Hello again internet.
I'm going to change up the point of this blog. My ears are generally these days occupied with podcasts. So I'm going to add them to my music posts. I often listen to long, dense podcasts. I apologize or not. Whatever.
First a jam by Shook called 'Hold Tight' to win you over (download).
Now I'll perhaps continue winning you over with a little science. Science about Bonobos. Skeptically Speaking is a nice podcast out of Canada. In this podcast they speak first to a guy who talks about the complexity of the modern world and the common past-times of either escaping modernity or trying to dig into the nuts and bolts of modernity. Then the host speaks to a very entertaining Bonobo researcher. She discusses the prevalence of, yes, sexual activity among Bonobos, but also the seeming lack of violence in Bonobo society. Highly recommend (download).
Thinking about society inevitably leads to how we should be governed. Now, I'm going to lose you by announcing that I'm a libertarian. A liberal-leaning libertarian but mostly a libertarian. Before you hate me and leave, try listening to this: http://www.divshare.com/download/21377987-e4d
Jason Brennan speaks about his new book Libertarianism: What everyone needs to know. He does runs through some common criticisms lobbed at libertarianism and answers them. It may be helpful. I encourage you to take a listen. It's important to be considerate of opponents in any argument because that person is, inevitably, a person. It's explained well here:
I'm a frequent listener and follower of the Cato Institute. They are the prominent libertarian think-tank. I'm a fan of libertarianism primarily for it's empiricism and it's acknowledgement of how people will respond to incentives. I think Penn Jillette is a bit wild sometimes. But I very much agreed with most of what he says in this interview with Brian Lehrer about libertarianism (around 13 minutes in, download)
We can even go further back and look at how Adam Smith saw humanity (download).
This certainly dictated much of his later economic theory.
Anyway, starting off intense. My apologies. I'll play myself out. Here's a little Raphael Saadiq (download).
Next time: podcasts about the recent marijuana legalizations! (Hint: I believe the war on drugs has led to a cycle of criminalization of primarily minorities)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sunday, April 11, 2010
So many concerts in April
There are bands aplenty coming through dallas this month.
(Also tons of birthdays, including my own; what was happening 9 months ago?)
We've already seen Yeasayer (which is really to me already the peak of the month). That was excellent. I saw them at funfunfunfest too, but seeing them inside at a venue was a much better experience just as far as sound quality and intimacy. Also Granada is really stepping up in general. They are bringing it hard with the shows. They saw an opportunity when Deep Ellum went to shit (I really miss Gypsy but what can ya do). They saw their chance and took it, and they are not disappointing. (They even have Talib Kweli and Hi Tek coming in May. Awesome.)
But let's stick to April.
The Yeasayer show was great. And congrats to them for having so many sold out shows on this tour (unfortunately that means that my friend in Chicago didn't get to enjoy a show, poor Adam). They've come a long way since I was obsessing over All Hour Cymbals and I am both proud of them and excited that I've now seen them twice. That number should hopefully increase greatly when I'm in NY. I finally got to see 2080 live as well, very exciting (I just looked at my last.fm account and saw that I've listened to that song 100 times. Ridiculous).
Javelin opened. Quite a unique band indeed. Check out Yeasayer's own blog for a little Javelin ditty. Also here's one that I'm very partial to, Oh! Centra: (Download) Check em out on myspace.
Yeasayer seems to like to take a while to set up. I don't know what that's about fellas. So, they got started a little late. The show was worth the wait, of course. They had these wild light panels set up:
They opened unsurprisingly with The Children. It worked so well on the album, I knew they'd start the show with it. Then they hit all the crucials from both albums: Rome, Wait for the Summer, Madder Red, O.N.E., 2080 (and plenty of others; they played for a while). Ambling Alp was a good choice for the closer. But, the audience wasn't happy with that length of show. The room screamed for an encore and they came back and played Grizelda and (thank god) Sunrise. Both times I've seen them now they've teased me by saving Sunrise for last. I can't really say what was the most enjoyable song to watch. Finally seeing 2080 was of course excellent, but I also really enjoyed O.N.E. They really got down with that one (get it?). I wish I could eventually see Wait for the Wintertime, but apparently they don't care to play that one much.
Last night we saw Camera Obscura at Hailey's in Denton. That is truly one of my favorite places to see a band. I've seen Mono, Do Make Say Think, Deer Tick, Vega, and several other shows there and they've always been spectacular. The stage is set really low with just a couple steps difference between it and the floor. It's possible to actually sit on the stage while you watch a band, which is a pleasant experience. They're a pretty easygoing establishment as well. During Mono's show, for example, I sat up on one of the speakers while they played. So, while Granada may be bringing some big names and holding their own as a venue, I can still say that I love Hailey's.
Camera Obscura was really good. However, I don't know much about them. The show was more Jenna's than mine. The singer has a lovely voice and a fantastic scottish accent to boot. Her lyrics are simple and haunting. I was a little upset at how they stuck their bassist in the corner literally in the shadows. I thought that was weird. Their opener, Princeton (which is such a god awful band name I didn't even want to like them) actually held their own pretty well. I'd be surprised if the two front men weren't brothers. They looked very much alike, and I love family bands. (But that might be because I'd like to start a band with my own brother one day if we ever live in the same place again.)
