*Asks the following people to give me liberty or give me death*
Sugar: I'm sorry you didn't do well on the PE exams. But in regards to the test, yeah, I had to try the reverse sequence of my own colors just to be scientifically accurate. I mean, they want people to pay for this stuff, and this tells me it's pretty worthless. If you're done with exams, do you get vacation soon then?
Cynical: I like your 3 Fayes eating breakfast scan. Not cause I think Faye's a looker (Which she is), but just cause I think it's a cool scan.
Ming-Ling: Yeah, I still want to meet you too, but I just figured you were so busy that you'd let me know when you were free. Looks like you have. I'll get in touch with you.
Neaux: Haven't talked to you in a while man. I had fried food myself this past weekend, though not really by choice. Went out to eat with a friend of mine, and he ordered way too much fried food for us. Since I've been eating healthier I can't touch this stuff anymore, it takes my stomach days to settle down from all that grease.
Tigris: You know, I think fingersticks hurt more than a venous draw. I hated fingersticks. Guess it just has to do with all the nerve endings in them huh? And do you like chemistry as well as heme? One of my old teachers said people either like heme and chem as a set, or micro and blood bank as a set. She said it had to do with your personality and whether or not you liked having easy answers or if you liked digging for them.

So, until I decide to run for a political office, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.
posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 9:05 AM |


Thursday, February 21, 2002
Everyone's got tests to take.

This is from Ninja:

I Am A: Neutral Good Half-Elf Ranger Thief


Alignment:
Neutral Good characters believe in the power of good above all else. They will work to make the world a better place, and will do whatever is necessary to bring that about, whether it goes for or against whatever is considered 'normal'.


Race:
Half-Elves are a cross between a human and an elf. They are smaller, like their elven ancestors, but have a much shorter lifespan. They are sometimes looked down upon as half-breeds, but this is rare. They have both the curious drive of humans and the patience of elves.


Primary Class:
Rangers are the defenders of nature and the elements. They are in tune with the Earth, and work to keep it safe and healthy.


Secondary Class:
Thieves are the most roguish of the classes. They are sneaky and nimble-fingered, and have skills with traps and locks. While not all use these skills for burglary, that is a common occupation of this class.


Find out What D&D Character Are You?, courtesy of NeppyMan!

Well, the alignment part is pretty correct. I'm not very patient though, so the race thing is questionable. As for being a ranger..I'm a scientist, so I understand the damage we've done to the earth, but I wouldn't call myself an environmentalist. And the thief part... *laughs* my fingers are anything but nimble, hence I will never be a surgeon.

And as for Tigris' test, well, I thought it wasn't that accurate either. In fact, I ran mine and then did intentionally the exact opposite of mine, and they weren't that different. I'm guessing they wrote it vaugely enough so that the description would cover most people. I don't like this one because it's not jpresenting it as some quiz for fun, but as a serious diagnostic tool that I feel is questionable.

I also went to the test writer's website, and I didn't like what I saw there. Anyone should be wary when Neuro-Linguistic Programming is mentioned, and this guy uses it. If you haven't heard it's basically a form of brainwashing. Heck, "programming" is in the term. For instance, let's say you and me are talking over lunch, and you put your arms on the table. I put my arms on the table. You start talking loud. I start talking loud. Because I've mimicked you unconciously you're going to be comfortable around me. Then I could steer the conversation and you in the direction I'd want. I have a pastor friend who knows about it and has researched it more, so I could dig up more if anyone wanted.

Bah, enough about that. Going to stay in this weekend and try to rest up. After running around all long weekend last week I need to stay in and relax a bit. Sleep sounds good right now. Real good. Real real good.

*Yawns at these people*
Sugar: I can't believe you pulled off your toenail. One word: Ew. Other than that, how's school treating you?
Melange: Heck of a haul you got there bud. I was wondering if I should see Jin-Roh. Should I?
Ming-Ling: How were your exams?
Neaux: Yeah, you're right man. That does sound bad.
Ninja: Hey dude, since you're talking about FPS's are Internet Cafes big in the UK? I ask because here they're starting to have some problems with kids being there all night, doing this, that and the other thing and causing trouble.
Ryan: I think I am the last man on the planet not to have a mobile phone. Neither do I want one nor need one. Besides, I don't want brain cancer. Is that or is that not a myth by the way?
Tigris: You know, I've always wanted to cosplay too. But in armor. I don't look like anyone so I think the only way I could pull it off is if I wore armor. And I've always wanted to wear armor from Mosepada (The 3rd genreration of Robotech). You know, the motorcycle armor. That rocks! I've never seen it before, but with Robotech being released in the states last year and this year I'm betting someone will wear it to a con sometime.
Uncle Sam: Hey there mate! Drop a brother a line!

