I recently picked up The Walking Dead, Books 1-4 -- they were originally sold as issues until the readership proved a compilation would be worthwhile -- and cannot tear my eyes away from the detailed drawings and riveting plot. The thing that separates this series from other media on zombies is its ability to draw the readers in without exuding a conclusion to all the mayhem; this, by far, is the strongest appeal of the series.
The story starts off a bit too familiar -- guy (Officer Rick Grimes) wakes up in a hospital, ventures outside, town is barren, newspapers strewn around warning of apocalypse. As Rick encounters endless problems, he realizes there isn't a solution for everything in a world the dead, or the undead, inhabits. (See last page of Book 2 for Rick's oxymoronic statement explaining the meaning of the title.) Thus, the story continues with the survivors attempting to cope with not just zombies but with themselves. The root of humanity is put to the test -- their interactions are far from fiction.
There are numerous characters; many who make small appearances making it difficult to recall the side stories, especially with ordinary names like Lori, Carol and Shane. I'll admit the large influx of character names can be difficult to retain, but it also makes the story more realistic. As more characters enter the series, each character is forced to shrewdly explore the depths of the inner man, which is not always pretty, while renewing the social norms instilled in their subconscious.
Perhaps living in a world surrounded by the dead makes you that much more alive.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Zombie Outbreak: ? or !
I've been noticing a great deal of discussion — or likely because I am constantly on the lookout — on the subject of zombie outbreaks; hypothetical as it may be, the subject is becoming less factitious and increasingly indubitable.
This research paper specifies a model that encompasses topics from the preliminary stages of infection to a possible doomsday scenario, if extreme caution is not taken by all. This idea may seem far-fetched, but the thesis and supporting data does look promising; definitely worth a read. It's amusing seeing this topic presented in this manner, minus those equilibrium equations/models and all of that quantitative gibberish (matrices=> dry heave), but it could be a regrettable mistake questioning its viability.
Unless you want to delve into the world of academia, here's a concise summary from wired.com.
So in order to evade this grave scenario, we need to brush up on our tactics; that is, pure, relentless, combative means. Let's drill this in our head: "impulsive eradication." As the paper claims: "Only sufficiently frequent attacks, with increasing force, will result in eradication, assuming the available resources can be mustered in time." So don't succumb to the zombie fever, or at least stay far, far away from me.
This research paper specifies a model that encompasses topics from the preliminary stages of infection to a possible doomsday scenario, if extreme caution is not taken by all. This idea may seem far-fetched, but the thesis and supporting data does look promising; definitely worth a read. It's amusing seeing this topic presented in this manner, minus those equilibrium equations/models and all of that quantitative gibberish (matrices=> dry heave), but it could be a regrettable mistake questioning its viability.
Unless you want to delve into the world of academia, here's a concise summary from wired.com.
So in order to evade this grave scenario, we need to brush up on our tactics; that is, pure, relentless, combative means. Let's drill this in our head: "impulsive eradication." As the paper claims: "Only sufficiently frequent attacks, with increasing force, will result in eradication, assuming the available resources can be mustered in time." So don't succumb to the zombie fever, or at least stay far, far away from me.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Marylanders know Crabs
Having grown up in Maryland since the age of 4, blue crabs have always been a staple meal, per say, in the summertime, whether it's in the form of cakes or just good ol' crackin' fun; I prefer the latter. Aside from revealing and adding cuts to your saturated hands, crab feasts are perfect for family and friendly gatherings. It is important to know the basics of how to eat crabs so no one is excluded.
Here's my strategy. First, pull/twist all the legs off the crabs, including the claw. I try to twist it off as close to the body as possible in hopes to drag along a chunk of meat. Great for dipping. All the legs can be broke in 1-2 other joints revealing more gamey but delicious meat. Next, turn the crab over and lift the tab thing as it leads to the top shell. You want to dig your finger under the tab and pull off the top shell; it should come off fairly easy. Clear away all the gills. And the "mustard" if you wish. Personally, I love the "mustard." And the roe (the orange mini cube-like stuff), but that's only in the females of course. Break open the rest of the shells covering the meat inside and dig away. Here's where your fingers may get cut up if you revert to atavistic methods. Really though, it's the only way to eat crabs. I save the claws for last. You can either crack them with the various tools or risk chipping a tooth and lightly bite into it. Voila, now you're addicted and will be at the table for hours. The best dipping sauce is vinegar mixed with Old Bay seasoning.