All in all, shows this week were a success, even with them both being either sold out or just packed (the line to Camera Obscura was pretty impressive). And I have high hopes for the rest of my shows this month:
Local Natives at The Cavern on lower Greenville on April 22nd
Pretty Lights and Gift of Gab at Granada April 28th
Dr. Dog and Deer Tick at The Loft April 30th.
Good month right?
And let's not forget....RECORD STORE DAY! Whoo, pumped. I'll be at Good Records to celebrate.
Also I would see Beach House at Granada on the 21st if it weren't hella sold out. Seriously, they sold out and then Granada made more tickets available and it sold out again in like 5 minutes after they announced in on facebook.
On a non-musical note, we went to the Oak Cliff Art Crawl yesterday. I wish I had, ya know, money to spend on really neat handcrafted things because that's what they were bringing. But alas, I did not. All we got were some obscure bottles of soda at The Soda Gallery and I got myself a classy cork screw at one of the shops down there. I'd recommend people go check it out if you have a little cash to drop.
I hear Fort Worth is having an art festival as well. Good time to live here. But I still look forward to New York everday. Especially as it starts getting hotter. Oh Texas Summer, I will not miss you.
While writing this, I've been listening to Prefuse 73's One Word Extinguisher. This album is just stupid good to be honest. Here's a few samples:
Track 3 - Plastic:
(Download)
Track 5 - The Color of Tempo:
(Download)
Track 10 - One Word Extinguisher:
(Download)
Until next time Internet....
(Also tons of birthdays, including my own; what was happening 9 months ago?)
We've already seen Yeasayer (which is really to me already the peak of the month). That was excellent. I saw them at funfunfunfest too, but seeing them inside at a venue was a much better experience just as far as sound quality and intimacy. Also Granada is really stepping up in general. They are bringing it hard with the shows. They saw an opportunity when Deep Ellum went to shit (I really miss Gypsy but what can ya do). They saw their chance and took it, and they are not disappointing. (They even have Talib Kweli and Hi Tek coming in May. Awesome.)
But let's stick to April.
The Yeasayer show was great. And congrats to them for having so many sold out shows on this tour (unfortunately that means that my friend in Chicago didn't get to enjoy a show, poor Adam). They've come a long way since I was obsessing over All Hour Cymbals and I am both proud of them and excited that I've now seen them twice. That number should hopefully increase greatly when I'm in NY. I finally got to see 2080 live as well, very exciting (I just looked at my last.fm account and saw that I've listened to that song 100 times. Ridiculous).
Javelin opened. Quite a unique band indeed. Check out Yeasayer's own blog for a little Javelin ditty. Also here's one that I'm very partial to, Oh! Centra: (Download) Check em out on myspace.
Yeasayer seems to like to take a while to set up. I don't know what that's about fellas. So, they got started a little late. The show was worth the wait, of course. They had these wild light panels set up:
They opened unsurprisingly with The Children. It worked so well on the album, I knew they'd start the show with it. Then they hit all the crucials from both albums: Rome, Wait for the Summer, Madder Red, O.N.E., 2080 (and plenty of others; they played for a while). Ambling Alp was a good choice for the closer. But, the audience wasn't happy with that length of show. The room screamed for an encore and they came back and played Grizelda and (thank god) Sunrise. Both times I've seen them now they've teased me by saving Sunrise for last. I can't really say what was the most enjoyable song to watch. Finally seeing 2080 was of course excellent, but I also really enjoyed O.N.E. They really got down with that one (get it?). I wish I could eventually see Wait for the Wintertime, but apparently they don't care to play that one much.
Last night we saw Camera Obscura at Hailey's in Denton. That is truly one of my favorite places to see a band. I've seen Mono, Do Make Say Think, Deer Tick, Vega, and several other shows there and they've always been spectacular. The stage is set really low with just a couple steps difference between it and the floor. It's possible to actually sit on the stage while you watch a band, which is a pleasant experience. They're a pretty easygoing establishment as well. During Mono's show, for example, I sat up on one of the speakers while they played. So, while Granada may be bringing some big names and holding their own as a venue, I can still say that I love Hailey's.
Camera Obscura was really good. However, I don't know much about them. The show was more Jenna's than mine. The singer has a lovely voice and a fantastic scottish accent to boot. Her lyrics are simple and haunting. I was a little upset at how they stuck their bassist in the corner literally in the shadows. I thought that was weird. Their opener, Princeton (which is such a god awful band name I didn't even want to like them) actually held their own pretty well. I'd be surprised if the two front men weren't brothers. They looked very much alike, and I love family bands. (But that might be because I'd like to start a band with my own brother one day if we ever live in the same place again.)
All in all, shows this week were a success, even with them both being either sold out or just packed (the line to Camera Obscura was pretty impressive). And I have high hopes for the rest of my shows this month:
Local Natives at The Cavern on lower Greenville on April 22nd
Pretty Lights and Gift of Gab at Granada April 28th
Dr. Dog and Deer Tick at The Loft April 30th.
Good month right?
And let's not forget....RECORD STORE DAY! Whoo, pumped. I'll be at Good Records to celebrate.
