The Blog Formerly Known As...

Mario Kart (Wii)

admin — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:34:15 +0000

Dont judge! I broke down and bought a Wii so that I could play Mario Kart after almost 8 years of abstinence. I realize that I don't have enough free time for playing video games. However, since I moved to Maryland (super boring) I wanted a new toy to relieve some stress after long shifts at the hospital. So if you are up to the challenge, shoot me a message and we can battle!

Moon (2009)

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:23:48 +0000

Moon, is probably my favorite movie of 2009. It's definitely in the top 3. It's a Sci-fi movie, with many similarities to 2001: A Space Odyssey. If you like that type of movie then I suggest you look no further into learning about the plot. Just go into it with as little knowledge as possible to get the best of the movie. I havn't included the wikipedia link this time because it gives away the entire movie. So only check out IMDB, no spoilers there.

In case you are wondering, my other favorite movies of 2009 will be posted soon!

More at IMDB

Lymelife (2008)

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:02:28 +0000

Lymelife is the story of two neighboring families that struggle under different pressures and find that they have a more compatable person to talk to from the other family. It sounds lame I guess, but it has Alec Baldwin! Haha, but seriously, its a good movie and I like the way it doesn't feel like another big movie studio paycheck. Someone took their time here.

The families are interesting just to watch their behaviors and the way each interacts, and then interacts with the other. Is that confusing?

It's not difficult to follow, but if you play closer attention, there are funny non-spoken tidbits that'll put you to smiling. Fun for the whole family (again?)!

The film debuted at the 2008 Toronto International Fim Festival in September 2008 and won the International Critic's Award.

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:20:23 +0000

Not much to say about this movie. Usually I skip out on scary flicks. But I decided to see it because it has a 7.5 on IMDB with almost 40,000 votes, and has made $80 million at the box office. So after several hours of studying, I put it on around 11pm, simply because you gotta watch scary movies late at night!

It's one of those that you feel in the beginning it might be toned down for kids, or to get a lighter rating, or for comedic effect. But...nope, still scary. Nothing too gory, but still something that's able to freak you out. Also sometimes I felt I was predicting the plot (and I hate it when I'm right.) It's not gonna be an immediate favorite of mine, like The Ring or In The Mouth of Madness, but something scary to see that doesn't have that horror-generalized dark overtone.

Oh yeah, the kid from the Apple (Mac) commercials plays the boyfriend/fiance of the main character. I didn't recognize her from anything, but she's not bad at all. It was directed by Sam Raimi (Spiderman and Evil Dead movies.)

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

American Virgin (2009)

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:13:43 +0000

American Virgin is a comedy starring Rob Schneider and a few actresses that I've never heard of. The film had a mixed feel of quality production with average actors. Despite my unfamiliarity with them, there were still some natural funny moments and some that were forced. It's kinda comparable to the new Van Wilder movies, which aren't horrible they just aren't as good as the original. So this one isn't gonna blow your mind but it's worth a watch if you like the college party movie genre.

There isn't much of a developed plot, but you shouldn't expect that for these types of movies. It's just for fun.

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

Riverfront Bar-B-Q (Albany, Georgia)

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:57:12 +0000

I got word from some co-workers that Riverfront Bar-B-Q has the best BBQ in Albany, Georgia. I paid them a visit last Saturday around lunch and below you can see some pictures. As for the location, it's smacked in the middle of the historical area of Albany, where the most tourists would be found (if there are any who knows?) The staff was friendly and they informed me of the 4 different homemade sauces: Sweet, Spicy, Mustard BBQ, and Vinegar base. As I waited for my BBQ Pork Combo plate (with coleslaw and baked beans) I tested out each sauce. I knew immediately that my tastebuds wanted a mixture of the Vinegar and the Spicy sauces. Then I had a glass of tea (free refills) and it was refreshing after walking in the heat. But, on the the food...the meat and sauces was excellent! 10 out of 10 stars, it was damn good, and I was happy. However, the baked beans were very drab and I would rather have had a double of the awesome coleslaw. The one thing that bothered me, was that it only included 1 piece of bread, and then when I went to get another slice, I was told it would be $1.07 per extra slice! Crazy talk! I had already paid $10 for the meal, and at least in Texas I've never had to pay for a slice of bread at a BBQ restaurant. If I ever go back, I'll be gettin mine to go! If you are in the area, visit them at 105 W Broad Avenue.

The Verizon Wireless Switch to AT&T by Using Tracfone to Port the Number

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:00:21 +0000

A few months ago I decided to make the switch from Verizon Wireless to AT&T. I had been a happy and loyal Verizon customer for about 9 years with the same cell number with several different phones. Most recently I had been using the Palm Centro, which made internet related tasks a nightmare, leaving a huge hole deep in the techiness of my soul. Anyway, figuring out the plan was really a pain, although implimenting it was easy, so I thought I would write about it to help anyone out there in a similar situation.