As scrumptious crustaceans may be, it is important to remind ourselves of animal ethics when cooking. Recent studies have shown to the contrary that crustaceans may in fact feel pain. The goal of the studies was to determine if crabs can sense pain. Hermit crabs were shocked while in their shell. It is known that hermit crabs change shells when they are uncomfortable with the shell they have. The hermit crabs that were shocked were much more likely to change shells than those that were not. And not only were they negatively affected by the shock, they remembered the stimuli from being in the old shell. Before changing shells, the crab would inspect it very carefully as to not fall in a similar situation. This behavior is linked closely with the pain threshold of animals. Not convinced? Skip the rest of this paragraph if you have a weak stomach. Another study revealed that when the leg of a crab was broken off, they died within seconds from the shock of losing a limb. Another study shows crustaceans rubbing their antenna after being burned by a small dose of acid-- similar to mammalian behavior when encountering painful stimuli.
Whether these studies provide enough proof that it is likely crustaceans feel pain, it is better to err on the safe side and take simple precautions during preparation. While employed at a seafood restaurant for an agonizing two months, I learned a few tips. A trick to calm--sometimes inducing them to sleep--lobsters: gently stroke the micro-hairs in between their eyes. You'll see their limbs flop down instantly as they drift off into a comatose-like state. When cutting them open, you want to dig the knife in between their hind legs and immediately slice towards and through the head. For crabs, you want to plunge something sharp--an icepick or a sharp knife--right under the mouth and above the little flap you pull when opening up the body. This goes straight through the head. Of course, from what I remember, none of this was practiced in the kitchen. We stroke the lobsters' "heads" to keep them calming whilst giving them one last tour of the restaurant riddled with curious, carnivorous kids.
Sorry if I'm a Debbie Downer, but overfishing is a serious problem. Let's remind ourselves to consume seafood in moderation and try to keep it seasonal. Each and every cog in a wheel is as important as the next. Not for the overpopulated deer. Unlucky for them, hunting season is approaching! (Not as exciting when you've never been..) Venison recipes will be welcomed!
Here's my strategy. First, pull/twist all the legs off the crabs, including the claw. I try to twist it off as close to the body as possible in hopes to drag along a chunk of meat. Great for dipping. All the legs can be broke in 1-2 other joints revealing more gamey but delicious meat. Next, turn the crab over and lift the tab thing as it leads to the top shell. You want to dig your finger under the tab and pull off the top shell; it should come off fairly easy. Clear away all the gills. And the "mustard" if you wish. Personally, I love the "mustard." And the roe (the orange mini cube-like stuff), but that's only in the females of course. Break open the rest of the shells covering the meat inside and dig away. Here's where your fingers may get cut up if you revert to atavistic methods. Really though, it's the only way to eat crabs. I save the claws for last. You can either crack them with the various tools or risk chipping a tooth and lightly bite into it. Voila, now you're addicted and will be at the table for hours. The best dipping sauce is vinegar mixed with Old Bay seasoning.
As scrumptious crustaceans may be, it is important to remind ourselves of animal ethics when cooking. Recent studies have shown to the contrary that crustaceans may in fact feel pain. The goal of the studies was to determine if crabs can sense pain. Hermit crabs were shocked while in their shell. It is known that hermit crabs change shells when they are uncomfortable with the shell they have. The hermit crabs that were shocked were much more likely to change shells than those that were not. And not only were they negatively affected by the shock, they remembered the stimuli from being in the old shell. Before changing shells, the crab would inspect it very carefully as to not fall in a similar situation. This behavior is linked closely with the pain threshold of animals. Not convinced? Skip the rest of this paragraph if you have a weak stomach. Another study revealed that when the leg of a crab was broken off, they died within seconds from the shock of losing a limb. Another study shows crustaceans rubbing their antenna after being burned by a small dose of acid-- similar to mammalian behavior when encountering painful stimuli.