Also I would see Beach House at Granada on the 21st if it weren't hella sold out. Seriously, they sold out and then Granada made more tickets available and it sold out again in like 5 minutes after they announced in on facebook.
On a non-musical note, we went to the Oak Cliff Art Crawl yesterday. I wish I had, ya know, money to spend on really neat handcrafted things because that's what they were bringing. But alas, I did not. All we got were some obscure bottles of soda at The Soda Gallery and I got myself a classy cork screw at one of the shops down there. I'd recommend people go check it out if you have a little cash to drop.
I hear Fort Worth is having an art festival as well. Good time to live here. But I still look forward to New York everday. Especially as it starts getting hotter. Oh Texas Summer, I will not miss you.
While writing this, I've been listening to Prefuse 73's One Word Extinguisher. This album is just stupid good to be honest. Here's a few samples:
Track 3 - Plastic:
(Download)
Track 5 - The Color of Tempo:
(Download)
Track 10 - One Word Extinguisher:
(Download)
Until next time Internet....
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Next steps
So, just got back from a visit to UT this weekend. It just reassured me that I want to go to Einstein.
I love Austin, but I've been there. Living there right now isn't crucial for me although I'd like to try it one day. The reason I bring this up first is because they did. The whole time I felt like I was being sold Austin more than the school. For instance, we didn't get a campus tour. I was there for a graduate school visit and didn't get a tour. Even of the facilities that I'd be frequently working in. All I saw were a couple rooms where presentations were given and 5 offices and 1 lab. It felt very unorganized. We were frequently shuttled somewhere and then just left to our own devices which meant convincing an unsuspecting grad student to drive you somewhere. The hotel was nice. The other applicants were great. Pretty amusing people all around.
UT will eventually be a big name in Neuroscience, of that I'm sure. However, as a student I think I should be at a more established program. There are some people there that would be very nice to work with also, but I can say that about Einstein as well.
Plus, if the city is being sold to me, how can you beat New York as far as experiencing a new place for a while? I'm sure I'd enjoy Austin and the logistics would be simpler as far as moving and visiting family and what not, but...eh...
We drank a lot. I got pretty drunk without meaning to. I really hate when that happens, but we started drinking at like 5 one day and just kept going straight to 2. And it was a lot. I guess I should've paid more attention, but it was remarkable how much alcohol was being consumed by everyone. We'll see. They'll get a good number of the folks that were there to go there I'm sure.
Anyway.
Jenna and I will be in NY March 19-22. I really hope to see some people from high school who have found their way up there. There are some shows that will be going on that weekend (Air, Habib Koite and Joseph Arthur). They'd all be nice to see. I recommend you look these folks up if you don't know them.
I'm looking forward to St. Pattie's day. We'll probably go to the parade on Greenville. Then the next weekend is NY, then next my best friend Adam and his girlfriend will be in town. I have my fun cut out for me for a while.
Well, internet, talk to you later. I have to go study Physics.
I love Austin, but I've been there. Living there right now isn't crucial for me although I'd like to try it one day. The reason I bring this up first is because they did. The whole time I felt like I was being sold Austin more than the school. For instance, we didn't get a campus tour. I was there for a graduate school visit and didn't get a tour. Even of the facilities that I'd be frequently working in. All I saw were a couple rooms where presentations were given and 5 offices and 1 lab. It felt very unorganized. We were frequently shuttled somewhere and then just left to our own devices which meant convincing an unsuspecting grad student to drive you somewhere. The hotel was nice. The other applicants were great. Pretty amusing people all around.
UT will eventually be a big name in Neuroscience, of that I'm sure. However, as a student I think I should be at a more established program. There are some people there that would be very nice to work with also, but I can say that about Einstein as well.
Plus, if the city is being sold to me, how can you beat New York as far as experiencing a new place for a while? I'm sure I'd enjoy Austin and the logistics would be simpler as far as moving and visiting family and what not, but...eh...
We drank a lot. I got pretty drunk without meaning to. I really hate when that happens, but we started drinking at like 5 one day and just kept going straight to 2. And it was a lot. I guess I should've paid more attention, but it was remarkable how much alcohol was being consumed by everyone. We'll see. They'll get a good number of the folks that were there to go there I'm sure.
Anyway.
Jenna and I will be in NY March 19-22. I really hope to see some people from high school who have found their way up there. There are some shows that will be going on that weekend (Air, Habib Koite and Joseph Arthur). They'd all be nice to see. I recommend you look these folks up if you don't know them.
I'm looking forward to St. Pattie's day. We'll probably go to the parade on Greenville. Then the next weekend is NY, then next my best friend Adam and his girlfriend will be in town. I have my fun cut out for me for a while.
Well, internet, talk to you later. I have to go study Physics.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Music and Decisions and Music Decisions
So there are a lot of albums that have recently come out that are worth note.
First is the new Yeasayer album, Odd Blood. This is a follow-up to their debut album. It is a departure from their first but it does not disappoint. While being a good deal poppier and synth-ier, it still maintains the Yeasayer feel with lyrics both poetic and unique and complicated, fascinating music. Ambling Alp was the single, and it is a very strong song on the album, but others like O.N.E. and Love Me Girl will surely become popular as well. And these are the songs that I would introduce people to the album with. However my current favorite is Rome.
