Oklahoma!

The musical, that is.

WHERE: Smithtown Center of Performing Arts (2 E Main St.)
WHEN: 8PM Saturday (7/28) and 2PM Sunday (7/29)
COST: $15

So is it worth it?

A bunch of kids (in fact, it's comprised of only kids) prancing around on stage and singing in their high-pitched, undeveloped voices?

You'd be surprised. Who would have known there were kids so young who can sing so well?

Of course, they're not near Broadway level, but they're clearly on their way. The acting was pretty good, but there are obviously going to be difficulties with coordinating the voices of a group of kids ranging from ages 7 to 17. The older kids clearly have more control over their voices, which are pleasant enough to make your ears smile. As an ensemble though I thought they could use a bit more work, but their performance seemed to improve dramatically by the end sequence, as if they finally decided to concentrate on their intonation as a group.

Choreography was lacking however (though many of them are surprisingly quite agile and acrobatic). I suppose the sequences were supposed to imitate wild, spontaneous, Midwest hoedowns, but lack of timing and style hardly gets you moving like a well choreographed act. Nobody seemed to be following anyone, and it was that lack of synchronization that really dropped it down a level and turned the stage into a mere hodgepodge of color. Again though, since you're dealing with a group of people where the number of years of experience in dancing and other arts really does make a difference, it's difficult to judge.

The cast seemed well placed though. Everyone did an excellent job assuming their roles, and were well paired off. There was also this adorable little boy in blue that kicked really high and pranced around a lot, one of the perks to watching something featuring a bunch of younger kids. If you're looking for someone to watch for though, I'd go with Ali Hakim, not that you have a chance in hell of missing him. He doesn't have his own little song though, so if you want a really nice voice to listen to, I'd go with Curly (plus there's Dream Curly for the dance scene). There's also Jud, who was the only character with a complex enough persona to actually instill emotion within you, which he does rather well. If you're looking for a girl, there's Aunt Eller and Laurey. However, Aunt Eller doesn't have too many singing parts, and Laurey's voice isn't as pleasant when she reaches for the much higher pitches.

So overall, this comical love story was quite enjoyable and it's sure to make you laugh. If you haven't heard of it or don't know what it's about, you'd probably think it would be stupid, but quite honestly, I think this is something worth giving a try.

If you can't appreciate incompletely developed child talent though, then I wouldn't bother, for as a standard show I'd give it a 3/5. But given the situation, and the wide age range of all the young thespians, I think they all did a fabulous job of brushing the dust off this old Midwestern musical.

CONS: Young, partially inexperienced cast in both singing and dancing; slow first act

PROS: A few notable singers; somewhat catchy songs; you learn how to spell "Oklahoma"

Rating: 4/5

Mutual Understanding (or Lack Thereof)

"This experiment blows!"

... quoth the frustrated undergrad.

Indeed, I too was having my share of frustrations, though for once, today I think he might have exceeded me in that regard.

See, what happened was that we actually ran the same experiment on Friday (though events have spared you from reading about my utter misery felt that day), but almost all our data was out of range (as usual). Therefore, our planned experiments were once again postponed to bloody Monday, and we were asked to repeat the experiment once more, much to our chagrin.

So commenced the suffering and the loathing and the brain-battering, as we set off again to make the experiment work, and once more I found myself in the incredibly awkward position of not understanding entirely (and never taking the time to find out) how simple dilutions were made. In fact, I personally believe it took quite a bit of skill to somehow prevent her from looking into my notebook where my half-assed calculations were desperately scribbled lest my lack of knowledge be exposed.

My undergrad was having just as many (probably/almost definitely more) problems as me though, as his method of diluting things to less common proportions left him confused and unable to fulfill the minimum sample volumes established by our grad student (as it takes existing sample to make diluted samples). Thus, though his problems were more of concern than mine (as his were actual issues and mine would only exist if luck and logic failed to carry me through), we both consented to the common conclusion that the experiment was simply ridiculous and that neither of us wished to carry it through.