The initiating event was due to daily circumstances in hospitals and needing quick access to search and the bonuses that iPhones offer (apps!); I made the jump. All hell broke loose when I was unable to port (transfer) my Verizon cell number to the AT&T Family plan. After deliberating this for a week, I was convinced that no one actually remembers your number these days anyway, so I should just get the new iPhone and deal with the short term hassle of asking all my contacts to update to the new number.

The best solution I found, was to port (transfer) my Verizon number to a prepaid cell phone, and I chose the very cheap Tracfone. It all worked out without a hitch, I pay only $20 for 60 minutes, per 3 months, just to keep the number alive. That comes out to $80 a year, plus the $20 phone from the Dollar General store. Granted that the phone is a POS Motorolla, it gets the job done since I had no intent of carrying or using the phone.

It seems now, a few months later, there are still people who havent updated my number in their phone and I hear it in their voice whenever I call them. Oops! At least they can always reach me on the Tracfone if they need to. So far no one has called the old number, with only 2 people sending texts to it. I guess its working out, and today I paid the $20 to keep the Tracfone active another 3 months.

Management (2008)

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:03:56 +0000

Management is a comedy starring Steve Zahn, Jennifer Aniston, and Woody Harrelson. It has the feel of an Indie film, kinda quirky and fun, even with the big names in it.

I don't want to spoil any of the plot, I think it would be even better if I hadn't watched the trailer. I could have sworn that Steve Zahn was the crazy roofie guy from The Hangover, which I just found out that I was wrong. Nevertheless, it's got some good laughs and doesn't really cross all the way into the mushy-romantic zone as much as the previous post about The Proposal. Sooo just take my word for it and give it a go, it's a fun one. Enjoy.

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

The Proposal (2009)

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:48:22 +0000

I watched The Proposal a while back and thought I would comment since I didn't find it to be unbearable. So I've pretty much decided not to waste my time reviewing or recommending movies that I didn't like.

This movie is pretty fair, it's a romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. You can prolly guess it is about them getting married, and of course at first they are at each other's throats and then they end up in love. Sure it is predictable and it's simple but after my head exploding 2000 times a day, sometimes it needs a break! So not a lot of attention needed. Worth getting on Netflix perhaps for the gf. Enjoy.

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

Quotes to Live By

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:29:19 +0000

Last week I saw a patient who gave me a small card titled "Dad's Quotes", so I thought I would share it. Some of these you have likely heard before. I don't get #17. And my favorite is #11 (totally awesome!)

1. A man is known by the company he keeps.
2. If you want to stay out of trouble, avoid the appearance of evil.
3. Be friendly to all, intimate with a few.
4. A good woman is man's best asset. A bad woman is his worst liability.
5. Don't stop at a restaurant that doesn't have many cars around at meal time.
6. It's like peeing in your britches to keep warm. Cutting corners will cost you.
7. A government strong enough to give you what you want, can take what you got.
8. A man wrapped up in himself usually makes a mighty small package.
9. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.
10. If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.
11. Don't do business with a man that has a bad eye.
12. Always spend less than you earn.
13. Courtesy is the most economical form of advertising.
14. First class citizenship requires first class responsibility.
15. Free advice is worth what you pay for it.
16. Don't take advice from a man who is not successful.
17. Split a mellon, divide the profits.
18. You can't do business from an empty wagon.
19. People trade with you because they like you.
20. You can't go broke taking a profit.
21. Only do business with a man that has a temper if he can control it.
22. Human communications are wonderful, but most fragile.
23. Associate with successful people, some of it might rub off on you.
24. Live so you can respect yourself.

Extract (2009)

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:13:49 +0000

A benefit of living in a new place, where you know noone, and there isnt much to do...is that you can spend day after day at the movie theater watching $5 matinees.

So last week I saw Extract, the new Mike Judge film (fame of Office Space, Beavis and Butthead, King of the Hill, etc.) A good movie but everyone is asking how it compares to Office Space. It doesn't! It can't! Office Space would be impossible to top in my mind. But the movie is great, funny, quirky, blah blah. Ben Affleck does great. I kept thinking, "oh I know where this is going..." and I was wrong, it's not stereotypically arranged. I'm glad I saw it, and would consider buying it to get the guaranteed hilarious bonus features. Check it out if you are a fan.

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

12 (2007)

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:26:33 +0000

I know it has been months (April) since I've done a movie review. We all know that the lack of reviews doesn't mean I haven't been watching movies!

So first up, is the movie 12. It was nominated for an Academy Award. I've had this movie for a while, finally got around to watching it last night. Another foreign flick, this time from Russia, which means you have to read subtitles. I really prefer subs over dubbed any day. So the movie takes from the original 12 Angry Men, puts a Russian flavor, and in general I would recommend it if you are able to make it through movies with subs. I feel asleep once, not the fault of the flick, but it had been a long day! There are no known actors, but all gave respectable performances. Apparently (from wikipedia) there are some underlying aspects of the movie that only those familiar with Russian history would get. I still liked it though. Overall, happy that I watched it.

