triggering Action Potential

no blogs until further notice.

Not feeling well, and too much going on to concentrate on blogging.

Sorry.

First Grading

Some of you might think that I would be a harsh grader, since I was brought up by the system itself and have some scars to prove it. But in reality, I’m a fair grader. I was delegated the responsibility to grade the first lab report for the course I’m TAing. As a guideline for grading lab reports, the professor stated that the TA should not correct them, but only to see if the efforts and answers satisfy the question, i.e. did the students answer what the questions ask of them. And the grading of the lab report is using the infamous plus, check, and minus system. I was lenient of the first lab report since most of the students weren’t able to even complete the lab in class. However, I graded everyone’s report in all fairness. The majority of the students did well and no one got a minus!

I’m looking forward to grade my first homework assignment—53 homeworks!! And for those, I do have to correct the mistakes.

Since this class does not grade by curve, the grade you get is what effort you put in. It actual goes by the high school’s grading scale of 93, 86, 77, … etc.

This brings up the idea of grade inflation. I often times wonder about it since U of C isn’t exactly a proponent of the grade inflation, in fact, the school detests it. I can’t help but think how neither extreme is good for the students. Of course, for the institution, more grade inflation probably means more student attendance as oppose to less applicants. On the other hand, the comparison between two students from two different institutions is skewed and unfair if one student were to attend a school with no grade inflation. How can there be an universal educational system that grants some sort of fairness? Maybe that’s what standardized testing is all about—the great equalizer!

Maybe someone should study the students’ motivation to study in a place with grade inflation and a place without. All I’m suggesting is that it helps to give good grades so that the students don’t feel overwhelmed or unmotivated. Why work harder when you know that someone else is getting a better grade with less the effort? Is that fair to the students?

Writer's blog is a big problem...

no food blog today

Stem Cell

I attended a stem cell symposium since the topic is of obvious controversy. I was, however, surprised at what I learned. It is necessary to know that there are two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are capable of differentiating into other cell types, whereas adult stem cells replace damaged cells. While the public is concerned mostly with human cloning from stem cell, it should be said that doesn’t represent the crux of the stem cell research. In fact, the seminar I attended, the principle investigator talked about his stem cell research using drosophila, or fruit fly. He was able to use the two types of stem cells available in a drosophila ovary: somatic and germline. The stem cells need to be maintained, otherwise they will differentiate into specific cell types. This process is regulated by gene expressions. Furthermore, nutrition is an important part of stem cell growth. The interesting part of the seminar is the mentioning of the Niche Concept. This is perhaps relevant to medical science. The idea of a niche concept is that a space might be filled by replacement stem cell, so that the implanted stem cells can generate new cells and replace the damaged ones. When the speaker explored this niche idea, he asked if the niche can reprogram cell fate. In other words, if a cell is destined to become a cardiac cell, then if it is placed into the niche, can the niche then reprogram this cell to become a neuron? What the finding suggested is that some cells can be reactivated by niche signals and that the niche is stable. This is exciting news.

While the media and Hollywood continue to cloud our mind with cloning, stem cell research shows real promise for medical science. Of course, using model systems to study have drawbacks. But from model systems, we can design better experiments and ask better questions when we do studies with human stem cells. I just don’t want people to think that the only stem cell research is involving human stem cells.

Pets

Because of my living arrangements, I am unable to have pets, such as dogs and cats. I happen to love pets, not because I can feel like a master or a superior. Pets are a form of companionship and can often bring a sense of peacefulness. When I see a dog sleeps or a cat curls up, I can’t help but be attracted to observe the way the animal’s behaving. Over the recent years, I have come to know my sister’s golden retriever, Sugar. Sugar is an interesting dog; she doesn’t bark much and is only interested in chasing squirrels or rabbits. Not much of a retriever if you ask me since she never seem to understand the game of catch. Sugar is also a pretty dog, able to attract the attention of the people walking by. In a way, Sugar is just a kid that loves to be petted… trust me, this dog can’t get enough back rubs or belly rubs. Of course, which dogs out there don’t like to be petted?? Opposite of Sugar’s behavior is a dog that I recently met, Jake. Jake is an Australian Springer, and he is only interested in playing catch. He will look at you with those sad puppy eyes, with the Frisbee in his mouth, and waits until you play with him. A very energetic dog and obedient. Dogs are cool pets because you can take them places. They are dependent. I have heard that to get a dog as pet, the dog’s personality must match that of the owners/companions.

