a big deal. Between the Fall of 2002 and the Summer of 2008, I never felt entirely human. My meds were destroying my mind and leaving me like an empty shell. I couldn't concentrate, least of all on math and science. Now I'm acing every test they throw my way. While I'm still not at my best, I feel relief. Validation. I know I wasn't crazy. I know I'm not retarded.
Anyway, I'm in the process of shaving my face and body (legs have been interesting). The drag party's tomorrow and I intend to be beautiful. Bought my outfit. It's kinda punky. I'm wearing a plaid skirt with a bunch of safety pins stuck on, a black and red corset, fishnets, my docs, and my old pleather jacket. I haven't decided exactly how I'm doing my hair or makeup. I'm thinking a spiky butch type look for the hair. I mean, I'm too much of a burly beefcake (heh) to pass as a girly girl, so I figured I'd embrace it. ;)
I've decided that I deserve someone. I was observing several couples today. Douchebag guys who really weren't attractive with gals far too pretty and genuine-looking for them. I know I've also been bringing up dating ad nauseum as well, and for that I apologize, but it's been pretty big on my mind. While I don't feel I need someone to complete me or anything, I think I deserve a companionship that goes beyond friendship right now. I've tried. Several websites, quite a few dates, bugging friends to stay on the lookout, but nothing pops up. But then there's the New York question. That being a possibility, is dating in Philadelphia right now even worthwhile?
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
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Made some tweeks on the first rough cut, screening it tomorrow afternoon.
Wish me luck!
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Sunday, January 18th, 2009
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Under the cut, my team for Marvel Ultimate Alliance. The team is called Fingerbang and they're pretty badass.
( Read more... )
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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
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Oh, Atomik Harmonik.
Why can't American hospitals be run like this?
Crazy Slovenians.
And for thoe of you who're interested in the original song/video, here it is for your viewing pleasure. Much simpler, and actually features the OTHER half of the band. ;)
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008
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[mood| dude, wtf?!]
Sabretooth: Do you even know how to kill me?
Wolverine: I'm gonna cut your goddamn head off. See if that works.
So the censors prove once again, they don't care about violence, just sex and "naughty" language. In a line about decapitating someone, who'd have thought the word "goddamn" would offend so badly? I'm sorry, but this is an instance where that one word actually makes a difference. For once, Wolverine was actually speaking like Wolverine.
Sorry, but this movie shouldn't be targeted at kids. They should be making this to be a light R. Otherwise, the stakes won't be high enough. Wolverine's past with Silver Fox (which, according to the trailer, is in the film briefly) CANNOT be covered in a PG-13 movie that would truly demonstrate exactly how much Sabretooth needs to have his goddamn head cut off. Spoiler:( Read more... )
Anyway, here are the trailers. The first was exclusive at ComicCon and had the full line to the love of the audience.
The second is the official first trailer released this month.
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Friday, December 5th, 2008
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Thursday, December 4th, 2008
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008
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This is very interesting research, at least for me. Prior studies claimed that there should be less than 1% chance that a person will inheret epilepsy unless both parents are epileptic. My cousin also has epilepsy, as did our great grandfather. Meanwhile, my sister and my other cousin (the aforementioned cousin's sister) have migraine disorders along with our grandmother. It seems that the men get epilepsy while the women get migraines and they're very much related. Interesting though that they skip a generation (our parents).
UI Leads Discovery of Gene Associated with Epilepsy
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A University of Iowa-led international research team has found a new gene associated with the brain disorder epilepsy. While the PRICKLE1 gene mutation was specific to a rare form of epilepsy, the study results could help lead to new ideas for overall epilepsy treatment.
The findings, which involved nearly two dozen institutions from six different countries, appear in the November 7 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.
In epilepsy, nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally and cause repeated seizures that can include strange sensations, severe muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. The seizures may not have lasting effects but can affect activities, such as limiting a person's ability to drive. Most seizures do not cause brain damage but some types of epilepsy lead to physical disabilities and cognitive problems. Medications can control symptoms, but there is no cure.
"The study results were surprising not only because the PRICKLE1 gene had never been associated with epilepsy but also because the gene was not associated with any other human disease," said the study's lead author Alex Bassuk, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and a pediatric neurologist with UI Children's Hospital.