Luckily for me though, my calculations were correct (most surprisingly), and upon discovery I felt the utmost relief, as I was absolutely dreading the possibility of explaining to my grad student on Friday that the reason why my data has been so screwy was because I didn't understand how to make simple dilutions.

My undergrad wasn't so lucky though, and even though everything was supposedly fixed, there were still issues and inconsistencies with the data he received. On a brighter note however, after a short conversation we had, he decided that he'd probably be more relaxed and less prone to mistakes if he actually ate something before 4 in the afternoon, which I'm very happy about (partially for his own health, though today marked another agonizing day I've failed to eat lunch due to my unwillingness to go on a lunch break while he completes work in the lab, which also unfortunately gave my friend [who thinks he's fat] an excuse to skip lunch as there was no one else but me to join him).

Anyway, my undergrad and I both decided to take the day off tomorrow though (as we'd be doing nothing but writing reports again anyway), so that's nice at least. I don't think he's had a day off in weeks, and I'm definitely looking forward to relaxing too (though I still have to wake up early for yearbook pictures and organize the data from today's experiment sometime during the day). But whatever... at least I'll be home and wasting time the way I want.

Oh, and on a somewhat unrelated note, my undergrad said to me rather randomly that he also doesn't like those two incoming college freshman girls I've complained about in my earlier posts.

See, it's not just me. I'm not a hater. People just suck.

The Lighter and Darker Shades of Life

Well, I was going to rant about my crappy and frustrating day (during which I was forced to design and carry out my own little procedure without any instruction or help), but then brag about how wonderful my time at the Cheesecake Factory was (I forgot to take pictures though of my amazing food - potpie-in-a-plate "Chicken and Biscuits" followed by a slice of rich "Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake"). Then regarding my skeptical "tornado on LI" comment in my last post, I was going to say something along the lines of, "Alas, I was wrong."

But seriously now, Rest in Peace. At least knowing you're in a better place can bring solace to their souls.

A Series of Embarrassing Events

Yeah, I don't think I've ever been so embarrassed, so many times in one day. Though I was more embarrassed due to the quantity of events rather than the quality of them, it added enough to my already unorthodoxly spent day.

You see, I woke up at 8:10 this morning, which cut significantly (and by this, I mean all) the time I would spend going through the usual morning ritual. So I ended up going to the University hastily put together and with my clothes just thrown on, feeling as if I was a student's last minute, five second, crappy little craft project (with some glue still dripping). Oh, and did I mention it was thunderstorming (with tornado watches too... yes, on Long Island, of all places).

Anyway, I think everything went okay in the morning (aside from the lights flickering, the water in the toilets swirling on its own, and then the water not working at all), but starting with lunch, everything just went downhill...

EVENT ONE: See, I called my friends for lunch, and I went down to the fifth floor (where one of them works) to surprise him. But so far, I think I've been more successful looking like a delinquent loiterer than meeting up with him, since somehow, somehow, he always manages to leave his floor before I can get down there (I'm on the ninth). So after ten minutes, I finally called him back and discovered he was already in the cafeteria, so defeated once again I pushed the button to call the elevator.

EVENT TWO: So as I'm waiting, I'm just thinking as I usually do about how awkward it would be if I ran into my grad student or undergrad in the elevator, but I never could have imagined that I would ever run into my professor. So yes, that's exactly what happened, and he asked me in his wise, but happy voice, "So what brings you down to this floor?" and of course I had to sound stupid and tell him of my botched attempt to meet a friend.

EVENT THREE: Then, because I was so embarrassed, I ended up pushing the wrong button (second floor instead of third), despite the fact that I had already told him that I was going to the cafeteria. So then I didn't want to seem stupid and I just took it down the the second floor. Then I switched elevators because I didn't want to accidentally run into my professor again, and when I got out I had no idea where I was.

