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| Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 | | 11:32 am |
why be sweet? why be careful? why be kind?
Yesterday was quite enjoyable. Rode my bike out to the East Side, and had some wonderful tea & a salad @ Café Mundi. Then rode over the Domy, and looked at a bunch of interesting art/photography books. I got into a conversation with the guy who works there about Matthew Barney, and he recommended I pick up Destricted which has a series of short films by lots of people, including Matthew Barney. Then I met up with Justin and 2 other guys for some quick rock climbing @ Bull Creek. Had to leave early to catch a movie @ 2:30. It was called Gigantic, and starred Zoey Deschanel and Paul Dano. I enjoyed the movie, but there was this very strange subplot about this homeless man who is constantly trying to kill Paul Dano. It is in no way meant to be funny, and is typically quite disturbing. More so, it has zero connection with anything else in the movie. And no explanation is given for why it keeps happening. It just sticks out, and I feel doesn't belong. Leaving the theater, I stumbled upon a band of 4 girls playing some fairly bizarre, but fun, music. The music had the distinct vibe of people on heroic doses of drugs, and I feel like half the audience was probably on mushrooms. All and all and really entertaining scene to just happen upon. Afterwards it was off to the lab for a little bit, just to check up on things, no real work was done. After climbing and bike riding all day, I felt the need for some protein, so I grabbed a quick bite of salmon and sea bass sashimi. At this point it was about 8:45, and after finding noone doing anything I considered just calling it a night. But quickly decided to keep this day going strong. I glanced over some of the music venues I'm familiar with and found a place that had 3 bands playing, starting @ 9. Nice timing. All three bands would be described as "post rock". This is one of many genre titles which means nothing. But despite that, it's a genre I like. Each band had atleast one extremely attractive girl in the band. The first opening band was by far the most impressive to me, and they played the most intense version of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" I've ever heard (granted I've only heard 4) I left before the 3rd band finished their set, as the day's activity finally caught up with me. Really a great day. Exactly what I needed. Current Mood:  rejuvenatedCurrent Music: Tom Waits | | Monday, April 13th, 2009 | | 10:49 pm |
Legions of 18 year olds, brandishing the middle finger...
Went to Crystal Castles tonight. It was lots of fun. While waiting for them to go on, I spotted a girl with old-school Rave garb on. An older couple (by older I mean maybe 4 years older than me) was also admiring the site, and the three of us had a nice conversation about "the rave". It being dead. Our guilty wishes of it coming back to life. And the never ending need for heavy bass lines and flashing lights. Thanks to running into them, I found out that Crystal Method is playing here in May (make note Rion) The show itself was very high energy. But they REALLY needed to turn up the volume on the vocals. Most of the time I could barely hear Alice... and that girl shouts LOUD!!! By the way, Alice is way more demonic looking than I ever imagined! Another complaint... they did not play nearly long enough!!!! I realize that they only have one album, so the material is limited, but the CD is waaay longer than the live set. They played for maybe 45 minutes.... and that is pushing it. Probably closer to 30-35min. I still had fun. I was surrounded by a sea of people, and a held my hand to support Alice as she dove into the crowd. It was a good time. | | Sunday, February 8th, 2009 | | 5:21 pm |
Your best friend in life is a railroad track
I've been taking a nice "personal day" of sorts today I went on a 2 hour bike ride through the Hyde Park area, and admired all the houses, and gardens and fun stuff I went to a nice vintage shop that had lots of crazy furniture, some clothes, and tons of crazy nick-knack things Went to a record shop and glanced around. Didn't buy anything. I found a copy of LP5 for $8, but came to find out it was coming my way for my birthday already (For the past 2 years I've really gotten back into the habit of actually buying CD's from artists I like. Autechre has been popular as of late) I got a phone call from Robert, an old friend of mine from way back, and we talked about stuff for a bit. Also took some time to read from Alice in Quantumland, which is an allegory for quantum physics, told through the story of Alice in Wonderland. It's a fun book. Much more geared towards people who have had no exposure to Quantum mechanics, so it's very watered down. But I'm only 49 pages in, so it might go a little deeper as it goes on. thats all for now | | Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 | | 1:07 pm |
pulled on trouble's braids
My boss just mentioned to me that there is a new research grant proposal that he's going to be writing up soon. The topic being addressed revolves around synthesizing libraries of molecules for some goal Since I'm (supposedly) one of the more synthetic types in the group, he offered me the chance to be involved in the grant writing process Pretty excited about this. Good experience, writing grants and such. Go team ambition! | | Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 | | 9:47 pm |
!