The nine families involved in the study all lived in the Middle East and came from one of three family lines. Of the 47 individuals in the three family lines, 23 had a form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy accompanied by ataxia—a condition that causes imbalance.
One family line has been extensively described by Hatem El-Shanti, MD, a UI adjunct professor of pediatrics who now leads genetics research for the country of Qatar. The two other family lines had been researched by Sam Berkovic, MD, at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
"By sharing and analyzing data sets, we realized there was a common mutation in the PRICKLE1 gene in the family members with this form of epilepsy," Bassuk said.
To verify that the mutation might be related to the epilepsy, the team needed to test it in an animal model. This next step to find a suitable animal model involved a surprising coincidence: Bassuk, who had only recently joined the UI, realized through online research that the PRICKLE1 gene in zebrafish had been previously identified by another UI researcher, Diane Slusarki, PhD, associate professor of biology in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
"I walked across the river to Diane's side of campus, and we designed an experiment to test the human mutation in the zebrafish," Bassuk said. It was 'Iowa luck.'"
Slusarki and Bassuk's collaboration revealed that the mutated PRICKLE1 gene does not behave normally in zebrafish. Bassuk noted that collaboration, whether on-campus or international, was essential to the success of the research study.
"We never could have done, or could continue to do this type of research, with just one person thinking about it," he said. "From the clinicians who found and took histories on the study participants, to antibody testing at Stanford University to DNA shared from colleagues in Japan, the study required a lot of collaboration and coordination. And of course, we greatly appreciated the participation of the Mideastern families."
Bassuk, and colleagues are now developing other animal models to investigate how PRICKLE1 gene is involved in epilepsy, and are investigating whether PRICKLE1 mutations are involved in the general population of patients with epilepsy. With that information, there is potential to develop new drugs for people with different forms of epilepsy in the general population, as well as for the study participants with the disease.
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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
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[mood| different perspective]
[music| iron man]
So I watched Superman Returns tonight for the first time since it was in theaters.
It's no secret that I think Superman is one of the lamest superheroes created.
I have to say that upon the second viewing, I've found that I didn't give enough credit when I originally saw it. No, it's not a great movie. Yes, it was full of cliches. Yes, it was disappointing in terms of Brian Singer. Yes, it seemed to focus on the supporting cast more than on Superman.
However, I feel the main casting was actually pretty good. Brandon Routh, with very little experience behind him and very little dialogue to work with, he actually pulled it off. He, along with the script, showed subtle hints of Clark's darker, jealous side that always quickly becomes suppressed by his do-good nature. His struggle with trying to seduce Lois despite her engagement, and using his X-ray vision to spy on her family life... you could see the humanistic selfishness and potential meanstreak in his eyes. That's when the character's at his best. Oh, and by dark side, I don't mean this jumbled mess from Superman III that resulted from exposure to Kryptonite mixed with tar.
Also, Kate Bosworth was much better than I remember. While less feisty than Margot Kidder, she is much cuter. ;)
And of course, aside from a couple lines that were TOO over the top, Kevin Spacey was also enjoyable.
In a rare occurrence, I revisit my rating of this film. It was a 6/10. It is now an 7.5/10. It is, thus far, the best Superman film. Unless they take it to a darker place and explore the main character with more scrutiny, they will not make one that's better.
But I still blame this film for X3 sucking.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008
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OH MY GOD!
PETA, you people are priceless! I love how the bonuses are videos of animals being tortured.
Making this a video game and "rewarding" us for playing with such material is, I believe, counterproductive. It make the process kind of fun and makes me take you even less seriously (if that's possible)
I think it's akin to movies like Saw being branded "torture porn". It actually allows for a cathatric release of pleasure for parties taking part/watching it. Really poorly thought out, PETA. But then, that doesn't surprise me.
I have the bonus wallpaper as my desktop. Hahaha.
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Friday, November 14th, 2008
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[mood| free]
[music| "come to my window" -melissa etheridge]
Goddamn.
Had a dream last night that I ran into that girl from Halloween. You know. My dream girl. Oh, maybe you don't. Only mentioned it to a couple people.
On Halloween I was dressed as a pretty hot Robin Hood, if I do say so myself. Anyway, I left a party in South Philly to meet Rachel so we could go to a different party. On South Street, I ran into the girl of my dreams.
She was Marvel Girl. Jean Grey. Not Phoenix like most people go. Marvel Girl.
