P.S. Can the blog be resurrected? We’ll see…

Thanks Ates

I hope everyone got what they wanted from Christmas. I’m definitely happy with mine (can’t say the same about Bruce). My Uncle Ed and Auntie Arlene got me a beer bong - amazing.

I always wondered why studios release movies on Christmas day, and I got my explanation today. My dad and I went to Cobblestone to watch Valkyrie for the 1:30pm showing and were met with quite the crowd at the theater. Everyone seemed to be in line for Marley and Me, which blew me away since it looks…horrible. Thankfully, when I entered the theater for Valkyrie it was packed. I guess everyone doesn’t spend Christmas with all their relatives anymore (I obviously don’t.)

Valkyrie was pretty good. If you know any history you know that Hitler doesn’t die because of a coup, he commits suicide when the Allied Forces have him surrounded. Despite sort of knowing the ending (thanks History Channel,) it was still fun to watch. Tom Cruise, despite being a total whack job in real life, still offers a good performance in the movie. Bryan Singer didn’t make the movie too long either, which kept the pacing just right.

Fuckin Nazis

Overall Grade: B+

Movies I still need to knock off my list:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost / Nixon

In other news, my mom might have pneumonia, which would really blow. My dad said she might have bronchitis, which although bad, would be a blessing compared to the alternative. Actually, my dad just called and said she’s fine, but it might be a “mild” case of pneumonia - nothing to worry about. He knows much more than I do, so I’ll take his word for it.

I also watched The Day the Earth Stood Still despite a bad Rotten Tomatoes score (29%). My dad really wanted to see it so I tagged along. I saw how people wouldn’t like the movie, I was bored at times. But by the end of the movie, I had decided that it was a movie worth seeing. Keanu Reeves may act like a robot, but this a movie where his “acting abilities” actually work. Plus Jennifer Connolly is really hot. It has one of those messages about how humans mistreat the Earth and how we’re a destructive race, but we have the ability to change. Slightly corny, but still an important message. Plus Jor-El said something similar, so I’ll accept it.

Overall Grade: B

Browns game tomorrow in the freezing cold, it’ll be the first time in…2 years? Too bad it’s not Monday Night Football, they transform into an entirely different team when the spotlight’s on them.

One more thing..saw this video of this girl covering “Human” by The Killers, it’s pretty tight.

A lot of students study abroad, my roommate Ben being an example. But I’ve always maintained that studying abroad just wasn’t an option for me. First of all, I never thought staying in another country for an extended period of time was very appealing. Second, studying abroad never really fit with my fall and spring semesters.

It seems like that maybe changing next year. Turgeon showed me a flyer about the Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology study in Paris next summer. Although it originates in the NBB department, it still satisfies 2 Biology major electives. One of the directors in charge was also my freshman seminar teacher, a PhD that knew all of the bands that I had mentioned when I told the class about my trip to the Virgin Mobile Festival.

The courses are:

NBB 401S: Topics in Neuroscience and Behavior
Description: The course will include a selection of current French “primary literature” in neuroscience. Students will examine data put forth by French investigators and then the class will discuss the findings with scientists currently working at different levels of inquiry within the area. A selection of classes will be devoted to special topics, such as the history of French Neuroscience, and the impact of nationalized healthcare on basic sciences.

NBB 370: Molecular Mechanisms of Neurological Disorders
Description: This course will cover a range of topics in neurobiology with a focus on understanding the molecular underpinnings of neurological disorders. We will focus on a molecular and cellular understanding of the biological defects that then translate into the particular neurological disorder. Additionally we will use videos and magazine or newspaper articles to illustrate societal issues that are associated with the particular disorder. Readings will consist of primary research articles, reviews, newspapers and other lay media.

I think a major part of why I don’t like staying in other countries too long is not because I miss American culture, but because I’m usually with my parents when I do and I miss the times spent with my friends. Since Turgeon would be going on this trip as well, I think things would be different.

The program isn’t that long, only spanning 5 weeks - perfect for the me. It takes place from May 24th - June 28th, meaning I’d be back in town for my 21st birthday. That also means that I’ll be in a place where I can drink legally leading up to my 21st birthday here, cutting 5 weeks off of the painful waiting that I’m sure will occur in the weeks leading up to that glorious day.

On another note, I was at the Cavs vs. Hawks game where they snapped our winning streak. Damn Hawks…

Anthropology 333 - Disease and Human Behavior
Biology 341 - Evolutionary Biology
Biology 415 - Cancer and Oncogenes
Physics 142 - Intro to Physics II with Lab

Btw, I’m looking for some new music to get me through finals. Any suggestions?

Lime:

Spill:

Found:

Coaster: