Dateline : 1/20/06

It is going to be a great semester. My schedule consists of 3 graduate seminar-type classes (think no labs, no midterms, and no homework), linear algebra (100 level math class) and my Sr. Project. All the seminar classes are interesting, and my Sr. project is coming along at a good pace.
In other news, I am helping to launch a publicity and recruitment campaign for Peer Health Exchange, a new not-for-profit group that recruits and trains college students to teach high school health classes. It is a great idea, and a very well planned operation, so I joined. I really just can't say no to a good cause. Anyway, this is probably going to be more of a time commitment than I thought. I am pretty good at marketing though. I arranged table tents for the entire campus yesterday and plan to flyer the entire neighborhood early next week.
As for my future, I am revving up the search to find something to do next year. Next week I have meetings with both the ENG Career counselors and the Pre-med advising office next week. I intend to solicit several manufactures of medical imaging equipment for a job, and also squeeze the graduate schools I have applied to for a definite yes or no answer. We will see where that gets me…

Opinion : Insanity defense

Andrea Yates(drowned her 5 children) is again in court to plead innocent yesterday by reason of insanity. The insanity defense is something that has always bothered me. I believe that the criminal justice system needs some change in the area of dealing with mentally ill suspects. Specifically, I would change the verdict from "innocent" to "guilty" in these cases. To distinguish the mentally ill, simply change the sentencing from prison time to mandatory therapy. To say that a person is innocent, for whatever reason, is to say that they did not commit the crime. This is clearly not the case in theses type of insanity cases, the accused person did physically commit the crime, and this is unfair to people who are actually innocent (and of course, a crazy person can be innocent). The state of mind may be in question, but it is the person's physical being that is on trial. When a guilty verdict or plea is entered, a sentencing hearing or decision follows anyway, and this is a better opportunity to consider a criminal's mental state and whether they need punishment or therapy. I am also in favor of setting a number of years on the therapy, as on a jail sentence, so that people understand that there are still definitive consequences for actions, even if there were mitigating circumstances.
As a side note, I believe that this system would have two positive effects. First, it would restore a lot of people's faith in the legal system as they would see heinous crimes get "punished" (the killer got 25 years) as opposed to hearing that a criminal was found "innocent" (by reason of insanity) after his lawyer made a good argument. In that way, this would seem to be just a PR move, yet it would have another important effect. I believe that if mental illness were handled in a way similar to any other crimes, it would remove some of the stigma surrounding mental illness and may cause other criminals to seek psychological help. In my opinion, to commit a serious, brutal, crime a person must have at least some problem mentally. By separating the judgment on insanity (states of mind can be a tricky thing and is not logical) from the determination of guilt or innocence (must be beyond reasonable doubt), we would effectively lower the burden of proof needed to get a person committed for therapy. In addition, as long as definite sentences were handed down, (and for the same durations regardless of jail or therapy) this plan would make the criminals no more of a danger to society. In fact, giving more criminals psychological treatment would go a long way towards achieving the justice systems goals of rehabbing criminals. On that note, changing the way that insanity is treated by the legal system would benefit the public (fewer repeat offenders?), the legal system (better PR), and the criminals themselves.

Dateline 1/14/06

My parents have sent a few things my way this week. These included spring semester tuition and loan stuff (opened but of course not paid), a playboy magazine and a letter that my grandmother has Parkinson's disease. Now as far as my grandmother, she has been immobile for a while so it is not reall a major deal, although I get the feeling that I should go visit them sometime this year. Now my parents haven't dropped a penny on my college tuition and frequently open my mail, so that is not really a surprise either, but the playboy mag is strange. I have never gotten anything like that from them before, and as for why they sent that, I figure that either they are 1. trying to send me a message, or 2. they have finally lost their minds. As for the message...well...maybe they want me to strip to pay for college? Maybe knock up some slut to get them some grand children? I am at a loss on this one, but I did send my mom and email asking for clarification, so that should be good...I am actually going for the losing their mind theory at the moment. I can just see my mom going up to the highshool kid at the drugstore counter to check that out...

Opinion : Movie Reviews

Running List of Movie Reviews in no particular order (Probably some spoilers):


The DaVinci Code: I admit that I went to see this so that I did not have to read the book that evertone was talking about. As a movie, it was enjoyable, the plot was good and it kept my attention. At the end however, I couldn't help wondering why Robert Langdon did not try to seed the next generation of Jesus' family line. 6 out of 10.

X3: A worthy addition to the trilogy of X-men movies. While not as good as the first two, it was worth watching. The x-men movies are the best movie adaptations of marvel comic books. 6 out of 10.

Fun with Dick and Jane: Great comedy that makes fun of those caught up in corporate accounting scandals. Seems to be based on the Global Crossing melt down. The end is great, and this movie has the most comic attention to background details since Naked gun. I was laughing almost the whole time. 9 out of 10.