So, until I catch up on my sleep, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.
posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 10:30 AM |


Wednesday, February 20, 2002
I need to learn HTML so I can get off stupid Blogger.

Was going to update this yesterday, but it was down. Again.

I should stop being amazed at what people will do. Check this out: zarahemla.dhs.org. No, it's not a direct link as I don't know HTML remember?

Basically, and I don't know if this is serious or not, but: 1. If they're joking, they still have WAY too much free time to be writing all this up. But 2. If they're serious, I think someone in the therapy world might want to talk to them. And I want to know where the heck they got the idea for this.

...

*Shakes his head*

It was a busy weekend. Went out with my dad for a bit, which is cool cause we really don't spend much time together (My brother and him went to the Lakers game last night), went to another wedding on Sunday (Yes, ANOTHER and 1 more left this year) and went out to on Monday, got home late and proceeded to screw up my entire week's sleep pattern in the process. That is to say, I'm tired.

But about the wedding. I counted, and by the end of this year I'll only have 1 close friend left who is single. That sucks, because as I've told people before, married folks are boring. They don't want to just go out and mess around anymore, they all have to be serious and responsible *Gag*, just all-around sticks-in-the-mud. Boo. Part of the reason I'd like to go back to school is so I can find a group of people who just want to relax and enjoy themselves. Okay, maybe "relax and enjoy themselves" is an oxymoron when used with medical school, but you get the general idea. Funny, when I was young I acted old. Now that I'm old I want to act young. Go fig. Now I need to find that crowd to be young with as all my current cronies are falling into the marriage trap.

On a technologically related side note (Thanks for the article Tigris), the Blu-Ray has just been revealed. Basically if you haven't heard about it it's going to replace your DVD player. It uses a blue laser instead of a red one, so it can store alot more information. Nine companies have already signed on to develop some kind of standard for its wide release to the general public.

Okay, great. But to use my DVD's on it will require a purchase of some kind of conversion kit or system. Wonderful, cause I sure can't afford to re-buy ALL my DVD's on Blu-Ray dics...Also, just how much will these Blu-Ray discs cost? They're suppossed to be used with HDTV, so even when they become common I wonder just how cheap they're going to be.

*Asks the following to help him make his own Blu-Ray standard*
Kengeta: You hanging tough sport?
Ryan: Bacon. Midnight. Myocardial infarct. Bad combination. *Shudders*.
Tigris: You send off that e-mail honey? You talk at all? How's it going?

So, until I can bring Betmax back into fashion, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.
posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 11:22 AM |


Friday, February 15, 2002
Do you trust me? Aladin

Kinda odd me quoting a Disney flick huh?

As some of you know whom I spoke to online yesterday, I got a call from Loma Linda yesterday. At work. As if that wasn't odd enough, the guy from the admissions board started asking me questions to which the answers were already present on my application. Stuff like where am I working now, GPA, etc.

And before I could ask when I could expect a reply, they hung up. Odd, ne?

I thought about what happened later that day, and after speaking with my folks we came to a couple of conclusions:
1. I am still being considered (Obviously). Otherwise they would never have called.
2. My acceptance may come down to whether or not they believe the information I gave them on the app, hence the check up call.

To put it in perspective, Loma Linda interviews 400 people for about 180 slots. And you and I both know they aren't going to call all of them. That means that something in my application raised a flag somewhere, hence all this checkup work they're doing. I told them the truth yesterday on the phone, but I guess whether or not they feel it's the truth is another story...

Oh yeah, I found out March 14th in Japan is called White Day since Valentine's Day is red, you need the white to go with it. Makes sense.

*Hooks up the following guys to a lie detector*
Neaux: Gah. My sympathies for that Valentine's Day man...
Ninja: Dude...My mom still does that to me when I drive with her. I don't think that's ever going to change.
Ryan: One of my old classmates used to hang an Confederate (Southern side in the US Civil War) flag in his dorm room. The thing is, he wasn't from the deep south. I loved that thing and wanted to take it, so I don't think the whole South Korean/North Korean flag thing is weird at all.

So, until I can beat a confession out of the suspect, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.

posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 1:40 PM |


Thursday, February 14, 2002
Cupid needs to turn in his wings and bow&arrow for a jet pack and an assault rifle.

Yeah, it's Valentine's Day. I'm obviously a little cynical about the whole thing, but truth be told if you could strip away the obvioiusly crass commercialism I could probably deal with it.

On a quick un-romantically related side note, after calling Loma Linda I found out they are still in the process of reviewing my application.

...

Since all of us here (Pretty much) are anime fans, Uncle Mike is going to bring you a little story about how our friendly anime-producers in Japan celebrate Valentine's Day. Sort of an FYI if you (Boys especially) find yourselves with a Nihonjin no koihito.

On Valentine's Day over there, as some of you may know, the boys don't give the girls chocolate. No no no. It's reversed, the girls give it to the boys. And just like here gang, quality AND quantity count. Think of it this way: If she's your co-worker she may give you the Hershey's bar she just bought at the nearest covienience store since it's "Duty" or "Obligation" chocolate, depending on your translation. But if she's the love of your life, well, expect a big box of Sees, Godiva, Neuhaus, Ghiradelli or whatever floats your proverbial boat. *Cue the romantic music and dim lights*

L'amour, tojours, l'amour!

Now I know you're asking "But Uncle Mike, what do the boys give the girls then and when do they give it?"

So glad you asked my child.

I asked that of my student guide when I was there 2 years ago, and she told me the boys return the favor on March 14, called for no reason I can think of, "White Day" (Maybe in regards to the bride's dress at weddings? I don't know). Okay, now you know the when, but what about the what? Well, I also asked my student guide this, and she replied, and as far as I can remember this is a direct quote, "Jewelry".

Oy...*Winces*

She wasn't kidding. You see, after checking with another source, based on what the gal spends on you, as a man you're required to spend not once, not twice, but THRICE the amount she spent on you.

*Waits for the boys to pick themselves off the floor before continuing*
Yeah guys, that's right. You'd need to spend 3 TIMES what she spent on you a month before. So my guide's crack about buying jewelry for your gal wasn't really off the mark was it?

Just a friendly little public service announcement from your Uncle Mike.

Only 1 response today, as I think all the rest of you are, as the Japanese refer to it, in a love-love mood with your significant others.

Sugar: *Rolls eyes and sighs*. Okay, put down the shoujo manga, turn off the computer games and the anime on the TV, and go outside and meet some real guys! That stuff IS poisoning you towards real relationships! The idealzied man you're searching for doesn't exist, he never existed, and he never will exist. Yet women (And men if you turn it around) always hang on to some degree of belief that their perfect match from the storybooks will show up somehow, somewhere. I think that's why we all have so much trouble with our relationships today generally speaking, because we don't want to give up our hopes: For men it's that we'll find that rich, beautiful princess waiting for us in the castle, and for women that their prince will come riding up on a white horse any minute now. And because we hold on to those hopes we end up comparing the people who cross our paths to some impossible ideal no one in a 3-dimensional universe could live up to. Believe me, there are good, decent people out there, and we need to accept them for who they are and what they can offer, and not what they could be or what we want them to be. But as to why these good, decent folk out there can't seem to meet each other...Well, if I had an answer to that, I'd be a rich man. Trust me on this one

And as for you never marrying... If I have to fly there, tie you to the altar and hit someone dude over the head and bring his unconcious self in to marry you, I WILL see you happily married whether you like it or not! *Sticks out tongue*

So, until I come back from hunting for Celes' husband, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.
posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 10:32 AM |


Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Gong hey fa choi

The romanization of "Happy New Year" in Cantonese doesn't work very well, but it's about the best that can be done I suppose. I still won't get any red envelopes, I've only gotten 2 in my entire life, and never from my folks. Then again, as I am a generation or 2 removed from China maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

At the opening page of Blogger.com there's a link to some guy named John Dvorak and his take on why people blog. According to him we're all either egomaniacs, manic depressives or frustrated Ernest Hemmingways.

Phhppptt...

For some reason his generalization annoys me when normally I wouldn't even care. To be sure some of those who blog do fall in those categories, but other reasons for blogs, such as a means of keeping up with friends and vice versa, or as an alternative source of media information, are ignored. Mr. Dvorak's article smacked of him reading assorted blogs for about 5 minutes and typing the article half an hour before his deadline. I'm no professional writer, but you can tell he didn't exactly give it the old college try.

Then again, maybe he was trying to generate "Cheap heat" for the site, in hopes of people passing the link around by saying "Hey, look how this ^%&*#@!! insulted us!" or something like that. Oh yes, for those who didn't know "Cheap heat" is a pro wrestling term, it means generating excitement, either positive or negative in an easy way. Examples include insulting the stadium crowd in the town you're in, or walking out wearing a jersey from their professional team.

But enough about him, let's talk about us.