On the other hand, if you get a cat, forget about it! The cat is the master of its domain. Like what De Niro said in Meet the Parents, you have to work for the cat’s affection and cats don’t sell out like dogs do. However, some cats are rather dogs-like, if you permit me. The best part of having a cat is that the cat cleans up after itself. Furthermore, a cat’s behavior is more interesting to look at than that of a dog. I’m attracted to a cat’s curiosity and its inclination to explore.

One thing is for sure: all pets love you when you give them food and attention. Hmmm… wonder if that will work in human relationships? Hmmmm…. Most intriguing…

Rach 3 cadenza investigation

“Rachmaninov wrote two versions of this cadenza: his original thought was the bold, chordal version; the alternative is lighter, filigreed, scherzo-like.”

Disclaimer: Ossia of the first half of the cadenza is chordal, and half way into the cadenza, only the chordal version exists.

I should say that while a concerto is to showcase the solo instrument and its performer, the orchestra can sometimes make or break the overall interpretation of a piece. I have listened to Argerich’s, Horowitz’s, and Ashkenazy’s Rach 3 first movement and much to my surprise, I didn’t like Horowitz’s RCA recording with Reiner as much.

First of all, Argerich’s Rach 3 is fast. She played the non-ossia part. Even so, her notes just seemed to fly by, and I don’t know how that is doing justice to a colorful music literature. Rach 3 is not all about fast. There are measures that require accelerando, and some ritardo. But the overall tempo is calm. The melody doesn’t sound “right” with a fast tempo. I have to say that I’m much disappointed with the recording dubbed, “the ultimate Rach3.” Argerich didn’t put effort in understanding Rach 3.

Horowitz did a good job, but his orchestra accompaniment failed to due its part. Through out the first movement, I heard the prominence of the piano and had a hard time hearing the orchestra, especially when the orchestral melody is supposed to overcome the piano background. Horowitz’s interpretation is better than Argerich, but I can’t say that it is the best version. I think perhaps the name, Horowitz, added some factor into judging the piece and it seems unfair to compare a future pianist’s interpretation to that of Horowitz’s. However, I enjoyed most of the first movement. I focused on the cadenza, and like Argerich, Horowitz chose the less chordal version, which is fine. Yet, he played the second half of the cadenza’s chords way too fast. The speed took away the powerful tone that the chords demand. True, he crescendoed as he neared the end of the cadenza to bring to the climax, and then descrendoed into piano. But compared it to Ashkenazy’s cadenza (same sections), I found boldness and power in Ashkenazy’s interpretation, the similar boldness and power that one expects to hear in a Rachmaninov.

Ashkenazy had a good orchestra to perform with, and that helped. I enjoyed his Rach 3 the most. What wowed me over is the fact that he played the cadenza so well and so vigor. Those chords are not easy to play correctly and it takes endurance because the hands are constantly playing octaves. His choice of the “ossia” cadenza made more sense to the continuity of the melody. It just didn’t make sense to me when I heard the cadenza’s beginning in Horowitz/Argerich recordings. I would like to hear the chords a little bit faster, just a little bit faster, in Ashkenazy.

Even Rach himself enjoyed playing Rach 3 more than his more famous Rach 2, citing that Rach 2 is more uncomfortable to play. Rach himself played the less chordal version of the cadenza.