40 year old Virgin: This movie did not really live up to its hype. It had some funny scenes, but it was way to long and i did not think it was all that funny. Also it had scenes of drawn out tension between a love interest and the main actor, something which has no place in a slapstick comedy. 5 out of 10.

The Libertine: This movie is based on a great story and has a good premise (and gratuitous boobs), but I think it was poorly done. The plot seemed rushed and was not developed very well. I have no idea what happen in the scene when his friend gets killed or what happen when he gets the Pox. And there are 2 death bed scenes for the same character. Good acting though. 5 out of 10.

The Island: This was a great moviealthough it portrayed medical engineers as supervillins. It was well done and exciting and base on a great story (admittedly I have never read the book). One thing really annoyed me though: product placement. This movie hasd the most blatant placements of any movie I have ever seen. The presence of 2005 cars in particular ruined the whole futuristic theme in some scenes. It is sad because the futuristic effects were so well done in other ways. Scarlett Johansen is incredibly hot in this movie. 8 out of 10.

V for Vendetta: This was a lot better than I was expecting. It had a lot of angry political overtones (the US war stuff was really unnecessary) but it also had a lot of action and drama. The torturing of EV was a little weird, but otherwise the movie made pretty good sense. The whole premise is pretty far fetched though, and I must say that the only person I know who watched it and actually lived in a dictatorship strongly dislikes it. 8 out of 10.

Syrianna: I went into this movie expecting a preachy political satire, as well as a thiller. Sorry to say that I was dissipointed on both accounts. The politics were all over the place, mostly saying America was evil, and not passing any blame on Islam, which was warranted, especcially on the suicide bomber subplot. As far as drama, this is where the movie really failed. The movie basically took three great movie ideas, and compressed them in to one with poor writing. The Bob story of a hard working CIA op. left behind by the government for political reasons is a good story by itself when it is developed in detail (see The Recruit, and several other movies). The storyline with Brad Pitt overcoming the death of his child to spark a progressive government revolution in Saudi Arabia would also make a good movie. Even the tale of the suicide bomber could be a moving film if told with more depth and detail. Put together for no obvious reason other than that they occur in the same country = crap. And where does the title Syrianna come from? 2 out of 10

Crash: A good movie on an uncomfortable topic. I liked the way it tied the different people together and most of the sub stories had a happy ending. I also liked the way it contrasted relative success with how people are actually treated, with the black couple being wealthy and the Arabs being professional buisiness owners while the white people were working class guys. This shed some light on the root causes of racism, not just its effects. Anyway, I enjoyed it, although I was surprised when it won the Oscar for best picture the night after I saw it. 7.5 out of 10

Lord of War: One of the best movies I have seen in a while, It had action and violence, told a good story, and addressed several sensitive issues without preaching about politics. I also liked the ending. Many classic quotes. Helped that I watched it with a bunch of Russian immigrants that now live in Brighton Beach. 9 out of 10

The Constant Gardener: This movie was not good. It had a cheap artsy feel, and was way to preoccupied with politics. It told an interesting story about the diplomat unraveling the murder mystery, but the politics got in the way and it got too twisted. The Dafur violence scenes were unnecessary and the way they describe Pharmaceutical companies is ignorant and insulting. This movie is like Lord of War without the action, good quotes, good actors, and humor. 3 out of 10

A History of Violence: Good Movie, although it started a little slow. Great story and ending. But what happens after? 8 out of 10

Vanilla Sky: I like movies that are weird and convoluted, and this one sure fit the bill. I really liked it but the ending was a little odd. It was sort of like two separate movies, combining the Fight Club style unraveling-psycho-that-can't-distinguish-reality story with a Matrix like technology-has-gone-to-far-and wrecked-humans-because-we-can't-control-it lesson. It really might have been a better movie if they just left out the weird cryo-genic dream part and just ended it about 30 minutes earlier when he sees that he killed Sophia when he is in therapy. Also, why did tom Cruise's character have to face his fear of heights to conqueror the dream thing. Where is there anything else in that movie about facing fears? Anyway, it was exciting and Penelope Cruz gets naked so it gets a 8 out of 10.

Sideways: Very boring movie, I have to admit I didn't even finish it. It is basically about two middle age losers who have social problems so they go on a wine tour. If middle age men discussing their feelings is not your idea of excitement, stay away from this one. And it isn't even really a chick flick. The only people who could like this movie would have to be the middle aged, self criticizing, socially awkward, pathetic, snobs who can relate to the characters. Luckily this describes practically everyone in Hollywood and most movie critics, so this movie should be well received. 1 out of 10.