EVENT FOUR: Then of course I run into my grad student, or rather I ran past my grad student in the cafeteria, not noticing that it was indeed her until after I had passed due to my sheer embarrassment and need to vent to my friend. Then I wasn't sure whether or not to say hello anymore since she was sitting with her friends. Oh, and as I was waiting in line to pay for my lunch, I discovered that my professor was getting lunch too.

EVENT FIVE: Or rather, this is a collection of events, since there were so many random instances after lunch where I just screwed things up in front of my grad student. Also, my undergrad is somewhat just as awkward as I am too so I feel as if I occasionally share in his awkwardness as well. I also discovered that she did notice that I ran past her, and when I explained to her my situation at the time, she told me I needed help.

So yeah, that basically sums up my day. How was yours?

Oh, and while I was reading the NYTimes online (which I seem to be doing everyday at the lab now), I discovered this article titled, "Limiting Ads of Junk Food to Children."

I'm not really into politics/economics, but doesn't this undermine the whole free market, laissez-faire ideology? Not that we practice that wholly nowadays, but this is just insane.

They're planning to restrict commercials that advertise unhealthy snacks so that they can't appear on children channels like Nickelodeon (though they can appear on family channels that may even have more kids watching, which somehow makes me think that this might even be benefiting the companies). They're also planning to cease using certain mascots and trademarked characters, which I don't really understand the point of. I mean, you don't buy Cap'n Crunch because you want to be a pirate.

Deborah Platt Majoras, the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, called the various pledges “a significant step” and urged more food makers to join the effort. “While changes in food marketing alone will not solve the nation’s childhood obesity problem, these actions will help make a healthy choice the easy choice,” she said in a statement.

Um... yeah, I don't know about you, but I'd be pretty worried if a parent was having trouble with something as simple as not buying sugar-coated cereal for his/her kid every day.

Atlas of Creation

He says he seeks to unmask what the book calls “the imposture of evolutionists” and the links between their scientific views and modern evils like fascism, communism and terrorism. He says he hopes to encourage readers “to open their minds and hearts and guide them to become more devoted servants of God.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/science/17book.html?ref=science

Wow.

Not So Bad...

Well, we've hit the one-third mark of summer and I haven't once gone to the beach, to the mall, or out to eat. Instead, I spent almost all of three weeks in a windowless lab that makes me forget it's actually sunny outside, I make no money, and I'm often starving or lonely due to the fact that I don't have a set lunch time (which makes it extremely difficult to meet up with my friends). But hey, what am I going to do? That's science for ya.

Plus, I'm having severe CTY-withdrawal, and I keep thinking that I could be there right now, living out my last year, were it not for this commitment. Even disregarding that, I think I've only really hung out with my friends a couple or few times this summer at most (sorry guys, but campus walks and bus rides don't count, not to mention we're all already half-dead when we see each other).

Ah... but I suppose it's... not so bad...

I saw a bunny this morning (it was eating grass).

Then at the lab, I stabbed myself with a syringe in an effort to change needles, thus barring me from touching it for the rest of the day. However, I thought it was pretty humorous (then again, I've been told that I have a quirky sense of humor).

I actually had a nice lunch with most of my friends (but I've got to stop eating the crappy sushi).

And in my freetime after lunch, I thought out the chain of events for my newest story idea (complete with a plot so that it doesn't resemble Catcher in the Rye)!

The same bunny [I think] I saw this morning was still eating the same grass when I came home (which was maybe about 9-10 hours later).

And I actually didn't die while playing tennis (though I'm wondering if he took it easy on me this week).

So...

All in all, even though I'm busy, I guess I can't say though that I'm not having any fun.

P.S. It's amazing what a bowl of good ramen can do to your thoughts...

KPPC

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/16/nyregion/16kings.html?ref=nyregion

Hm, featured by the NYTimes... it's that interesting, huh?

Maybe I should work on that story too...

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Naturally, HP5 was bound to be exposed to a wide spectrum of criticism. I, however, would like to look at this from two different points of view...

AS A FAN: I thought they actually did a relatively good job of including all the important parts. Of course they've sliced up the book, but unlike other fans I can hardly say that they've "butchered" it. It's understandable that they've left so much out, especially with a book that was mainly filled with background information and character development, but to be completely honest, I thought all that filler made the book really boring and annoying in the first place. So I really do believe that there really isn't a reason to be upset. Since the scripts are approved by J.K. Rowling herself anyway, the movie definitely shows the most important bits, and while not as fluid as the book, it gets the job done.

AS A MOVIEGOER: I'm not quite sure if I would have enjoyed it as much were I not [somewhat] familiar with the books though. It's definitely a bit confusing, which is naturally a turnoff. However, the special effects and imagery were absolutely stunning, so if you're in the mood for a bit of nice eye candy I'd definitely go check it out. Director David Yates and the crew did an excellent job interpreting and bringing the fifth book to life, and I'd also like to compliment Composer Nicholas Hooper who adapted to the great John Williams's original score brilliantly. The actors were mostly wonderful as well. Kudos especially goes to Imelda Staunton (Professor Dolores Umbridge) who does an absolutely incredible job inciting hate while managing to remain uncomfortably unfazed, and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) for recreating her character's insanity flawlessly. Old regulars like Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) were priceless as always, and though some of the kids could still use a bit of work, they're definitely improving (most of them anyway, though that's another, more personal story).

Anyway...

OVERALL: Well, to be honest, I wasn't really feeling these so-called passions these kids (or at least Harry) are supposed to be feeling. Although this is supposed to be the first book that really leads into the final installment, I still feel as if there could have been a bit more closure. Also, though the movie had a few great lines, the movie was also so fast-paced that some of the witticism was probably sent through the ears unheard and unappreciated. Anyway, it just didn't leave me with that "good-movie" feeling. Although it did successfully remind me of why and how much I loved Harry Potter a few years back, looking at it as a movie alone, I can only label it satisfactory, and nothing more.

Rating: 3/5

Picture copyright (c) J.K. Rowling/WB/whoever else is involved...

Wonderment

Sometimes, I wonder if it's really worth it.
But I never ask myself.
Because the answer isn't always the one I'm looking for.

Coming to a blog near you...

Okay, so being at Stony Brook isn't so entirely bad anymore. I finally got to do something, and although what I was testing didn't really have to do with anything I am/will be dealing with, it's experience. Even so, it was still nice since I've just been shadowing my undergrad for the past week and a half. Also, I'm getting to know everyone better so it's not half as awkward as it was originally.

The j. crew (this group of high school boys) is still taking up space. They basically occupy that spot in the office now, but for the latter half of day that they're there, I've relocated to the other office room (that's conveniently password-protected). It will be even more convenient when the two girls come back next week too, although I'm not sure how much free time I'll have anymore since my grad student is coming back next week too. I'm glad she's feeling better, but I was just getting used to the vast amounts of free time I have (or maybe I just enjoy not working).

Speaking of free time, my friend finished about a half-an-hour earlier too, so since it was just the two of us today, we decided to explore the building a bit. You may or may not be surprised to hear that she was completely confused as well, and after taking the magic elevators she was just as befuddled as I was a few days ago. She too thought her tower was on the complete opposite side of the building. Hm, maybe the building really is magical. That, and/or the creator was on crack. No wait. Actually, I'm pretty sure of that last part.

Coincidentally though, we also realized in a conversation during breakfast that the two elevators have no fourth or thirteenth floor. For those who aren't aware, the two numbers are considered bad luck in Asian and American societies respectively. So then we wondered if the architect did that on purpose, but in the end, it all came back to, "No, he was just on crack."

Anyway, after screwing around with the elevators for a good thirty minutes (during which one point it got stuck for a quick moment), we decided to delve into the dark, curvy corridors of the magically messed up building and unquestionably follow these signs that said "Wellness Walk" and had arrows that constantly changed directions along the path. It's really hard to explain, but it actually lead us down some strange places, and made me decide that I really could probably write a horror story based on this and the other eccentric things I see on campus.

