Super Villans

This short story was just too cute not to post. Plus, I can't stand seeing that dog as soon as you open up my blog page, so I am desperate to post anything that might bump it down a bit.

I have some (nerdy) Thanksgiving thoughts that I'd like to share at some point this weekend, but that might require more writing than I have time for at the moment.

So, instead, sit back, relax and enjoy. Don't worry, it has no squawking parrots and isn't terribly long!




Length: 5:32
Original Show: #241 20 Acts
www.thisamericanlife.org

Okay, Sorry....

Yeah... That last post was a bit raw and disturbing... Sorry 'bout that...

I did manage to import all of my posts from Live Journal, including some of the angsty ones, so I am pretty sure that my transition over to this forum is complete. However, the old posts didn't retain any of the formatting, and a number of the links are broken by now. So... I guess I'll just have to deal, because I don't really have much intent to go back and correct them right now.

For now, if I've just traumatized you with the last story, you can take a jog on over to Happy News:

http://www.happynews.com/index.aspx

Where they claim that every story has a positive spin.

So Frickin Disturbed Right Now....

I had someone link me to a Facebook group that was claiming that live dogs were being used as shark bait on a French-controlled island off of the coast of Africa. I was disturbed by the thought, but figured that the story was just so much BS.

Apparently not. The story is reported here on National Geographic:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1019_051019_dog_shark.html

They show it right alongside this completely disturbing photograph. Apparently the hooks are put in the animals through the snout or paw, and then they are dragged from the back of a boat for miles until they attract a shark, sometimes while they are still alive.

So... I'm basically at a loss for words here. I don't care what sort of dire economic situation you are in, there is no possible justification for this kind of thing. As a vegetarian, I realize my perspective might be a bit skewed relative to the general population, but someone who could do something like this must be inhuman. This story makes me want to donate a thousand dollars to some militant environmental "Greenpeace-esq" group, and then outfit them with heavy weaponry...

So frickin sad.

Another Look at Love

Well, a good portion of my afternoon is shot, but I did finally get the thing to post. Which I guess officially means that I have the tech-savy of your average 12-year-old...

Moving on up in the world! Woot!

So, this is another little fun story about what it means to be in love, told by one of my favorite authors: David Sedaris.




Length: 5:32
Original Show: #221 Fake ID
www.thisamericanlife.org

New Look and New Audio - On the Meaning of Love

So... Part of the reason that I wish to swap over from LiveJournal, which was annoying me to no end, was that I could supposedly post audio files easily from this Blog. So here goes, my very first attempt to do so.

This story is one of many which I will feature from the absolutely fabulous radio show: This American Life. I have recently been listening to pretty much every episode that has ever been made for this show, and the vast majority of the programs are amazing. If you aren't someone who I've already gushed at regarding the show, it is a program with a simple premise: each week, take a look at the life of Americans as viewed through a particular prism or theme. Then bring a couple of real-life stories (and the occasional amusing short work of fiction) to shed light on that theme.

The story that I want to start out with is a cute little one about what it means to love and to be in love. And what that means to those around you, who love you in turn.



Length: 11:20
Full program is #228: You Are So Beautiful to Me
www.thisamericanlife.org

Pandas and Culture

So, I was bored at work and stumbled across this article on CNN:

Panda bites student seeking hug:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/22/panda.bites.man.china.ap/index.html

Apparently some 20 year old guy in China jumped a few fences and rushed up to this panda in the zoo, hoping to "cuddle". Instead, the panda bit him repeatedly on the arms and legs. Then security was called and chased the panda off. But my favorite part of this article comes is a quote from the park ranger when asked if the zoo would be putting up additional signs or fencing:

"We cannot make it like a prison. We already have signs up warning people not to climb in," he said. "There are no fences along roads but people know not to cross if there are cars. This is basic knowledge."

It just struck me as hilarious at the moment. It sorta feels like the entire difference between Chinese and American perception of public safety encapsulated in a moment.

And in this instance, who could blame them? In the US, that zoo would probably have raised the fence, put razor wire at the top, killed the panda and would still have a lawsuit to deal with.

But, I gotta say, that panda is pretty damn cute. I think I need a hug too...

A little about my actual life...

So... Since it has been forever since I've posted, I guess a bit of update is in order.

I have about 5 months left in my program. It will be "crunch time" very soon. But on the plus side, I am ready to move on and up. I will be working with Dr. Pam Silver in Boston (http://silver.med.harvard.edu/) come April/May. I am excited about the move and looking forward to Boston.

Also in new news, I have been told that I have sleep apnea and have probably had it for quite some time. While hardly some awful disease, it can cause some major disruptions in sleep patterns and lead to a host of downstream, very much more serious conditions. So, I am now on a CPAP machine while I sleep, which is basically this mask that goes on your face and provides positive air pressure to keep your windpipe open while you are sleeping.

Its not so bad really... It looks like it would be more uncomfortable than it really is... See, here is a picture of me reading in bed with my new CPAP machine and mask on:

Actually, though it does make me feel like an old man to be wearing something like this, the effects have been IMMEDIATE! I just got the thing this Monday. Already, in the 3 different seminars that I have sat through, I have not had any trouble staying awake. I've read papers and books, all without even getting drowsy. Which, for the last 4 years or so, is basically unheard of. It is a god-send and I am so excited about it. I may even go attempt to read a book in the tub again! (Those who have known me for a while, will know that pretty much all of my older books suffer from major water damage).

But generally, I am so happy with it, and hope that it continues. I have missed casual reading in a major way for the last few years!

Anyone read any good books lately?