Education’s challenge

As a rookie TA this academic quarter, I’m learning. Learning that it is challenging to teach others what you know, especially if you have to learn and understand the material in only days in advance ( in my case, 1 day in advance). The lab section of my TA course consists of working on oscilloscopes and circuit boards, which requires some understanding of electricity and biophysics. The students are not very familiar with the lab setup as well, and heck, I have troubles on my own. I feel bad that, as a TA, I should be helping the students, and not having to confuse them further.

There are examples of teachers having to learn a subject that they are not familiar with, and have to teach a class about it. That’s a challenge. On one hand, you need to understand it yourself. On the other, you have to find a way to teach the students so that they will understand you teaching it. Also, time commitment to this process is incredible. The two nights after lab, I could hardly function to do my own work because I was so exhausted. One expends a lot of energy in teaching…

US and its interventions

I’ll be blunt: Is Democracy for everyone?

If you examine closely, the US is not operating under a democracy by its meaning. In reality, the US is republican democracy. The best example of this is the presidential election. The people vote for the electoral votes. And it is the electoral votes that determine who is the president. In a true democracy, people vote for the president directly. Of course, under democracy, no one would be happy since everyone has a say/vote.

With that being said, how can the US continually push for “democracy” in nations that we think “deserve” to have “democracy?”

Is the installation of “democracy” the solution? And if the US is enforcing democracy, how come we have not attack China and reform their regime? Why is it that the US doesn’t recognize Taiwan, a democratic nation, as an official nation?

The US’s international involvement or intervention is beyond any other nation since the end of colonialism and the conquistadors. If history teaches us anything, the overwhelming “burden” that the US carries on its shoulder will have a more negative consequences. One must wonder why the government doesn’t participate more in its country? There are places in the US that are in terrible living conditions, yet the government is spending tax payer’s money on other nations?? Where is the priority??????

National security is important, yes! But so is the welfare of the citizen!!!

Is the US not getting the message that international denizens don’t really appreciate the US’s involvement in their affairs? Is the 9/11 not blatant enough?

On the other hand, the US should be applauded for the idea of wanting to help those in worse condition, on average. The wealth of the US is “shared” by others around the world and this generosity cannot be said about other countries. The problem lies in the presentation of this generosity. And I think the Capitol Hill should think about how they should revise their plan to make the world a better place to live for all of us.

Spaghetti sauce

I must credit this blog to my friend Mike for introducing me “the way” to cook spaghetti sauce. It is really a simple process and the result is way better than the pre-bottled ones you get at the store.

For starters, the key ingredients to the spaghetti sauce is fresh tomatoes and red wine, preferably chianti. Sometimes, freshly pressed garlic and basil will also add additional flavors. The idea is to slowly cook the diced tomatoes until they are melted into juice, let it simmer with the red wine. Too much red wine can make the sauce bitter and it will drawn out the tomato flavor. Add just enough wine to bring the flavor out.

I like to use about 2-3 medium size tomatoes, some garlic, and cook them until they boil. Then I would add some wine and switch to low fire and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t dry out; add some water if necessary. Then I mix about ¼ or ½ bottle of plain marinara sauce into the pot and stir it. Let it simmer for another 20-30 minutes, and you got a good sauce.

Once a while, I would add a little bit of butter to make it a little sweet.

Good restaurants use wine in their sauce, now you know how as well.

Technological Advancement

Over the last century, technology has been shaping our lives more and more each day. Nowadays, one can hardly live without a computer once introduce to it. It is becoming more customary and common that one knows how to use a PC. Of course, there are a few people incompetent at computing skills. It is not necessarily that we need computers in our lives, rather, we let computers shape our lives. The same can be said about technology. Those technology that facilitate and make our lives easier, and if they are affordable, can be a plus. But they are not necessary. Frankly, I believe that most of us use them because we already have them.