This morning it was only mildly cold. Just a slight brisk air By 5 today, it was fucking cold as shit This is now ice collecting on the ground I love living in a city that actually has a distinguishable winter season !!!! (ps: there is plenty more I love about it) | | Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 | | 3:35 pm |
man I showed up
Full pass No conditions I WIN at doctoral candidacy My committee members seemed legitimately impressed with both of my talks I didn't even get asked that many questions. My boss even said it seemed TOO EASY for me. I didn't have to draw any mechanisms. Didn't have to discuss Physical/thermodynamic stuff It really did seem Waaaay too easy, especially after hearing how difficult other people have had it. Amazing I plan to do some heavy relaxing for the rest of my life Current Mood: rejuvenated | | Monday, December 1st, 2008 | | 9:31 am |
counting down
In less than 24 hours I'll be going up for my doctoral candidacy exam. This will determine if I get to continue on towards a PhD, or if I have to leave and take a masters. I'd like to think I'm ready for this. I've practiced my talks in front of people. I've made revisions. I think I'm prepared But you never really know what to expect. | | Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 | | 1:55 am |
Girl Talk round 2
First time I saw Girl Talk, it was free. And Daedelus opened, and I got to hang out and talk to Daedelus for awhile. It's hard to beat that. First time Rion and I were in the front row, and got up on the stage the second the show started up. We remained on the stage until it collapsed, then I stayed off to the back a bit, and enjoyed the show. Tonight I also positioned myself in the front row. As I soon found out, the ONlY reason to be in the front row is to get on stage. Otherwise, the front is the WORST place to be. I spent 1/2 of the show getting literally crushed, struggling to breathe. The stage is rough to be on, but it is a cakewalk compared to this. Every once in awhile the music would really take over and I'd bounce back from the pain, but it soon became painfully (ha) obvious that I would not make it if I didn't get the hell out. I had several people look over at me and say to their friends "is that guy ok?" and then shake my shoulder. Eventually I struggled to the back, and let me tell you everything became SO MUCH BETTER. everything just opens up. If I ever go to another of his shows, I'm putting myself ~10 rows back from the stage. I think it is the optimal spot. For the rest of the show, I spent most of the time recovering, and doubting if I liked the show. But by the last 10-15 minutes, I got pulled into the energy of it all and it was magnificent. overall glad I went. Current Mood: covered in sweat | | Thursday, October 9th, 2008 | | 8:28 pm |
dammnit
cell phone fell into a lake today Muffin people, I'll get your info from the contact thread Non-Muffins: message me your phone #'s. I'll screen comments in case you don't want everyone seeing your # | | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 | | 12:26 pm |
| | Sunday, June 29th, 2008 | | 10:45 am |
rock climbing & other outdoor activities
Yesterday I went with Justin, Colin, Megan and Scott to go rock climbing at Reimer's ranch (~40 minutes outside of Austin). It is a great place out there. Lots of really great rock walls, as well as forest struff, and a river to swim in. I have been doing a bit of rock climbing @ the indoor rock wall on campus, but this was the first outside experience with it. Megan had never done any rock climbing before this point. Everyone else there was great about helping us out with getting use to things. All in all I climbed 7 times, 4 were from doubling up on the first and last route. I really wanted to try out the next section we went to, which went much higher off the ground, but it was really hot at that point, and was feeling really worn out. I think the problem is that I was just slightly dehydrated, and not really taking into account that I had just spent 4-5 hours in the sun. So maybe little heat exhaustion. Who knows. I will go back again some time and be sure to drink water nonstop. Eventually there was some swimming in the water. Heather caught up with us while we were out there. And her, Justin, their 2 dogs, and I went out to the river. There is this fantastic rope swing that goes out over the water. I went on it many times, and tried out swinging from pretty high up resulting in about a 15-20 foot freefall before entering the water. At one point Justin messed up falling into the water, and ended up with a bloody nose, which seemed pretty out of control for awhile. After a climb back to the cars, we were off, and arrived back in Austin at 9:30 at night (after getting out to Reimer's at 10:30am). Pretty entertaining day | | Friday, June 27th, 2008 | | 6:45 pm |
I just started a reaction that has side products of Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrochloric Acid gas. I was pretty much afraid for my life the whole time adding this shit together. | | Thursday, June 19th, 2008 | | 8:40 pm |
David Sedaris book signing.