Whether these studies provide enough proof that it is likely crustaceans feel pain, it is better to err on the safe side and take simple precautions during preparation. While employed at a seafood restaurant for an agonizing two months, I learned a few tips. A trick to calm--sometimes inducing them to sleep--lobsters: gently stroke the micro-hairs in between their eyes. You'll see their limbs flop down instantly as they drift off into a comatose-like state. When cutting them open, you want to dig the knife in between their hind legs and immediately slice towards and through the head. For crabs, you want to plunge something sharp--an icepick or a sharp knife--right under the mouth and above the little flap you pull when opening up the body. This goes straight through the head. Of course, from what I remember, none of this was practiced in the kitchen. We stroke the lobsters' "heads" to keep them calming whilst giving them one last tour of the restaurant riddled with curious, carnivorous kids.
Sorry if I'm a Debbie Downer, but overfishing is a serious problem. Let's remind ourselves to consume seafood in moderation and try to keep it seasonal. Each and every cog in a wheel is as important as the next. Not for the overpopulated deer. Unlucky for them, hunting season is approaching! (Not as exciting when you've never been..) Venison recipes will be welcomed!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Happy Birthday, Barack!
Today, Obama turns 48-- the second youngest U.S. president; first one goes to JFK. I hope the media can, today, put aside the BS on the inane claims that he was not actually born in Hawaii. Instead, let's discuss how he has the energy to accomplish so much at his age, though to some of you it may be the opposite.
An article I read--I believe in the NY Times--outlined his entire week. Since I cannot locate the article, here's what I remember reading. Almost every morning before work, he squeezes in a workout of at least an hour. This is during the hours most of us are struggling to crawl out of bed. After committing to his paternal duties, he starts his workday. Again, if you're like me, you're bumbling around the house still trying to get ready. He sits down with the national security bureaus every morning to discuss topics of vital importance. (Note: Bush refused to be briefed on weekends, no matter how important.) Aside from a few breaks and a sit-down dinner with the family, he works continuously throughout the day to the point one must brief him while walking with him to the next destination. He finally ends the day late at night, around 9-11pm.
Next time you see him visiting Five Guys or out with Michelle on date night, remember, his extraordinary ways warrants these outings. We should praise him on his strong work ethic and let it inspire us to be more productive citizens.
Word is he's not having a bash this year--he deserves one. Instead, he humbly passes the torch to Helen Thomas, the Hearst columnist who never lets her age hinder her performance at the White House briefings. After singing Thomas Happy Birthday--she turns 89--he gives her cupcakes and tells her, "I will leave it up to you, Helen, how you want to distribute the cupcakes." I'm guessing Gibbs did not get one.
An article I read--I believe in the NY Times--outlined his entire week. Since I cannot locate the article, here's what I remember reading. Almost every morning before work, he squeezes in a workout of at least an hour. This is during the hours most of us are struggling to crawl out of bed. After committing to his paternal duties, he starts his workday. Again, if you're like me, you're bumbling around the house still trying to get ready. He sits down with the national security bureaus every morning to discuss topics of vital importance. (Note: Bush refused to be briefed on weekends, no matter how important.) Aside from a few breaks and a sit-down dinner with the family, he works continuously throughout the day to the point one must brief him while walking with him to the next destination. He finally ends the day late at night, around 9-11pm.
Next time you see him visiting Five Guys or out with Michelle on date night, remember, his extraordinary ways warrants these outings. We should praise him on his strong work ethic and let it inspire us to be more productive citizens.
Word is he's not having a bash this year--he deserves one. Instead, he humbly passes the torch to Helen Thomas, the Hearst columnist who never lets her age hinder her performance at the White House briefings. After singing Thomas Happy Birthday--she turns 89--he gives her cupcakes and tells her, "I will leave it up to you, Helen, how you want to distribute the cupcakes." I'm guessing Gibbs did not get one.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Organ Trade
"Imagine that you have a wife who is dying of renal failure, and that you would give her one of your kidneys, but you are not a biological match. Now imagine that another couple is in the same bind. The kidney exchange locates and matches the couples: you donate your kidney to the stranger's wife, while the stranger gives his kidney to your wife; the operations are performed simultaneously to make sure no one backs out. Although this system has yielded only a couple dozen transplants so far, it illustrates an economist's understanding of incentives: if you can't get someone to give an organ out of altruism, and you can't pay him either, what do you do? Find two parties who are desperate to align their incentives."