In case you don't know, I have a Jean Grey fetish. The fact that an attractive girl (she lifted her mask) our age would like Jean enough and know enough about her to think to dress as Marvel Girl absolutely won me over. Not only that, it was a pretty fucking impressive costume, obviously custom made. Boots, gloves, dress/miniskirt, belt, mask, everything exact.
See, I'm not normally attracted to redheads. But in my experience, when they're attractive, they're REALLY attractive. And this one followed that rule very well.
I stopped and smiled. She smiled back. I said, "That is a rather spectacular Marvel Girl outfit." She showed her pearly whites and nodded, stating she loved my costume too. Then the guy standing close by possessively came over and wrapped his arm around her waist, staring me down.
The dream followed this course of action, only instead of smiling again and walking away, I shot three flaming arrows in rapid succession into his douche bag heart. I mean, the guy was wearing a polo shirt and slacks on Halloween, accompanied by a girl who had just about the best costume of the night.
I like to think in some alternate reality I actually did what my dream suggested I'd done.
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Monday, November 10th, 2008
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"But what about change? Isn't Obama going to singlehandedly fix all our problems, and swiftly transform the nation into an eternal utopia? 'I think this whole country is supposed to be based around the fact that one guy doesn't have that much power,' Parker said."
-LA Times interview with Trey Parker after South Park Episode "About Last Night"
Trey Parker and Matt Stone. They are brilliant men with a unique perspective. They most probably voted for Obama. But they view things from a very realistic standpoint. They do not get caught up in talking points or party propaganda. They do not take cheap shots at any particular side, but instead point out hypocrisy wherever they see it and lampoon the hell out of it on the show. Outside of it, they take responsibility in not trying to use their celebrity to influence how others vote. But at the same time, they aren't prone to backing down from a challenge.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008
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Thursday, October 30th, 2008
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So walking through the sea of chaos that is broad street. Broad street is a riot zone. I was quickly trying to make my way through, avoiding all interaction.
I'm really glad Chaz and the rest didn't drive all the way. The car would have been smashed if it went onto Broad.
Someone threw a beer bottle and it smashed on my leg. Made a few rips in my pants and I'm bleeding a bit, but mostly wet from the beer. I turned around to the guy who threw it and said "what the fuck?" He pushed me and I kicked him with my steel toed boot in the shin pretty hard. Then I ducked through the crowd and briskly made my way across the street.
Fuck you, people. It's a fucking game. It's fine if you are entertained by it, but YOU the FANS did not win anything. You were not out there throwing the ball around. You had nothing to do with it. All you do is buy the merchandise and then disrupt order when the game's over. Furthermore, there is absolutely no reason to act like idiots, damage property, and other people.
Rioting in the streets is meant for revolutions, for times when something is wrong and citizens have no choice but to lash out. It is an action that actually stands for something fairly important. Something larger than itself. Sports is not that thing. Sports do not represent some social or political commentary. They do not provide subtext or provoke thought, like art. There is nothing revolutionary about them and you are the reason I hold such high contempt for them. Without you, I'd merely find them boring, but you fans, especially ones in cities like Philadelphia, putting others in danger and getting in fights with cops, smashing windows, etc, I hope the cops bash your fucking heads in.
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Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
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[mood| snazzy]
[music| raindrops]
So. It's 5am and I just walked home from campus. It's 40 degrees and raining.
One of the best walks I've had in a long while. Gave me a chance to really reflect.
I'm telling you. Taking matters into my own hands and cutting back on my meds was one of the best decisions I've made over the past 6 years. That's right. It's been 6 years, 1 month and 23 days, if I'm not mistaken. I feel the healthiest I have since that day. That said, I know I've got permanent brain damage. I'll never be up to par with myself pre-epilepsy/pre-meds. I wish I could find it in my conviction to sue the neuros for overmedicating me, but I can't. Although they were bastards who ignored me and my side effects, they put me on a dosage they thought would prevent me from having seizures. That's that.
Sunday night was my fundraising dinner. It went really well. BTW. I've started a raffle now. Grand prize is a Wii bundle. Comes with two wiimotes, two nunchucks, wiisports, wiiplay, and a 15 month warranty. Second prize is $100. Tickets are $5 or 5 for $20. The prize will be drawn December 7th, in time for Christmas. If you'd like to buy or think you could sell some for me, please do let me know. It all benefits my film.