I always wonder if the advancement in technology is winding down, ie are we going to hit a bottleneck soon? How long can this surge of advancement last? Currently, the trend is in nanotechnology, getting into the atomic/subatomic level. But what’s after that? Is a human brain capable of further creativity and imagination? Are things getting better, or are they just being improved upon slightly, with not much change in the actual technology?

Maybe it’s the novelty of new invention and that we are materialistic in wanting it.

Weather or not

There is one conversation topic that one can always talk about, and will almost certainly will: the weather. It seems, interesting to me, that this is the one topic that is not controversial. And often times, it is a good ice breaker. When you got nothing else to talk about, talk about the weather. Why is that? Perhaps we can’t argue about what the weather is like, ie it’s a storm, it’s sunny, it’s rainy, etc. But we can disagree on whether or not one enjoys the weather as oppose to detest it. Some people prefer rainy days over snowy days, other enjoy sun, etc. I guess talking about the weather is a neutral act. Neither will you offend someone or be offend when commenting on the weather.

Nice weather we’re having, eh?

My Progress

I picked up “Tempest” sonata by Beethoven last fall in hopes that I would have learned it within a reasonable amount of time. Yet, bogged down by other activities, I wasn’t really able to get a good practice schedule. I’ve made some progress here and there, but nothing really substantial. Recently, I’ve made a push to finish up the first movement, and I did. I only have some minor tweaks and improvements. In the meantime, I began on the second movement, which I can play it through right now. I do need to memorize it. The third movement might take me a while. It does help to have listened to the music many times… I can hear it when I tried to play the notes. I project that it will take me until the middle of summer before I complete this piece.

This sonata does resemble that of a tempest. The first movement is the coming of the storm. Thunder and lightning. Heavy rain fall. But there is also a moment of tranquility, as if we have entered the eye of the storm and only to exit from it momentarily after. The movement ends in the bass, where it sounds like rolling thunder fading away, yielding to the peace that is in the second movement. Second movement sounds like drizzles, the ones that comes after a heavy rain fall. But you know the storm isn’t over yet. The third movement is not as thunderous as the first. Rather, it’s a fast paced mixture of the first and the second. It represents rain, and a lot of it. No thunder, no stop, just a pour of water.

The question I have right now is: how can one introduce the element of wind into the playing of the piece? One can imagine the forces of nature at work during a tempest. And in the interpretation of the music, I have to give justice to the intent of the composer as well as reveal how I think the piece should be played.

(under)Graduate Education

I must confess. My graduate study at U of C isn’t much different than my undergraduate years. Why do I say that? The major difference between undergrad bio courses and grad courses is the text. In biosci graduate school, we read more current literature and primary documents. The textbooks are often only as a source of reference. The focus in grad school is methodology. How to propose hypothesis and how to design experiments. In undergrad, the focus was facts and theory. However, since I was actively involved in the research field as an undergrad, I read papers and tried to come up with experiments or reasons to explain the results. The other similarity is the fact that professors tend to teach the same material, regardless of the level of students. I happened to have 2 courses with professors that I have had before. To my surprise and dismay as well, course material and exam questions were similar. My dismay stemmed from the fact that I didn’t know if I was receiving a grad education as an undergrad or vice versa.

Much of the grad experience so far has been good. I appropriate most of the time to research in lab. Afterall, one can always read up on the subject on his own. Besides, most everyone is specialized, meaning that we tend to want to know more about our own research field than the most distal topics. I’ll be finished with my course requirements by the summer, which is a good thing since I’m a little tired of taking classes.

Why do humans go to war?

Is war a good resolution to conflicts?

Is it rational for war to take place?

Can war be beneficial to everyone, or is it only for the victor?

Historically, has there been conflicts that can be solved by other than war?

Can we avoid war?

Should we support war? What about the soldiers? Who do we support when there is war?

What is the idea behind the protest again war? Is it an effective way to prevent war?

Can war ever be justified?

Why do humans go to war??