Spoon also put out another album. I wouldn't call it revolutionary, but it's still solid Spoon. A strong album. The transitions between their songs continue to be rough and confusing. I don't know why they insist on ending songs so abruptly but it seems to be a conscious decision as it has featured on at least two albums now.
There is one album I definitely need to put some money down on: Midlake - The courage of others. This is a band out of Denton. The Dallas Observer called this the best album to come out of Denton. I found that to be a bold statement, but after listening to it, I don't know that I'd disagree. It is complicated, beautiful and inspired. It is the perfect soundtrack for sitting on a couch. Or perhaps for the middle part of a long car trip when you have already listened to more aggressive music. Not to say this isn't an aggressive album. It just isn't obviously so. If you pay attention, the unbelievably bold guitar parts are quite exciting but a superficial listen will miss them.
There are a few more recent albums I have to decide if I want to purchase as I have not given them full listens quite yet. Beach House put out Teen Dreams, which is a bit less lo-fi and spacey but still maintains those strong beautiful vocals that Victoria Legrand provides. Jaga Jazzist is a 10-piece out of Norway. Their album A Livingroom Hush is one of my favorite albums of all time and we will see how their new one, One-Armed Bandit, lives up to their past successes. Four Tet also put out a new album (and it features vocals! what?!). There is Love in You, seems like a continuation of Four Tet's complex and beautiful discography of sounds. After one full listen, it does not disappoint but it will need a few more I'm sure.
In my personal world, I am currently deciding between a school in Austin TX and a school in New York. I'll be visiting UT Austin this weekend. The school in New York seems like both the best option for my career and the most exciting option for my life experience. Fortunately, both places are home to very strong Neuroscience programs and are surrounded by world-renowned music scenes and culture. So, my decision will be tough but either option will suit my needs.
Here are some samples of the mentioned albums (enjoy):
Yeasayer - O.N.E.
Spoon - Before Destruction
Midlake - Acts of Man
First is the new Yeasayer album, Odd Blood. This is a follow-up to their debut album. It is a departure from their first but it does not disappoint. While being a good deal poppier and synth-ier, it still maintains the Yeasayer feel with lyrics both poetic and unique and complicated, fascinating music. Ambling Alp was the single, and it is a very strong song on the album, but others like O.N.E. and Love Me Girl will surely become popular as well. And these are the songs that I would introduce people to the album with. However my current favorite is Rome.
Spoon also put out another album. I wouldn't call it revolutionary, but it's still solid Spoon. A strong album. The transitions between their songs continue to be rough and confusing. I don't know why they insist on ending songs so abruptly but it seems to be a conscious decision as it has featured on at least two albums now.
There is one album I definitely need to put some money down on: Midlake - The courage of others. This is a band out of Denton. The Dallas Observer called this the best album to come out of Denton. I found that to be a bold statement, but after listening to it, I don't know that I'd disagree. It is complicated, beautiful and inspired. It is the perfect soundtrack for sitting on a couch. Or perhaps for the middle part of a long car trip when you have already listened to more aggressive music. Not to say this isn't an aggressive album. It just isn't obviously so. If you pay attention, the unbelievably bold guitar parts are quite exciting but a superficial listen will miss them.
There are a few more recent albums I have to decide if I want to purchase as I have not given them full listens quite yet. Beach House put out Teen Dreams, which is a bit less lo-fi and spacey but still maintains those strong beautiful vocals that Victoria Legrand provides. Jaga Jazzist is a 10-piece out of Norway. Their album A Livingroom Hush is one of my favorite albums of all time and we will see how their new one, One-Armed Bandit, lives up to their past successes. Four Tet also put out a new album (and it features vocals! what?!). There is Love in You, seems like a continuation of Four Tet's complex and beautiful discography of sounds. After one full listen, it does not disappoint but it will need a few more I'm sure.
In my personal world, I am currently deciding between a school in Austin TX and a school in New York. I'll be visiting UT Austin this weekend. The school in New York seems like both the best option for my career and the most exciting option for my life experience. Fortunately, both places are home to very strong Neuroscience programs and are surrounded by world-renowned music scenes and culture. So, my decision will be tough but either option will suit my needs.
Here are some samples of the mentioned albums (enjoy):
Yeasayer - O.N.E.
Spoon - Before Destruction
Midlake - Acts of Man
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
State of My Doings
Okay, so.....
Where have I been?
So, I'm officially accepted to Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
I'll be doin' some research.
I went up for an interview/visit a couple weeks ago. Less than a week later I was stepping out of my biochemistry class to here Dr. Sillitoe tell me that I'd be accepted. It's strange. I have been denied from a lesser school than Albert Einstein and they excitedly accepted me. It'd be super to know what each school saw in me.
The logistics of moving to New York (oh yeah that's where the school is) is pretty complicated. There's lots of stuff I want to take with me and dragging it across the country is a big endeavor. I'll have to talk things into coming with me soon enough, as soon as I figure out where I'm going to put them.
The other option is UT in Austin. I'll be going to a weekend there in March. It's a good program and it is closer. The logistics would be less complicated, but New York just sounds like such a better place to try out. I don't know
I'm addicted to the following shows:
Community, Better Off Ted, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation.
Listening to Obama, I think getting into science right now is a great decision. "We need to up our investment in Math and Science.." Works for me.
He is speaking about the distrust of the government. It would be nice if I could trust the government, but is that possible? Can you trust the people who do that for a living? Who get paid to say the exact right thing?
I don't know.
I'm taking Biochemistry this semester and I think I'm behind. I need to figure out what the point is, what the general schema is into which I can insert all this data.
Okay I'm rambling.
Let's have a song:
Where have I been?
So, I'm officially accepted to Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
I'll be doin' some research.
I went up for an interview/visit a couple weeks ago. Less than a week later I was stepping out of my biochemistry class to here Dr. Sillitoe tell me that I'd be accepted. It's strange. I have been denied from a lesser school than Albert Einstein and they excitedly accepted me. It'd be super to know what each school saw in me.
The logistics of moving to New York (oh yeah that's where the school is) is pretty complicated. There's lots of stuff I want to take with me and dragging it across the country is a big endeavor. I'll have to talk things into coming with me soon enough, as soon as I figure out where I'm going to put them.
The other option is UT in Austin. I'll be going to a weekend there in March. It's a good program and it is closer. The logistics would be less complicated, but New York just sounds like such a better place to try out. I don't know
I'm addicted to the following shows:
Community, Better Off Ted, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation.
Listening to Obama, I think getting into science right now is a great decision. "We need to up our investment in Math and Science.." Works for me.
He is speaking about the distrust of the government. It would be nice if I could trust the government, but is that possible? Can you trust the people who do that for a living? Who get paid to say the exact right thing?
I don't know.
I'm taking Biochemistry this semester and I think I'm behind. I need to figure out what the point is, what the general schema is into which I can insert all this data.
Okay I'm rambling.
Let's have a song:
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Some music I've found
So I've been finding plenty of new music lately.
I'll share some of my findings in the form of a playlist.
Bibio - Lovers' Carvings.
Gang Gang Dance - House Jam
Born Ruffians - Hedonistic Me
Foals - Red Sock Pugie
The XX - Basic Space
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Indiana
Metronomy - On Dancefloors
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Don't Haunt This Place
The Spinto Band - Did I Tell You
Soul Coughing - Rolling
Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer
Oh No! Oh My! - Walk in the Park
The Tallest Man on Earth - The Gardner
Yeasayer's New Single - Ambling Alp
Here's that video.
Also, all my application stuff is officially at the schools, now that my last recommender sent in the letters. Here is the list if anyone is interested:
Yale, Johns Hopkins, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, UCSF, Oregeon Health & Science U, Washington U in St. Louis, UT. Now I wait. I'm really ready to not be an undergrad anymore. However, there is one more semester. I'm not sure what the best way to spend that time is. A programming class might be a good way to go. We'll see. I know being a grad student is still a student but something about saying I'm in a Ph.D. program just seems like a sign that I'm committed and focused. Those are things I need to have going on with me. There are some habits I'll have to form when I'm a grad student. Can't watch so much Hulu anymore. I need to start reading more. I'll be in an apartment so I'll have to walk the Homes more often. I've gotten spoiled with my ability to just put him in the yard. I'm thinking my next school will finally be one that I wear shirts for. I've never done that. But all the schools I applied to are worthy of some spirit I think. The possibility of not getting into any school is a little unnerving. I suppose I'll try to find a lab tech job if things turn out that way. I really hope to not hold a bachelor's in Neuroscience and start working as a waiter or something. If I do get into a school, it'll be quite a change. I'll be moving to a place that I may not have ever been before. Bring Homesly will be a challenge. I'm going to need to find some place that allows dogs and has an administrative center out of my way so they never see him. It'll be difficult but I'll pull it off. I look forward to living in a city. Dallas is a city of course. But a strange one indeed. And I look forward to not having to drive as much. In fact I hope to be able to sell my car. Anyway, file this under the irrelevant musings section.
Enjoy the tunes.
I'll share some of my findings in the form of a playlist.
Bibio - Lovers' Carvings.
Gang Gang Dance - House Jam
Born Ruffians - Hedonistic Me
Foals - Red Sock Pugie
The XX - Basic Space
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Indiana
Metronomy - On Dancefloors
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Don't Haunt This Place
The Spinto Band - Did I Tell You
Soul Coughing - Rolling
Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer
Oh No! Oh My! - Walk in the Park
The Tallest Man on Earth - The Gardner
Yeasayer's New Single - Ambling Alp
Here's that video.
