Four Years

[Note: This is more or less going to be a stream of conscious post. No edits/revisions/proofreading, except for mis-spellings-otherwise I feel it makes the feelings less organic]

On the motivation levels of undergraduate students:

"...if we haven't beaten it out of them already"

Someone who I greatly admire told me this recently. It seems to be a common sentiment among us undergrads. When we arrive as freshman, it seems like we are destined to do great things, to go and change the world. Many of us were the crown jewels of our high schools, to be paraded around by those who knew us.

Capitol Steps! Year 4!

A couple weekends ago I went to see Capitol Steps for the last time as an undergraduate, and I'd have to say it was the best performance yet. It seemed that this year there were more new songs, and the old ones generally had new spins to them. It's also a good sign that the show is good when the performers are laughing so hard that they have to pause during the middle of a song. I'd definitely recommend anyone who keeps up with news and political scandals go watch Capitol Steps at some point, since their news is much better than any you can get from a news agency. Visit them at www.capsteps.com!

Oblivion

This past weekend was the first time I had seen a movie in theaters since Fantastic Four (2005) and that one mistake of an M Night Shamylamamamalan movie Lady in the Water (2006), and I'd have to say Oblivion wasn't half bad. I'd have to say the plot was at least compelling, but there were definitely some things that were a little creepy. You almost wonder how the agents never ran into each other more than once (how do you not notice these huge things floating around the planet?), and how certain memories still exist after "memory wipes". Granted, I don't remember too much from the film anymore, but it was definitely nice to get into a theater again for the first time in forever.

Beef Stock - Roasting or No Roasting?

Lately, since I've had a ridiculous amount of free time, I've been making my own stock for noodle soup. I've heard from here and there that roasting the neck bones (and meat) makes a difference in the flavor of the stock, but I haven't noticed any difference. The only different I've seen is that not roasting leads to a more clear soup that solidifies at higher temperatures. The two basically seem to taste the same in my opinion.

Perhaps I need to find some other more productive things to do outside of eating...

Apparently I'm Slow

Last week I learned I'm slower than Mantei Teo, which is a very sad thing. Granted, I also don't resemble a football player.

BRB

Getting owned :(

Help Me Understand Something...

I've played tennis since I was in middle school, and one thing I've never understood why professional women players need to shriek when they play. Growing up, I've never heard anyone I've played tennis with grunt or shriek on a regular basis. It's really annoying and seems to take a lot away from the game. It seems to be a tactic used to distract an opponent and mask the sound of the racket striking the ball (which gives a good indication of how the ball will travel). Shrieking just seems like bad sportsmanship and something that is very immature for players that I feel couldn't really win without this atrocity.

SoCal is Weak

I live in SoCal now, but I grew up in the NE, so this really cracks me up. Everyone around me freaks out when it gets "cold" (or when it "rains"). 60 degrees is perfectly warm enough for a t-shirt and shorts...

Overlooking the Ocean

(Click to Enlarge)

How Airlines Keep Their Best Customers (and Flying on the Dreamliner!)

On my most recent journey back to California I flew first class for the first time. I received a free upgrade to first class and I can now see how airlines can retain their elite fliers. After my small regional flight I had two flights on first class: PHL->IAH->LAX.