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Review: The Office Season II 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Based on the British comedy, this American version has had decent sucess in the the States. In my opinion, The Office Season
II is considerably better than the first season. The humor is still raw and almost obnoxious at times, but it is quite funny. The Office is a good way to lighten anybody's mood. I have heard a few people say they do not care for the comedy on this show, but the majority still give it the thumbs up. I give The Office Season II 3/5.The Office - Season Two
Review: Pay It Forward 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Pay It Forward
Review"Sometimes The Simplest Idea Can Make The Biggest Difference" —Tagline for Pay It Forward Pay It Forward, directed by Mimi Leder, is an inspirational story of an 11 year-old boy's attempt to change the world. Mr. Simonet, played by Kevin Spacey, is a seventh grade teacher who carries the scars of a past filled with abuse. On the first day of school Mr. Simonet presents a term-long project to the class. He challenges the students to "think of an idea to change our world—and put it into action" Throughout the movie Mr. Simonet is willing to push his students, but he is also supportive of them, even though on the surface Mr. Simonet appears to be cold and almost detached in his teaching. Although Mr. Simonet himself is a perfectionist with a rigid routine, he does indeed make time for his students. One such student, Trevor Mckinney, played by Haley Joe Osment, takes Mr. Simonet's challenge to change the world to h
First Exam of Spring Semester 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Whew! I just finished up on my first biology exam of the spring semester. I prepared fairly well and think that I will end up with a decent grade. Now that I have that test out of the way I need to begin preparing for my three other exams this week. Wish me luck! Read more:First
, Semester
, Spring
2008 Presidential Candidates 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Something that I have been personally hoping for since the last election is that Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic endorsed candidate, and that Colin Powell would be the Republican endorsed candidate. This would be a very interesting match up. Either way we would have a new "first" in the White House. Americans would be forced to stray away from their typical white-male politicians and try something new. I am personally very curious as to how the nation would react. I do have great faith in our country, however, some people can be remarkably stupid sometimes. Read more:Candidates
, Presidential
Monday Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I just got done with my morning Spanish class and now have a short break before I head off to Chemistry. Although part of me completely hates going to Spanish, I do understand the need to learn it. The world as we know it is becoming increasingly connected, and the time when people needed to know only one language is quickly passing. With ever increasing globalization everyone needs to become more knowledgeable of others cultures and customs. With an increased understanding throughout the world we are more likely to be able to come to terms with each other and be truly kind to our neighbors.Technorati Profile Read more:Monday
, Monday Monday
Dan Brown 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am sure that most everyone these days is familiar with the Da Vinici Code and Angels and Demons. These two books are excellent pieces written by Dan Brown
. The Da Vinci Code movie, while entertaining, does not do the book justice. Both of these books are great reads, I could not put them down. One becomes entirely absorbed into these novels and the ideas which they present. I would recommend reading them to everyone. Just keep in mind however that they are indeed novels.The Da Vinci CodeAngeles y Demonios / Angels and Demons
Review of Voyage of the Narwhal 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "…Truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies"—Sir Winston Churchill Historical fiction always holds a special place in my mind. If written skillfully it can be used as a tool to convey principles and ideas the author deems important. Voyage
of The Narwhal by Andrea Barrett is a wonderful piece about artic exploration in the 19th century. In addition to the odyssey into the north, there are many other issues the author brings into focus. There are lessons of leadership, determination, inequality, and deception that can be applied not only to this book, but also to the world all around us. Throughout this novel there are many instances of leaders using deception to achieve their goals. It is also a fact that many leaders in the 21st century use deception as a tool to exert their own influence be it good, or bad. Is this ethical? Can someone who is a good leader deceive his followers and still be good? As always, an expedition into th
Review of Into the Wild 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Pulling a McCandless In Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild we are told the story of a young man named Chris McCandless. Chris, an outstanding student and athlete, disappears on an odyssey throughout North America shortly after graduating from Emory University and donating $24,000 to charity. He wanders throughout the world with no apparent plan, except that he wants to go into the Alaskan bush. Krakauer, a nature fanatic and adrenaline junkie himself, has a lot in common with Chris. The two not only share similarities with each other, but also with the rest of the world. While there are those who would say Chris' story may not seem original, it does have its own specific events and experiences. Krakauer does an excellent job of conveying Chris's journey, and makes a fair attempt to connect it to himself along with the real world. People as a whole may initially claim that they would never do anything like what McCandless did, or that they cannot identify with him at a
Protec Trombone Cases 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This summer my original trombone case finally became damaged beyond repair. So I started looking around at new cases. A good friend of mine, who happens to be a band director, told me about Protec cases. He said that his has held up in all sorts of conditions including touring the U.S. and Europe. So I ended up purchasing a Protec case and have been very pleased so far. The case is lightweight, durable, and also very stylish. In addition to all of this, the Protec cases are very reasonably priced. As one trombonist to another, I would definitely recommend Protec cases. Oh, and another trombone tip. If you don't use Slid-O-Mix yet, you need to start. Out of all of the slide lubricants I have tried, it is definitely the best.Pro Tec Contoured PRO PAC Tenor Trombone CaseSlide-O-Mix Trombone Lubrication System
Tapping Genius 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Check out this amazing guitarist.