So my sister introduced me to her co-actress from the show. Apparently at her request because she "really thinks [I'm] cute." Ok. I got a lot of comments that night. Maybe it's the haircut, the shave, and the nice shirt/leather jacket. I personally don't like how I look when I shave. Although there was stubble, I think my lips end up looking as if I'm wearing lipstick because my lips are very red and it clashes with my pale skin. Hair diffuses the situation. Eh. So, it's interesting. I'm not especially interested, but part of me was nagging to ask for her number anyway. 49% of me's a bastard. But alas, the too-nice-for-my-own-good 51% always wins out.
I was hoping the walk would tire me out some, but nope. Still wide awake. Class in the morning. Ech.
Yeah, Wawa meatball subs are so good. I've officially gotten over the price thing. You know, after being able to get three 10" sandwiches for $10 and have it last for three meals, $5 a piece is really upsetting. Last year, that was my grocery shopping. Wawa twice a week. Oh well.
Also. I'm in love with Layla Miller. I didn't realize EXACTLY how much I'd miss her until now when she's gone. Of course they had to bring her back as a figment of Jamie's imagination and make things that much sadder. Who cares if she's 12. Who cares if she's a comic book character. She's awesome and my perfect woman. Fucking stupid alternate dystopian future, stealing her from me.
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Sunday, October 19th, 2008
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Comment on this post and I will:
a) Tell you why I friended you.
b) Associate you with something (a fandom, song, color, photo, etc.)
c) Tell you something I like about you.
d) Tell you a memory I have of you.
e) Ask you something I've wanted to know about you.
f) Tell you my favorite userpic from your LJ icon collection.
g) In return, you need to post this on your own journal.
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Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
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[mood| i know stuff]
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ME?
Below is a series of questions with associated values. Comments are screened. People won't see your answers, but I will post your scores once I tally them.
Post in your journal. Obviously, you can change particular questions to better suit you. Make sure it adds up to 100 points, though!
(2 points) My first and last names?
(4 points) My middle name?
(4 points) My confirmation name?
(2 points) How many siblings do I have?
(3 points) What are their names?
(4 points) What's my home town?
(2 points) What's my birthday?
(2 points) What color are my eyes?
(2 points) Name one of my three favorite foods
(1 point) Is my hair black or dark brown?
(1 point) Do I care about getting grey hair?
(1 point) What size shoe do I wear?
(2 points) How tall am I?
(1 point) Do I smoke?
(1 point) Do I drink?
(1 point) Do I have a significant other?
(1 point) What is my sexual orientation?
(2 points each) What two body parts am I most attracted to?
(5 points) How many people have I had sex with?
(3 points) How would I describe my political views [aside from correct] ;)
(4 points) Who is my favorite US president?
(4 points) What do I hate most about myself?
(4 points) What do I like most about myself?
(1 point) Favorite Buffy character?
(1 point) Least favorite Buffy character?
(3 points each) What are the three top careers I would love to have (different fields)?
(1 point each) What are my three favorite X-Men?
(3 points) If I had one superpower, what would it be?
(2 points) What's my favorite color?
(4 points) What is my favorite movement in fine art?
(4 points each) There are two American organizations which I always cite as groups I would kill every last member without feeling an ounce of remorse. Name them.
(5 points) There is one song that would make me absolutely melt if someone had written it for me. What is it? (Yes, I have spoken about it in the past)
(2 points) My favorite actor?
(1 point) What's my favorite brand of footwear?
(2 points) What's my "fill word" that I insert into sentences when trying to think on my feet?
(1 point) Favorite Beatle (as in the band)?
(1 point) Do I like sports?
(1 point) What do I study at school?
100-86: WTF? You're more a clone than a Super-Best friend. Get out of my head!
85-71: We must be BFFs or you're just REALLY talented at reading people and/or guessing.
70-56: You're a good friend.
55-41: We should probably chat sometime and get caught up.
40-26: We're probably casual friends or internet buddies. And hey, that's cool.
25-0: You're either not a very attentive friend or else we've not known eachother very long.
Scores:
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) gwennluin - 71
keiraism - 38
josparke - 0 you smartass. :-p
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Saturday, October 11th, 2008
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Thanks to Steph (edit- read: Amanda) and the gang. :)
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