Also, all my application stuff is officially at the schools, now that my last recommender sent in the letters. Here is the list if anyone is interested:
Yale, Johns Hopkins, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, UCSF, Oregeon Health & Science U, Washington U in St. Louis, UT. Now I wait. I'm really ready to not be an undergrad anymore. However, there is one more semester. I'm not sure what the best way to spend that time is. A programming class might be a good way to go. We'll see. I know being a grad student is still a student but something about saying I'm in a Ph.D. program just seems like a sign that I'm committed and focused. Those are things I need to have going on with me. There are some habits I'll have to form when I'm a grad student. Can't watch so much Hulu anymore. I need to start reading more. I'll be in an apartment so I'll have to walk the Homes more often. I've gotten spoiled with my ability to just put him in the yard. I'm thinking my next school will finally be one that I wear shirts for. I've never done that. But all the schools I applied to are worthy of some spirit I think. The possibility of not getting into any school is a little unnerving. I suppose I'll try to find a lab tech job if things turn out that way. I really hope to not hold a bachelor's in Neuroscience and start working as a waiter or something. If I do get into a school, it'll be quite a change. I'll be moving to a place that I may not have ever been before. Bring Homesly will be a challenge. I'm going to need to find some place that allows dogs and has an administrative center out of my way so they never see him. It'll be difficult but I'll pull it off. I look forward to living in a city. Dallas is a city of course. But a strange one indeed. And I look forward to not having to drive as much. In fact I hope to be able to sell my car. Anyway, file this under the irrelevant musings section.
Enjoy the tunes.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Funfunfunfest was, well, fun. (Warning: this post will take you forever to read if you do it right.)
Let's see.....
Big thing was seeing Yeasayer
Unfortunately you can't see us in the video but Jenna and I were right up front. It had to be done.
They mostly played new stuff. It was delicious. The upcoming album is going to be great.
They did play Sunrise though. That made my fest.
Also, Ratatat.
And more Ratatat.
They were a lovely end to the first day. They played seventeen years. Golden. Loved it.
We also saw a lovely little band called Foot Patrol. They sang all about foot fetishes. Had some dancers and some amusing costumes.
Nick Thune was on Day 2. Very funny. This is not him from the fest but here is a sample of how ridiculous he is.
Chelsea Perreti...also very funny. She played an extremely awkward tape of a guy screaming during sex and calling her his mom.
Royal Bangs was what we were first greeted by.
Let's see what else
Saw......(actual fest vids when available)
Atlas Sound
This Will Destroy You
Les Savy Fav (yes the singer and one other person are crowd surfing on a ladder)
Melt Banana
Why? put on a great show
Crystal Antlers
All Leather
No Age
Fuck Buttons
Vega
We missed some folks because it rained bad on Sunday and after soaking for 7 hours, we just couldn't deal any longer. The good stuff was Saturday though truth me told. Seeing Yeasayer was bomb and I can't wait til they come to Dallas so I can see them in a non-fest setting.
Anyway, it was a good time. The rain kinda blew but whatcha gonna do?
I should definitely be studying for physics right now.
Physics makes us all its bitches.
Let's see.....
Big thing was seeing Yeasayer
Unfortunately you can't see us in the video but Jenna and I were right up front. It had to be done.
They mostly played new stuff. It was delicious. The upcoming album is going to be great.
They did play Sunrise though. That made my fest.
Also, Ratatat.
And more Ratatat.
They were a lovely end to the first day. They played seventeen years. Golden. Loved it.
We also saw a lovely little band called Foot Patrol. They sang all about foot fetishes. Had some dancers and some amusing costumes.
Nick Thune was on Day 2. Very funny. This is not him from the fest but here is a sample of how ridiculous he is.
Chelsea Perreti...also very funny. She played an extremely awkward tape of a guy screaming during sex and calling her his mom.
Royal Bangs was what we were first greeted by.
Let's see what else
Saw......(actual fest vids when available)
Atlas Sound
This Will Destroy You
Les Savy Fav (yes the singer and one other person are crowd surfing on a ladder)
Melt Banana
Why? put on a great show
Crystal Antlers
All Leather
No Age
Fuck Buttons
Vega
We missed some folks because it rained bad on Sunday and after soaking for 7 hours, we just couldn't deal any longer. The good stuff was Saturday though truth me told. Seeing Yeasayer was bomb and I can't wait til they come to Dallas so I can see them in a non-fest setting.
Anyway, it was a good time. The rain kinda blew but whatcha gonna do?
I should definitely be studying for physics right now.
Physics makes us all its bitches.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
CoMO and what not
So it's been a bit. A couple weekends ago I went to Columbia Missouri for Mizzou's Homecoming.
Here are some highlights:
-Thai Kitchen and the perma-stoned waitress that told us our food looked good but smelled even better as she set it in front of us. Also, the vegetable creatures that distracted me most of the meal.
-Having a slap fight with one Rachel Canania.
-Kabobs and beer under a tent cover.
-Grilling up some brats.
-Almost dying at El Rancho.
-Not going to 63 Diner.
-Jenna’s purse taking a few Jello shots.
-Being given a large glass of green label by a generous student council president.
-Dozer.
-Hanging out with girls watching Dawn of the Dead while they laid around like dudes.
-Sleeping in the maid’s quarters.
-Being completely stopped on the highway just about to enter Missouri as a final fuck you from Sucklahoma.
I am also going to Funfunfunfest this weekend. Very excited.
I have started officially submitting applications to graduate programs in neuroscience. It's nerve-racking pressing that submit button.
I am being included as an author on a couple posters to the Cognitive Neuroscience Society conference 2010. It is being held in Montreal so I may be there next April. Very nice.
Here is a song I've had stuck in my head the last couple days:
Not much else to say at the moment.