Evolution of Dance 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This comedian, Judson Laipply, came to my college this last fall. Not only was he hilarious, he was also almost a motivational speaker. Read more:Dance
, Evolution
Robert Jordan 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I recently discovered that RobertJordan
has been diagnosed with amyloidosis. This rare blood disease means that Mr. Jordan years with us are probably limited although he did say that intends to live considerably longer. What would happen if he was unable to finish the Wheel of Time series? Countless people everywhere have been following this amazing series for years. If Mr. Jordan died before he could finish, would someone else finish for him? In any case I hope Mr. Jordan can finish his life in relatively good health and if all goes well, finish the Wot series. I know that myself allow with thousands of others would be left hanging if the series never comes to a close. I cannot bear the thought of never truly knowing who killed Asmodean or what will exactly become of Rand during and after the last battle.Wheel of Time Books
What Effect Do Telomeres Have on the Aging Process? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In browsing old issues of popular science I found an intriguing article about aging. The article states that researchers may have discovered a possible way to halt physical decline as we age. This lofty claim is all based on telomeres, something I had never heard of before reading this article. Telomeres are "bits of buffer DNA that don't contain genes" They are placed on the ends of chromosomes and protect them from damage. During cell division the telomere is not replicated along with the rest of the chromosome. This results in the telomere becoming shorter after every cell division. Eventually the telomeres become so short that it becomes a real problem, "the telomeres become so short that the cell can no longer divide—a phenomenon scientists call senescence—that is, the state of being old" Some evidence that supports this is that people with progeria have been found to have very short telomeres. The article goes on to say that the enzyme te Read more:Aging
, Process
Exxon Mobil Breaks Profit Record 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Exxon Mobil recently announced a annual profit of $39.5 Billion in 2006, breaking the record they set in 2005 for the largest profit by a U.S. company. All of this even though their 4th quarter earnings dropped 4%. With data like this one can't help but wonder why petroleum prices are so high. Not only at gasoline pumps, but also all of the other petrol products. I have no problem with a company turning a profit, however, in the case of Exxon Mobil and the other oil companies I have to say that they appear to be some seriously greedy bastards. I could be wrong, and if I am I sincerely apologize, but things simply appear to be a little sketchy according to what I know now.Revision:I just realized that the profit margin was only about 10.5%, which is really not that out of line at all. The reason they break these profit records is due to the fact that their revenue is simply enormous. Read more:Exxon
, Exxon Mobil
, Record
The Spotless Mind 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A brief article in Popular Science caught my eye because of its almost science fiction type appeal. In the article "The Spotless
Mind", Alain Brunet, a clinical psychologist at McGill University, is making an attempt to erase old memories. Basically he has been doing research on patients with PTSD by inducing them to recall painful memories, and then giving them the drug propranolol. Propranolol is a 25 year old hypertension drug that blocks stress hormones. It has been proven that if propranolol is administered after a traumatic event the memories themselves can be less emotional and less vivid. Brunet is trying to take this to the next level by trying to lessen old memories. I found this interesting because one, the amazing way our brains work, and two, the fact that one day we may be able to take a pill and erase our memories. As with anything this research could eventually lead to great things, but with some possible negative implications. Obviously usage would have to
Trombone Guy 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Get your daily dose of comedy right here!
Growing a Heart 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I wrote another summary of a article I read in Popular Science.Glenn Larsen a researcher at Hydra Biosciences has been working in conjunction with a group of researchers from Harvard to develop "protein-based drugs that encourage the regrowth of muscle tissue that has died after a heart attack". Larsen's goal is to enhance the chemical factors that the heart secretes normally. Using an inhaler or a "super-sonic drug gun" patients would be able to administer the drug themselves. Upon entering the bloodstream, these protein molecules would bind to damaged heart cells. Then a chemical reaction would occur "muting" the genes that inhibit cell division. Ideally the organ, the heart in this case, would be completely restored with new cells in a few weeks. Tests in rats have been promising; with a 20% restoration from treatment after a heart attack, but trials in humans are still a few years down the road. This looks like a development that has a lot of potential… sorry PRACS Read more:Growing
, Heart
Castro. The end of an era? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 With Fidel Castro
in failing health one cannot help but wonder what exactly will happen after his inevitable death. Castro has been in power since Kennedy was elected and has had a firm grip on Cuba the whole time. What will happen to the balance of power in Cuba after Castro? Will the reigns be passed without even to his brother? Will Cuba continue to be a communist outpost in the western hemisphere? Or will there be a change in the political scene, will it be an opportunity for the people of Cuba to decide what type of government they desire? I don't know about most people, but personally I am very curious as to what will happen to Cuba in the not so distant future.