This was proposed by a Harvard economist, Alvin Roth. WHAT A GREAT IDEA. It seems people can only see the negative side in these sensitive topics. A big thank you to the neoconservatives for instilling unjustified fear and anger into our culture because of their need to have markets converge to claimed "efficient levels"; moreover, thanks for your unyielding, seemingly unstoppable need to 'commodify' ever necessity of life. Let's leave this job to the specialists of the field. And only them. The collaborative effort between economists and medical specialists are producing significant results to support their claims. My do they put up a good fight!
Another method to increase participation in the donor system is practiced in Europe today. They designed a donor system with "opting in" as the default choice. An economist, Richard Thaler points out the default option is often the most attractive option, especially as the number of options increase -- of which he goes into explicit detail in his book "Nudge" on behavioral economics; a really good read.
There are amazing proposals to replace the waiting list. Don't listen to the radical nutsos. Because if I end up on that list of which 11 people die a day waiting for a kidney -- my acupuncturist said I have bad kidney energy -- there will be hell to pay, either in the afterlife or when reincarnated.
In the spirit of all the health care spat: People who lack health insurance are about 20 times more likely to donate their liver or a kidney for a lifesaving transplant than to receive one, a new study shows. Of course more poor people are going to want to sell their organs, but they will also receive the opportunity to actually get an organ vital for survival. A market for organs is definitely a debatable subject; not one I would like to delve into. Bottom line: It's about time to align the incentives!
This was proposed by a Harvard economist, Alvin Roth. WHAT A GREAT IDEA. It seems people can only see the negative side in these sensitive topics. A big thank you to the neoconservatives for instilling unjustified fear and anger into our culture because of their need to have markets converge to claimed "efficient levels"; moreover, thanks for your unyielding, seemingly unstoppable need to 'commodify' ever necessity of life. Let's leave this job to the specialists of the field. And only them. The collaborative effort between economists and medical specialists are producing significant results to support their claims. My do they put up a good fight!
Another method to increase participation in the donor system is practiced in Europe today. They designed a donor system with "opting in" as the default choice. An economist, Richard Thaler points out the default option is often the most attractive option, especially as the number of options increase -- of which he goes into explicit detail in his book "Nudge" on behavioral economics; a really good read.
There are amazing proposals to replace the waiting list. Don't listen to the radical nutsos. Because if I end up on that list of which 11 people die a day waiting for a kidney -- my acupuncturist said I have bad kidney energy -- there will be hell to pay, either in the afterlife or when reincarnated.
In the spirit of all the health care spat: People who lack health insurance are about 20 times more likely to donate their liver or a kidney for a lifesaving transplant than to receive one, a new study shows. Of course more poor people are going to want to sell their organs, but they will also receive the opportunity to actually get an organ vital for survival. A market for organs is definitely a debatable subject; not one I would like to delve into. Bottom line: It's about time to align the incentives!
TRUE BLOOD
I have always been fascinated by the idea of vampires. And zombies. I will gleefully discuss that on another rainy day because that would require hours of dedication. The first vampire movie I saw was The Lost Boys. Kiefer Sutherland's best role. I've never seen 24; if I did, I still don't think it would change my mind. It's hard to describe- some people just have that 'vampire face.' Vampire movies coupled with the belief that they lived in Transylvania feeding off homeless people made my childhood years quite fulfilling. As you may have guessed, I had an insatiable imagination back then.