I have been schooling a lot. I am learning a good amount about memory which is nice. Here is a question:
Can you delete a memory you already have? Think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind.
http://www.divshare.com/download/9169708-c63
This is a paper I did a presentation about. Basically they were able to get a rat to learn something simple. In this case it was "when you hear this tone, you're going to get shocked". Then they tested their memory. To do this, they played the tone and looked at how scared the rat was (how long the rat froze (rats have a deer-in-the-headlights kind of response to fear)). Then right at that moment that the rat was remembering the initial experience, they injected a drug. Then later when they tested the memory again, those rats that had been given the drug, did not show fear. One possibility is that the memory was actually erased. Another possibility is that the emotional arousal of it, the fear, was removed from the memory.
The idea that you can disrupt consolidation of a memory after learning is not new. Nor is the idea that you can disrupt reconsolidation of a memory after it is retrieved, but this paper is a clear example of it and has brought reconsolidation back into the spotlight.
A study that I have assisted in recently tracked the neural mapping of a location, by recording these things called place cells. Basically there are cells that fire when you are in a certain position in a room (for the rats it's on a maze). We then trained the rat to be afraid of a tone just like the above study did. When we played that tone while the rats were on the maze, we disrupted the place that the cells fired. Essentially we were able to get them to remap their environment on a neural level by playing a tone.
That's just some of the stuff I do/read.
I'm going to end it with a goofy song:
Have a good one. I'll let you know how funfunfunfest is.
P.S. My favorite pen died yesterday. This is upsetting.
Here are some highlights:
-Thai Kitchen and the perma-stoned waitress that told us our food looked good but smelled even better as she set it in front of us. Also, the vegetable creatures that distracted me most of the meal.
-Having a slap fight with one Rachel Canania.
-Kabobs and beer under a tent cover.
-Grilling up some brats.
-Almost dying at El Rancho.
-Not going to 63 Diner.
-Jenna’s purse taking a few Jello shots.
-Being given a large glass of green label by a generous student council president.
-Dozer.
-Hanging out with girls watching Dawn of the Dead while they laid around like dudes.
-Sleeping in the maid’s quarters.
-Being completely stopped on the highway just about to enter Missouri as a final fuck you from Sucklahoma.
I am also going to Funfunfunfest this weekend. Very excited.
I have started officially submitting applications to graduate programs in neuroscience. It's nerve-racking pressing that submit button.
I am being included as an author on a couple posters to the Cognitive Neuroscience Society conference 2010. It is being held in Montreal so I may be there next April. Very nice.
Here is a song I've had stuck in my head the last couple days:
Not much else to say at the moment.
I have been schooling a lot. I am learning a good amount about memory which is nice. Here is a question:
Can you delete a memory you already have? Think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind.
http://www.divshare.com/download/9169708-c63
This is a paper I did a presentation about. Basically they were able to get a rat to learn something simple. In this case it was "when you hear this tone, you're going to get shocked". Then they tested their memory. To do this, they played the tone and looked at how scared the rat was (how long the rat froze (rats have a deer-in-the-headlights kind of response to fear)). Then right at that moment that the rat was remembering the initial experience, they injected a drug. Then later when they tested the memory again, those rats that had been given the drug, did not show fear. One possibility is that the memory was actually erased. Another possibility is that the emotional arousal of it, the fear, was removed from the memory.
The idea that you can disrupt consolidation of a memory after learning is not new. Nor is the idea that you can disrupt reconsolidation of a memory after it is retrieved, but this paper is a clear example of it and has brought reconsolidation back into the spotlight.
A study that I have assisted in recently tracked the neural mapping of a location, by recording these things called place cells. Basically there are cells that fire when you are in a certain position in a room (for the rats it's on a maze). We then trained the rat to be afraid of a tone just like the above study did. When we played that tone while the rats were on the maze, we disrupted the place that the cells fired. Essentially we were able to get them to remap their environment on a neural level by playing a tone.
That's just some of the stuff I do/read.
I'm going to end it with a goofy song:
Have a good one. I'll let you know how funfunfunfest is.
P.S. My favorite pen died yesterday. This is upsetting.
Monday, October 19, 2009
So, saw Where the Wild Things Are on Imax this past weekend. I've seen a few complaints about it, but I thought it was very well done. The costumes were unbelievable. There was only one moment I could see the computer animation done. I'm not sure if that's because it was the only incident of that or if the others were just executed more cleverly. The soundtrack could be a bit repetitive at times but it was a nice theme running through the film. Mostly I think it was a film that could be enjoyed by an extremely varied audience.
I also loved Ira; he killed me:
I've been listening to some Talib Kweli the past couple of days. I have always appreciated his style but haven't listened to as much of just him (mostly just listened to black start and various mos def tracks on which he was featured).
Here's a nice one:
Applications are almost done.
It would've been much nicer to deal with this process when I wasn't also taking a full schedule of classes. But it'll be nice to have it done.
I also loved Ira; he killed me:
I've been listening to some Talib Kweli the past couple of days. I have always appreciated his style but haven't listened to as much of just him (mostly just listened to black start and various mos def tracks on which he was featured).
Here's a nice one:
Applications are almost done.
It would've been much nicer to deal with this process when I wasn't also taking a full schedule of classes. But it'll be nice to have it done.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
First, this is romance.