So yes! Coming to a blog near you, The Stony Brook Chronicles! It's the story of a group of kids, lost on campus and in superstition, or is it... the truth?

Haha... I'll be sure to take pictures to show you how I'm not kidding about things either.

IPhone: The Musical

http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=f390265dcbb9e1f1da97a69637e921d39b6c99aa

I love the NYTimes.

Independence Day

Happy July 4th...

... not really. It's days like this when I wonder if the history books just glorify that era in history, that time when we gained our independence, that time when we had dignity and ideals. Surely, our founding fathers could not have planned nor even wanted this. Today's America is hardly the America they left behind.

Sure, we're definitely better off than many other countries, and I feel fortunate to live in a place where I have the freedom to decide my own fate and the fate of my country (soon enough anyway). I know we're lucky to have food and to not have to worry about dying upon stepping foot outside our houses. But I feel that the centuries have left our founding fathers' fortified thoughts forgotten, and instead, corruption and greed has leeched though the many holes left purposefully behind for breathing under the heavy document we are responsible for upholding.

I do not speak of that upper strata of society, though who knows what really goes on within those pristine buildings on their perfect green grounds. I'll leave that to more knowledgeable others. Instead, I address what the many of us deal with daily. I address what affects us most, that which we must suffer through on a first-hand basis, as students at least and as the result of our brainwashing as children.

America was supposed to be a place where we may pursue our passions, where we were not to be restricted by the chains of society and structure. It was supposed to be a place where hard work would lead to success. However, this is hardly the place we live in now. Today, hard work only goes so far, producing only a few "victory stories" along the way. Instead, greed and the need to surpass others have driven us. We were not taught to work hard, but rather to work harder than the others. We were not taught to do our best, but to do better than the next person. Our generation is dictated by meaningless numbers, numbers that translate into monetary amounts in time, and the theory is the same. The higher the number, the more successful you are.

That makes some sense, but today these numbers have become a game. Getting high numbers means success, not because they reflect personal achievement, but because they increase the chance of being above another person, and it is not scoring high that makes a person happy, but being above others that does.

Even if we do realize though, we cannot escape this game. For those of us without money, we must rely on our smarts to get us there. For those of us without the luxury of not having to worry about basic things, we must rely on that which will propel us farthest in the game, and even at that level, we must also rely on the next person to fail and fail miserably. In other words, even the most hardworking are probably also the most covetous, for if we can't be stingy, we'll be selfish, and we don't care. If we end up ruining someone else's life, we just don't give a shit.

It's no longer about hard work. It really isn't. It's about working harder than the next person, and doing whatever it takes, whatever it takes, to get there.

Life's a goddamn gamble. It's all about luck and knowing how to play your damn cards right too.

If There Was A Fire...

So I realized today that if I were alone in the building and there was a fire, I'd probably be dead.

I still don't get it. The building doesn't make sense to me. I realized only today that two elevator shafts that I thought were located at two opposite sides of the tower were actually the same elevator. I swear, upon realizing this, I was convinced that it had to be magic. Some goddamn magic force must have magically lifted me up and sideways. That had to be the only explanation.

Speaking of towers though, today I also uncovered the truth behind my hidden tower thanks to my many long periods of endless, wasted free time. See, the thing is, I was right! I'm really not in a tower! I'm in this mini-tower in the center of the real towers (I guess it serves as the connector/base), which is why only certain elevators can bring you certain places. It's like Alice in Wonderland, without the crack-induced colors. This (and I do mean the "getting lost" part, not the "Alice on crack" part) does bring up an interesting story of how I was trying to find my way to and fro my friend's lab today, though I'm not going to tell it for your sake and because it would only remind me about how pissed off I was...

Goddamn building.

Author's Note: Yes, I know you're not supposed to take the elevator in case of a fire. But if the elevators are like this, what must the goddamn stairs be like?