Canon In D 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Watch as this kid plays a crazy rendition of Canon
in D.
At Least 73 Died in Bombings in Iraq 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was reading the news this morning when I came across an article saying that in Hilla, Iraq
two suicide bombers detonated their bombs in busy marketplaces yesterday. At least 73 people died and more than 163 people were injured in the bombings. I am sure that virtually all of those people were just innocent civilians out doing a little shopping at the market. It is the same as in all wars past...the real victims are the civilians. For some reason when I was reading this article a song popped in my head, so I posted a few lines from it below.There's somethin' happening here, What it is ain't exactly clear. There's a man with a gun over there, Tellin' me I gotta beware. I think it's time we stop, Hey, what's that sound, Everybody look what's going down.- For What It's Worth, Stephen Stills, 1966
Free-Diving 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Once again I will be summarizing an article from Popular Science. I have to admit that I really miss my subscription to this magazine. Anyway, I read the article "One Dive, One Breath" which is about free diving. There real interesting part of this article has to do with the body's reaction to water. Once we hit the water, nerve receptors in our face tell our body to slow our heart rate. According to the article, when world-class free divers enter the water their heart rates can drop to eight beats per minute. In addition to the drop in heart rate, blood vessels in extremities constrict while the vessels in the brain, heart, and lungs dilate. The spleen also releases additional red blood cells. All of this explains how a free diver's air supply is sufficient, but something that I have always wondered about is the effect of water pressure on the body. Well, the article stated that the water pressure actually forces blood vessels to swell in the chest cavity, filling it Read more:Diving
Harry Potter 7 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It's official, the last book in the HarryPotter
series will be released to the public on July 21st at midnight. Much of the fantasy reading world has been waiting for this final installment for what seems to be far too long. I anticipate that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be yet another home run for J.K. Rowling and personally will pick it up as soon as it is released. It will be very exciting for those of us who have followed the series since the beginning to have closure brought to this now epic story. Though now that Rowling is done with the Harry Potter campaign one must speculate as to what her next move will be. Whatever she ends up doing, I would like to thank her for writing some spectacular books that helped make my teens a little more exciting.
Amazing Sunset 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My brother has really gotten into taking photos these last few years, and I thought this picture of a sunset on a lake in Minnesota was just amazing. This picture was taken using a Canon Powershot Camera, my own camera doesn't take nearly as good of pictures as my brothers, so I already know what I am asking for on my next birthday. Read more:Amazing
, Sunset
The Inner Life of the Cell 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A friend of mine referred me to this video yesterday, and I felt obligated to let all of you see it too. I will only post a link to the video, and be patient, it takes a while for the video to load. It is a really cool interpretation of what exactly goes on in a cell with neat graphics. It is definitely worth checking out.http://aimediaserver.com/studiodaily/harvard/harvard.swf
Sudoku...In the Classroom? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Yes indeed, the puzzle craze that has been sweeping the nation is now infiltrating the classroom. Sudoku
has started showing up in mathematics classes even though it doesn't actually involve any arithmetic. Sudoku puzzles are excellent for not only burning a little free time, but also stimulating your mind with a great logic exercise. If you have not tried sudoku before, I would highly recommend it and have left a link to an internet sudoku site under "links". You can also find sudoku puzzles in newspapers, other websites, and books. Have fun and give your brain a workout. Read more:Classroom
Blogvertise 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I recently registered to begin working with the Blogvertise company. This means that from time to time I will review products and/or services for them. Any posts that I write for Blogvertise will be clearly marked, and I will post only about products/companies that I have personal knowledge of and that I believe you will find helpful.
The Origin of El Niño 1970-01-01 00:59:59 We all know that El Niño is an unique weather phenomenon that occurs when abnormally warm water in the Pacific moves into the Pacific coastline of South America, but where did the name El Niño come from? I always that it was kind of a strange name for a meteorological happening. So I was interested, and felt compelled to post this, when I read about the meaning behind the name. The name El Niño is Spanish for "The Child", and the reasoning behind calling this weather phenom "The Child" is because of its tendency to show up around Christmas. Just a little fun fact for you all. Read more:Origin
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