Second,
The entire city of Richardson, TX is infested with ants. If you're in the area take note. Just drive down Campbell. There are a crazy number of ant hills covering the medians. Some appear to be up to 12 inches tall. I only noticed because a little while back some ants moved into our house. Not in the normal way, like 'oh bummer man, we've got ants'. But rather, they imported sand into one of the rooms in the house and actually built an ant hill inside. I had to sweep up a whole ant hill and throw it out the back window. Richardson, please take care of this. Or perhaps we should move into a house that is more like a house and less like a tent.
Third,
I saw RTB2 at the Amsterdam Bar on Exposition in Dallas on Saturday. Luna Matto opened for them. Jenna and I went purely out of lack of something else to do. It ended up being a very nice spontaneous evening.
First we ran into this.
Or rather this.
We each picked up a tag from her tag sale. I kept it simple:
The Wit Gallery was quite nice. This is second time I accidentally stumbled upon it. The first was actually the night of its opening, which did not disappoint either. The man I assume to be Jay is very welcoming and willing to talk with people.
Then we went across the street to the Amsterdam Bar. The Bartenders are very willing to make suggestions which I like because I like to try new things/don't really care to choose if I don't have to.
Luna Matto was a very entertaining show. Her voice is so sweet. The recordings are not as loud as the show was. But both avenues to listening to this band are worth the time.
Then was RTB2. They delivered. We ended up scraping together the 5 singles we had between us to buy the EP. RTB2 consists of Ryan and Grady. Two seemingly sweet-hearted boys from Denton TX. If you hear of them playing, I'd recommend making the trip.
Here's some evidence
Beta Crush
Letters to a young Danny Kennedy
Later
Second,
The entire city of Richardson, TX is infested with ants. If you're in the area take note. Just drive down Campbell. There are a crazy number of ant hills covering the medians. Some appear to be up to 12 inches tall. I only noticed because a little while back some ants moved into our house. Not in the normal way, like 'oh bummer man, we've got ants'. But rather, they imported sand into one of the rooms in the house and actually built an ant hill inside. I had to sweep up a whole ant hill and throw it out the back window. Richardson, please take care of this. Or perhaps we should move into a house that is more like a house and less like a tent.
Third,
I saw RTB2 at the Amsterdam Bar on Exposition in Dallas on Saturday. Luna Matto opened for them. Jenna and I went purely out of lack of something else to do. It ended up being a very nice spontaneous evening.
First we ran into this.
Or rather this.
We each picked up a tag from her tag sale. I kept it simple:
The Wit Gallery was quite nice. This is second time I accidentally stumbled upon it. The first was actually the night of its opening, which did not disappoint either. The man I assume to be Jay is very welcoming and willing to talk with people.
Then we went across the street to the Amsterdam Bar. The Bartenders are very willing to make suggestions which I like because I like to try new things/don't really care to choose if I don't have to.
Luna Matto was a very entertaining show. Her voice is so sweet. The recordings are not as loud as the show was. But both avenues to listening to this band are worth the time.
Then was RTB2. They delivered. We ended up scraping together the 5 singles we had between us to buy the EP. RTB2 consists of Ryan and Grady. Two seemingly sweet-hearted boys from Denton TX. If you hear of them playing, I'd recommend making the trip.
Here's some evidence
Beta Crush
Letters to a young Danny Kennedy
Later
Monday, October 12, 2009
Yeasayer - 2080/Tightrope (La Blogotheque's Take Away Show)
I can't wait to see these guys at funfunfunfest:
Yeasayer - 2080/Tightrope (La Blogotheque's Take Away Show)
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Yeasayer - 2080/Tightrope (La Blogotheque's Take Away Show)
Posted using ShareThis
First thing's first
I should be studying physics and applying for graduate schools. These are the most pertinent things in my life currently. I am studying neuroscience and plan to do that forever. I am interested in memory: the malleability of it, the process of it, the aftermath of remembering or forgetting. I am a pragmatist I think. I am a libertarian I think. I'm not particularly religious but I don't look down upon people who are.
This Blog will more or less be a means to post music that I'm particularly fond of at the moment, as well as neuroscience or other scientific work that I find especially interesting. I doubt I will put many of my opinions about the world or myself, as I find them annoying, but who knows.
I hope I keep this going, but again we'll see.
I will start by pointing out a group called Savath & Savalas. This is another moniker of Scott Herren. He is most well known I believe for his work as Prefuse 73. However, the album Apropa't under the name Savath & Savalas is what I believe to be some of his best work that I've heard.
Here is a song called Um girassol da cor de seu cabe:
Well hello blogging world and wish me luck on those more crucial things in my life than you.
This Blog will more or less be a means to post music that I'm particularly fond of at the moment, as well as neuroscience or other scientific work that I find especially interesting. I doubt I will put many of my opinions about the world or myself, as I find them annoying, but who knows.
I hope I keep this going, but again we'll see.
I will start by pointing out a group called Savath & Savalas. This is another moniker of Scott Herren. He is most well known I believe for his work as Prefuse 73. However, the album Apropa't under the name Savath & Savalas is what I believe to be some of his best work that I've heard.
Here is a song called Um girassol da cor de seu cabe:
Well hello blogging world and wish me luck on those more crucial things in my life than you.
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