MY TOP 3 (because "top lists" seem to appeal to restless readers):
1) Interview with the Vampire
2) From Dusk Till Dawn
3) The Lost Boys
Naturally, this new series True Blood caught my eye. I'll admit I didn't give it a chance at first. The problem is these new adaptations have been monotonously bland. To name a few: Underworld, 30 Days of Night, Queen of the Damned, Van Helsing. They weren't horrible movies per say, but they do not do justice to the genre. True Blood has the perfect mix: a dark, shadowy plot that can also be funny at times with HBO limitations (aka none).
This review may be a bit premature having only seen the first few episodes. Nonetheless, I am hooked. In the world of True Blood, based on a series of books by Charlain Harris, vampires and humans coexist in a small town in Louisiana. With the invention of synthetic blood, vampires are now able to "come out the coffin." What happens is a world of parasitic beings attempting to adapt. Vampires are estranged by humans. Humans are afraid of vampires. Vampires crave human blood and strangely vice-versa. Vampire blood can be sold for money because of its sexual-enhancing properties when ingested. And of course, the story can't go on without the sexual curiousity between the two beings. The story begins with a telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, who believes in civil rights for vampires. Things get messy as she chooses to exercise her beliefs after meeting Bill Compton, a vampire she lusts at first sight.
MY TOP 3 (because "top lists" seem to appeal to restless readers):
1) Interview with the Vampire
2) From Dusk Till Dawn
3) The Lost Boys
Naturally, this new series True Blood caught my eye. I'll admit I didn't give it a chance at first. The problem is these new adaptations have been monotonously bland. To name a few: Underworld, 30 Days of Night, Queen of the Damned, Van Helsing. They weren't horrible movies per say, but they do not do justice to the genre. True Blood has the perfect mix: a dark, shadowy plot that can also be funny at times with HBO limitations (aka none).
This review may be a bit premature having only seen the first few episodes. Nonetheless, I am hooked. In the world of True Blood, based on a series of books by Charlain Harris, vampires and humans coexist in a small town in Louisiana. With the invention of synthetic blood, vampires are now able to "come out the coffin." What happens is a world of parasitic beings attempting to adapt. Vampires are estranged by humans. Humans are afraid of vampires. Vampires crave human blood and strangely vice-versa. Vampire blood can be sold for money because of its sexual-enhancing properties when ingested. And of course, the story can't go on without the sexual curiousity between the two beings. The story begins with a telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, who believes in civil rights for vampires. Things get messy as she chooses to exercise her beliefs after meeting Bill Compton, a vampire she lusts at first sight.
Absurdity
"A dozen illegal immigrants hiding in the back of a truck were nabbed after the driver heard them singing to celebrate as they entered the UK." -Daily Star
You have to admit the imagery it creates is hilarious. A truck load of illegal immigrants singing and yelling in unison seconds after passing through the final checkpoint, only to be foiled minutes later. A possible scene for Family Guy?
Unrelated topic- think you have what it takes to join Obama's administration? The background check questionnaire
Yes, it's necessary to dig for details for a high-level position, but who can remember specific details from 10 years ago, let alone what happened last week? I guess that just proves I am not a fitting candidate. What we need to do is steer away from all this mish mosh. For example, question 14 asks if you've ever kept a diary that could embarrass yourself, your family or the President-Elect if it were made public? Let's not waste time and get to the point- burn your diary. Nice and simple.
To wrap things up, I leave you with this image:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/11/images/20081112_d-0077-5-515h.jpg
A flawless photoshop? Sadly, it's questionable.
You have to admit the imagery it creates is hilarious. A truck load of illegal immigrants singing and yelling in unison seconds after passing through the final checkpoint, only to be foiled minutes later. A possible scene for Family Guy?
Unrelated topic- think you have what it takes to join Obama's administration? The background check questionnaire
Yes, it's necessary to dig for details for a high-level position, but who can remember specific details from 10 years ago, let alone what happened last week? I guess that just proves I am not a fitting candidate. What we need to do is steer away from all this mish mosh. For example, question 14 asks if you've ever kept a diary that could embarrass yourself, your family or the President-Elect if it were made public? Let's not waste time and get to the point- burn your diary. Nice and simple.
To wrap things up, I leave you with this image:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/11/images/20081112_d-0077-5-515h.jpg
A flawless photoshop? Sadly, it's questionable.
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