Today was David Sedaris' stop in Austin for his book tour. I waited outside for 2 hours, then inside for an hour. It was great. While signing my book, he told me a story about how turtles never fly. They just walk. Following up with a story about a turtle who walked for 8,000 miles to watch Jesus Christ get crucified. He drew a picture in my book to go along with this. And after he did his reading, he recommended people read Miranda July's book, No One Belongs Here More Than YouIf this title is unfamiliar to you, you probably are also unfamiliar with this journal. But it's ok.... because even if you haven't been held in the arms of this books wonder, it's still going to be there, for you to fall in love with. It comes in paperback now too (4 different colors) and an audiobook. GO GET IT =) Current Mood:  bouncy | | Sunday, June 8th, 2008 | | 10:11 pm |
quite the day
Had plans to swim at Barton Springs today, but they were canceled. Figured I'd take the time to go take pictures around town, and my camera fucks up Try to set up a reaction, and make an error in judgment when dealing with very expensive starting materials. Lock my keys in the lab, when there is noone on campus (luckily someone in the group answered my phone call and came and let me in) And now the internet connection in my room doesn't work and I have to sit in an awkward place in the house to get connection. BUT I got to talk to Rion today, so they day wasn't total shit. And it was actually really wonderful to get someone to come help with the lab issue so late in the evening. | | Thursday, May 15th, 2008 | | 7:48 pm |
One more time...
Last night we got a huge hail storm, and a tornado This morning the ground was covered in a thick layer of fallen leaves, and quite a few fallen branches riding my bike around I later saw houses with trees fallen over onto them My neighbors had hail shatter one of their windows in their house. It seems my car made it though undamaged. Not that I use my car much, but I will be this weekend for RADIOHEAD on saturday. !!!!!! | | Saturday, May 10th, 2008 | | 7:32 pm |
?
Earlier today it was 85 degrees outside (~30 C for you 2 in Europe) Now there are large chunks of ice falling from the sky. This is the 3rd time it has hailed in just over a month. The weather here is so rediculous. I know that hail and cold weather don't really have to go hand and hand.... but really. Wtf Current Music: telefon tel aviv- even deeper rmx | | Monday, April 28th, 2008 | | 8:10 pm |
| | Friday, April 25th, 2008 | | 9:44 pm |
Oh grad school
It's getting close to 11 at night and I haven't left work yet. Quite the Friday Saturday might shape up to be equally as wild and crazy. I guess I do have to make up for pretty much taking all of last weekend off for Fun. I do enjoy fun. | | Sunday, April 20th, 2008 | | 1:33 pm |
Yesterday I had a fun filled day with Andi we met up with Justin and Heather for lunch @ East Side Cafe, which was so very delicious While driving to lunch, we spotted this garage sale with this extremely fancy vintage green bike. This bike was seriously the shit. Andi got out of the car and asked about the price, it was $200, but she talked her down to $140, said she would be back for it after she got cash, and then off we went. While driving off, we began to discuss how out of place that bike was. The sale had old dirty clothes, and a bunch of worthless shit. This bike, which must have been very expensive in reality, didn't fit. And since this person was so easily talked down on the price, we both agreed.... this bike was totally stolen. And it's a rather unique looking bike, so the original owner might easily notice it. Or, it could just get stolen again. So Andi didn't get the bike. Then it was off to this hike in the hill country of Austin. This was a crazy hike. Very beautiful landscapes, and the terrain was constantly changing, so you'd be in the desert, then a forest, then next to a waterfall, then climbing up a fucking huge hill, then standing on a ledge overlooking the whole city. It was quite the work out. After this great hike, we celebrated with a drink @ The Flying Saucer. This drink led to more drinks, then going to the Ginger Man for more drinks, then Beauty Bar (which was uncharacteristically empty) and finally Star Seeds for some food. Lots of fun conversations about music and movies filled the evening. It was great. And now I have to get so much shit done.... but I just want to sleep all day and recover. But, I just can't. Such is life. EDIT: forgot to mention, I also found out that Andi's older brother apparently dated Sarah Silverman several years ago. Like, Andi remembers her coming over for dinner a couple of times. Also this same brother knows people who make the TV show The Wire. | | Saturday, April 12th, 2008 | | 8:57 pm |
That Feel
Recently New Orleans held the ACL conference, so this girl Candace, who also went to LSU, went there and came back with 120 pounds of live Crawfish. So today there was a huge crawfish boil at her house. It has been so long since I had so much freshly cooked crawfish. It was amazing. Afterwards Justin, Heather and I went to this po-boy shop and got oyster po-boys. And this place was a legit spot. they had the bread right and everything. Today was a true Louisiana experience. It made be so happy that I can experience this, while still fully immersed in Austin, doing my grad school thing. I will always love New Orleans, and the food here will never truly live up. But this was the first time I had that REAL New Orleans feel, and instead of feeling the depressed nostalgia, I felt only pure joy So happy Current Mood:  good food |
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