More at Wikipedia
More at IMDB

Southwest Georgia Family Medicine Residency

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:26:02 +0000

I'm finally settled into my new cozy apartment in Albany, Georgia. I left Houston at 11pm and arrived around noon, so approx. 13 hour drive more or less. The nice public hospital in Albany, Pheobe-Putney, is only a block away. I was also surprised to hear that the hospital will be footing the bill on my apartment for the short 6 week internship. Pretty darn cool! All in all, I'm happy with what I have seen from the city of about 70,000 people. Everyone I've met has been really nice and welcoming as well. I've been to the movie theater twice, once for District 9, and once for the G.I. Joe movie. The walmart and mall are also nearby, making it easy to find things to buy. I haven't tried any local restaurants yet, just because I figured I would be eating out more frequently once the work begins. I hear there is some killer BBQ (pork of course) and a couple notable pizza places! Yum!

So tomorrow I start my first clinical rotation, which will be Family Medicine. As some of you know, earlier this year I did 4 weeks in a family practice internship and really liked it! So far it is my top choice for residency, but who knows what will come in the next 72 weeks. After my 6 weeks here in Albany, I will be driving 3 hours North to Atlanta, where I will be for about 5 months. After that, who knows. I'll try to update more as I find out.

What to do in Lima, Peru in under 24 hours.

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:31:15 +0000

It's been a great summer! After waiting 8 weeks for the results of my board exam, I'm proud to say that I passed! I've also had about 2 months of extra time to travel! Since I covered so much ground, I will break this topic up into different sections to make it easier to read and easier for me to write.

We originally had planned to have 48 hours in Lima, but due to weather in Miami, we missed a connecting flight that caused us delay after delay. Finally after arriving around 6am we would only have 24 hours to explore as much of Lima as possible because our next flight with LAN Airlines to Cusco departed the next morning at 6am. We took a taxi to our Hostel, The Point Hostel in Lima, and sure enough because we were late they had given away our reservations. We spoke to several friendly and helpful people on the street, each recommending a different Hostel for us to try. BUT because it was so early in the morning, everyone was sleeping and none were open. Finally we took a taxi toward the Historical District and the taxi driver dropped us at his recommended "Hostel Espania", which is one block from the Plaza de Armas. This hostel was our first hostel experience, we had no idea what to expect. Hostel Espania is in an obviously old (400yrs) beautiful museum-like building, the rate was $7 US per person, location excellent for walking around site seeing, and the staff was nice and helpful. The only regret with this hostel was that I found other hostel occupants that we met were not very interested in socializing. Next time we will stay in the Loki Hostel in Lima. We decided to start touring the Historical District by walking a total of about 20 blocks by the end of the day. The area abounds with beautiful buildings, museums, churches, plazas, fountains, etc etc. We then took a taxi to the local ancient ruins called Huaca Pucllana. This site was awesome and the guide was an actual archeologist who is working on excavations at the site. After the tour, we took another taxi to the famous Larco Museum (Museo de Larco). The Larcos collection is massive and from all over central america! They are well known for an interesting "erotica" exhibit featuring artifacts of a sexual nature. Afterwards, we took another taxi to the Parque de la Reserva. This park claims to have the Guiness worlds record for largest water fountain collection, with the highest water peak of 80 meters. They have a nightly laser/light show that was nice but I found to get boring quickly. Finally around 8pm we returned to our hostel with huge appetites and sore feet. We cleaned up and met some friendly travelers from Germany looking to grab some beers so the hostel clerk recommended a nearby bar for ceviche and domestic beers. All in all, we did most of the "must see" sites of Lima in under 24 hours!

For more details, I recommend browsing www.tripadvisor.com, specifically the "Things to Do" section and the Forums for specific questions. If anyone wants specifics from my trip, just ask.

Post-USMLE report

admin — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:31:34 +0000

The night before my exam, I was talking with my friend Alberto and he told me, "You are a terminator sent back in time to destroy the evil USMLE and every question it can throw at you." I took that with me into the exam and during the breaks I went into the bathroom, washed my face, gave the mirror a stare and a "boo-yeah" to go knock down the next round of questions.
To summarize, the test was easier than I expected it to be, although harder than UsmleRX and Kaplan question banks. Some things worth noting:

There are no obvious answer choices. Most answer choices are very similar, so you gotta know details in order to pick the correct one.
Removal of buzzwords, common associations, and "easy" high yield items.
Narrow coverage. My experience was that most topics were not covered equally. I had several instances of repeated questions that were related to the same pathology, although not word for word the same.
Heart murmurs in audio format. I didn't see this coming because I thought it was more of a concern for the Step 2 exam. I had 3 questions, each with interactive stethoscopes to diagnose murmurs. Wasn't ready for that.
Pharmacology was the easiest. Straightforward and to the point.
Physiology was a majority of the exam.
The test anxiety went away after I sat down and began the exam.
Fatigue levels were managable.
I had sandwich, 2 cokes, and a variety of energy, granola, chocolate bars during the breaks. I brought much more than I could ever eat, and was glad to have variety to choose from.

I'm gonna get my study schedule in a web-friendly format and post it sometime next week. Finally a break while I wait the 4-8 weeks for the scores to be reported!