I really need to break this bad habit of staying up just to stay up, especially when I'm dragging-my-butt-tired. Which happens to be all the time. I keep trying to tell Cynical to go to bed early, when I should be doing more of that myself. However I still go to bed a lot earlier than she does. A married couple I know goes to bed at 9. I'm thinking, dang, by the time I get home, unwind and eat something it's practically 9 already.

I'm going to call Loma Linda again and bug them about my application, to see at the very least if they can tell me if my application's been reviewed yet or not. Ggggrrrr...
Even when I'm done begging I'm not done begging.

*Throws New Year's firecrackers at the following*
Cynical: Well darlin', if your folks aren't going to be around, I got 2 words for you. PAR and TAY!
Melange: Dude, I wish I had public transportation half as reliable here in LA. After I came back from vacation a couple of years ago I was caught in a traffic jam and though to myself "Why can't I just take the train like I did in Japan?"
Then I rememebered LA doesn't really have any. Gah.
Ninja: You know, I didn't like the Rainbow 6 book that much. I think it could be a great movie, but with the current paranoia and craziness going on I think it'd be a tough sell to the studios.
Ryan: Good luck with your exams and remember to find that rich wife! Hey, I'm a shallow guy, I admit it.
Shawn: You don't have to cut your nails, just grow them out like claws like your fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman, AKA Wolverine!

So, until I remember what year this is in the Chinese zodiac, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.
posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 8:59 AM |


Friday, February 08, 2002
He who would give up a little liberty in return for a little security deserves neither liberty nor security. Benjamin Franklin

Just a telling statement I like for this day and age we live in.

Life is...grey for me right now. Everything is the same, day in day out. That rut I got out of when I went down to see Cynical and Sarc a few weeks ago is back with a vengeance. It's putting me in a real bad mood, though that's no one's fault but my own. It's probably why I can't come up with anything profound and earth-shaking to say right now.

This weekend should be interesting. For the first time in like a month I'll be able to practice my martial arts again, and my father and I will head out on Sunday to catch Black Hawk Down. I've heard it's good and been wanting to see it, but I haven't had a chance to see it yet.

My car is now giving me problems. Steering wheel is locking up, even though I am parking the car completely straight. It's 12 years old already, so I really shouldn't be suprised, but still. Oh yes, on a lighter and decidedly more ridiculous note, the wrestling group the NWO will be back soon!

Yay!

I still remember the NWO from years ago in the WCW (Ted Turner's old World Championship Wrestling), and they were outrageous! Basically all the stupid stuff people would do in life they did for the camera, and it was hilarious. My brother and I even had their T-shirts, and as soon as they come back we're dragging them out again. People always think I'm from the deep south of America or something, as I love pro wrestling and I love NASCAR.

Yeah, that's right. NASCAR. For all you F1 and Indy lovers out there, NASCAR's where the real racin's at. I mean, Zennardi and Shumaker and the rest are afraid to swap paint at 200 mph. Nuh uh, not these good ol' boys. They'll rub you in turn 4, put you into the wall and take the checkers themselves. Back me on this one Neaux.

THAT is racin'. My brother and I were have gone to the Fontana Speedway with a friend here right outside of LA, and we were like the only Asians in the entire grandstand. Kinda funny. Any event that has people still flying the Confederate flag is outrageous.

*Asks the following people for a 2-tire change and gas*
The Baron: You back to flying yet gov'nor, or you still on the deck?
Cynical: Why Cyn, I'm hurt. I'm couldn't harm a fly. *Looks innocent*
Melange: Sucks, the firewall they have set up here at work won't let me access IRC. Boo.
Ming-Ling: Congrats on the new computer! Virology huh? You know, I never had to much exposure to that. Did some cell culture stuff, but my main things are Bac-T, some parasit and some mycology. You want to go into industry, get a Ph.D or what?
Neaux: Extra food be good. Extra Taco Bell be bad. I had some onion rings for the first time in a long time yesterday (As I'm trying to eat healthier), and I'm still feeling the grease. Not good. Can't believe I used to eat this stuff all the time.
Ninja: As you don't want us to be sympathetic or anything, okay dude. But all I will say is that the vast majority of us don't come out of adolescence without some kind of emotional scar. Or two. Or three.
Ryan: Yeah man, girls who can play video games are cool. My old roomate had a girlfriend (Now his wife) who was pretty, smart, watched football and knew how to shoot pool. I don't think there wasn't a guy who said "Man, if he broke up with her, I'd be SO there!". Then he married her, and that ended that for everybody.
And I don't care if you have someone or not, if you're a dude Valentine's Day just blows. I mean, if you have someone you're shelling out mondo dollars. And if you don't have someone you're pathetic. I'll talk about White Day next week when Valentine's is on top of us.
Tigris: How's class going for you honey? Which rotation are you in now? And yay! To your update! Banzai! Banzai Banzai!
Uncle Sam: So, how was Kenya? Did you find any lost treasures? More importantly, did you come back with Ebola?

So, until I can find a drafting partner for the last 5 laps, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.

posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 9:29 AM |


Tuesday, February 05, 2002
Hey, whaddaya know, there is some justice left in this world...

The Rams lost the Super Bowl! Hip hip hooray!

To be frank, I didn't care if the Patriots, Jimmy Hoffa or a high school team won the Super Bowl, as long as the Rams lost I was happy!

Yeah yeah, a day late maybe, but I was busy yesterday taking care of old paperwork that's been sitting around for like 2 years, even before I got this job.

Called Loma Linda yesterday, they told me that the admissions committee meets every 2-3 weeks. That means either my application was just reviewed, or it's just about to be reviewed. Either way, I'm going insane in the process. My co-worker says I'm handling it okay, but inside I feel like I'm just short of going postal...

Because I've been sick lately as well I haven't been able to exercise, so the nervous energy buildup is going through the roof. I'll try to see if I'm not feeling better eough tonight to try to burn some of it off. Don't know how much more of this waiting I can take...

I was also trying to get out of town next week for a couple of days, but based on my current financial situation and the fact I need to save money for school, I can't go anywhere. Boo.

*Dry fires at the following people*
Cynical: What? Me and Sarc haven't done anything...Yet...*Smirks*
Ming-Ling: Hope you get your rig situation straightened out soon!
Neaux: Go Rams huh? Haha! And yes, I love that song, but I usually like the original versions 99% of the time. Like the old Ricky Nelson song "Last Kiss" that was redone by Stone Temple Pilots, etc. The list is endless.
Ryan: Looks like that game was a gag, but judging from the responses my friends gave me it seems like alot would want that game made.

So, until I lock and load, remember: Whatever you do wherever you do it, keep it real.

posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 12:18 PM |


Friday, February 01, 2002
Super Bowl Sunday is anything but because the Rams are there.

I'm from LA, remember? So needless to say I hate the Rams. In fact, my 2 favorite NFL teams are 1. Whoever's playing the Raiders (Also another fomer LA team) and 2. Whoever's playing the Rams.

I don't want them back, in fact I didn't even really care when they left. I just did want to give our tax money and build them new stadiums, which I think is absurd. All these multi-zillionares trying to get public money to build themselves stadiums...

Yeah, I'll tell you where to put your money...

Still sick a little bit, this cold is hanging on for dear life, so I'll probably stay in this weekend. Probably get a whole lotta anime to watch. I mean, if you're gonna be stuck at home might as well make the most of it.

*Tells the following people to run a deep post route* (As most of ya'll aren't from the States, that's a football passing play pattern)
Cynical: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I love her comics! It's so the 2 of you! *smirks*
Kari: One question, and answer it without thinking: What do you REALLY want to do? Go with the first answer. Good luck *smiles*
Ming-Ling: Oh no, don't misunderstand me, I should've written that section better, I apologize. What I meant to say is that although I knew you are from California, for those people who move here and get all worked up over earthquakes I don't consider them real Californians until they get annoyed at tremblers.
I got a story for you too. One day a few years ago, 2 friends, my brother and myself were sleeping at my house. An earthquake hit in the morning, a pretty big one, I'd say 4-5 that work us all up (Obviously). We opened the front door to look outside, and guess what? I live a few miles from an electrical plant, and the earthquake caused the plant to discharge. All the released electricity changed the color of the sky, and going from WEST to EAST, the sky become red, green, and a different shade of blue.
Into the stunned silence one of my friends said "I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling very religous right now*
In regards to the ASM. If you're really considering a career in microbiology, you can certainly do it without being a member. Since you're based out of nothern Cal there's a lot more biotech jobs up that way then down towards San Diego. I flew up twice in September 2000 for 2 job interviews up there before I took this current job, so don't sweat it. I'm seriously considering revoking my membership since I'm so mad, but I'm afraid for my family if I do. The reason being if 1. The Feds have my name. 2. I suddenly pull out of the ASM 3. They may ask "Why?" (As in, what am I hiding) in a not-so-polite way, and pull my family into it. I just don't want to my family to potentially go through grief because of my decision. I need to think about this.
Ninja: A room full of 9 year-old kids. Dude, you're braver then I am. That'd drive me batty. Good luck, go packing and definitely be sure to watch your 6 in there.

So, until I start running the 2-minute drill, remember: Whatever you do whervever you do it, keep it real.

posted by Michael Saiyasombat on 10:40 AM |