Stewie Griffin: the untold story: The Family Guy movie is funny, but not as funny as a bunch of Family guy episodes strung together. Instead of all the usual one liners in the series, the movie actually concentrated on telling a pretty detailed story. It was worth watching, just not the knockout that the show is. Also the Southpark movie was better. 6 out of 10

Hotel Rwanda : A very touching story, also good suspense. The political overtones were appropriate and it made me cry. I hope that I would have the courage to do what Paul did in that situation. 8 out of 10.

The Brother's Grimm: an odd movie, but entertaining. Kind of childish, and the beggining was strange, also, why did they not get married at the end if the kiss was in true love? 6 out of 10.

Serenity: First, I have to admit that I never saw the series. That said, this was a very good movie, good story and lots of action. I watched it with a few people who had seen the wwwhole series, and they all thought it was a good way to conclude things. I have now watched a few episodes, and I have to say that it is too bad they canceled this show. It is really a good combination of Western and Sci-fi generas. 8 out of 10.

28 Days later: As far as zombie movies go this one is pretty good. The premise is far fetched (no security at the lab, and how would this disease spread out of britian?) but it is a good story.
7 out of 10.

Sin City: This was an awsome movie. The black and white stuff was a very nice touch, and the violence fit well in the story. Also some good lines, and lots of good actors. Reminds me a little of pulp fiction. 9 out of 10.

Kill Bill 1 and 2: I love Quenton Tarrentino and when I saw the previews for this movie I immediately knew that I wanted to go see it. Kill Bill did not disapoint. It had scenes loosely based on other kung-fu movies as if it were a parody, yet it was not a commedy. That said, there were funny moments, great lines, gratouitous violence, and lots of action. I also liked the way it ended. 9 out of 10.

Pulp Fiction. When I was around 10 or so, I remember my parents ented this movie and watched it, but they would not let me watch. It was the only movie my parents ever felt was not appropriate for children, and I guess I can see why. Anyway I eventually got to see it, and I have got to say that it is my favorite film of all time. It amazes me that creative editing takes an otherwise short, storyless day and makes it a great movie. There are also more quotable lines in that movie then in any other. Wow. 11 out of 10.

Suicide club (Korean subbed): Definately the most disturbing movie I have ever seen. Whoever thought this up needs some psychological help. It actually kept me awake the night after I watched it. One scene that really stuck with me was the kids on the roof at the highschool. I could see that happening at my highschool for some reason. Anyway, the detective parts remind me of the original law and order series. I still don't completely understand what was going on here but it easily the scariest, gorriest movie I have ever seen.
8 out of 10.

The All time list:

• Pulp Fiction
  
• A Clockwork orange
• Dr. Strangelove (best Satire)
• Sin City and Kill Bill
• The Lion King (best Disney movie, also best soundtrack)
• The Last Samurai
• Rain Man
• Boondock Saints
  
• Scarface
• Naked Gun and Airplane movies (best comedies)
• Gattacca
• Planet of the apes
  
• Matrix (first one) (best Sci-fi)
• Terminator 2 (best Action)
• Goldfinger (best Bond movie)
• Suicide Club (best horror movie)
• Lord of the Rings (best fantasy)

Dateline 1/10

So far this year is going pretty well. The lab work has been taking longer than I had hoped but it is also proving to be easier. If only I could say the same for my life. I am finally coming to terms with the fact that I am not going to get into medical school. I may address the reasons why in another post, but suffice to say I am not happy about it. It also leaves me to ponder the huge question of what I am going to do after May. (and for the rest of my life for that matter) I figure my two best options are to get a job in engineering or to go into a 1 yr. masters program and give the MD thing another try next year. Other possabilities include research, the millitary, or working full time for AHRC or in some other health related field. So far this week I have applied to 3 MS programs and also notified the engineering career office to start a job serach for medical imaging positions. I guess I will just wait and see what happens

Dateline 1/5

Well I have made it back to Boston. I am glad to have gotten out of Rochester, If only for the simple reason that the sun did not come out the entire time I was there. This is not an exageration, It was overcast for over 20 straight days. When the airplane broke through the clouds on the flight home, people started clapping...
Now that I am back in Boston, However, the work is going to start. In the mornings, I am going to move furniture for the office of housing to make some money, then I am catching the shuttle to the Medical Campus to work in the image processing lab. I am currently sorting, reprocesing and verifying every data set in the lab. This will take at least two weeks, but since everyone else is on vacation,(even the director for a few days), I will have the place to myself so I can use all 5 workstations at a time and It will go a lot faster.
Also on my to-do list this week is to open a stock market account and begin investing. I have over $30K in student loans but only a few thousand in my trust fund which aparently matured on Jan 1 of this year. I figure that if the loans are not compounding interest for at least 6 more months, any money I can make investing with the trust money will reduce the principle on the loans so I am going to buy some stocks and see what happens.