Old moon in new moon's arms

It's gonna be quite dark in the night sky today (well duh!). We have a new moon; which is great for star gazing if the thunderclouds would go away. Bummer. There'll be more new moons in the coming year. Speaking of the New Year, what are ya'll up to? My dad loaned me $100. I'm gonna use that to help pay the rent. At New Year's Eve, my plans are to sit around and hope somebody throws a free booze party then sit around again, comforting myself with the fact that in a month I'll have another new year, a Lunar New Year. It'll all be so much better. Then come New Year's day, the game-day Sunday: Redskins v. Eagles at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. WaPo says there're still tickets available. We are at the brink of the playoff berth. We can win this game or hope the Cowboys lose in their game. I have so much to learn about american football, so feel free to skool me.

Just to bring in a New Year's cheer, the ivory-billed woodpecker is being rediscovered .

"Elvis is the rock star," said Mallard about the elusive woodpecker. "It’s one thing to have endangered species. It’s another thing to have a species that’s been gone for 60 years that reappeared." But he fully appreciates that the bird has brought attention, and could bring money, to the area in an era when national wildlife refuge budgets are low. "You’ve got to take advantage of what comes along."

Leave last year behind. Have a happy New Year, everyone.

I heart online quizzes

Yet another online quiz. Do you see a pattern? Whenever it rains, I take a virtual quiz. I hate my job.

Your Heart Is Green

Love completes you, but that doesn't mean you seek it out. When love comes your way, you integrate it peacefully into the rest of you life. Your flirting style: Laid back Your lucky first date: Walking around aimlessly and talking Your dream lover: Is both enthusiastic and calm What you bring to relationships: Balance

What Color Heart Do You Have?

I thought hearts are supposed to be red. You know the organ that pumps blood through rhythmic contractions. A curse upon me for watching Grey's Ananomy. Good show.

Thinking can't be good for you

I took time out of work today to do a phone interview that lasted for 1.5 hrs. Half of the time, the interviewer kept commenting what a "busy" place I live in. He was referring to the endless police sirens in the background. i told him I've gotten accustomed to the noise. I don't run for cover anymore, and I try not to think what the 120 decibels sirens are for or if necessary. If you live in Prince Georges County, any sound higher than 120 dB gives a headturn just because it tickles the ear drum, also known as the threshold of pain. Anyhow, the interview went well. I'll know my prospects in three weeks. I've also sent out a job application that is around the Washington DC area. I don't know how HR people sleep at night. For the next few weeks, I will be contemplating, waiting and thinking about my future. I don't know about you, but thinking is never a good thing for me. Thinking and waiting are the worse combinations, quite lethal for the mind.

Oh, check out this site. It's got some really nifty postcards. There are new ones posted every Friday, and there's an exhibition in Georgetown now until Jan. 8th! I'm interested.

What Xmas is about

I know I'm late for your Chirstmas wish, but hey, time with family takes a lot outta ya. Mad dashes from the kitchen to the store and back again while yelling at the dog to stay away from the beef noodles and threatening my niece and nephews to be good or else! My multi-tasking skills do have methods. Whether they're prudent or practical is another question.

Anyhow, here's a good quote from Charlie Brown Christmas special:

"And there were shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel of the Lord came upon them and said "Fear not: for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.' And there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, ' Glory to God; peace on earth, good will to men.'
"That is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
-Linus

And here's my favorite from Homer Simpson's words of wisdom:

"Let's just say that on this day, a million years ago, a dude was born who most of us think was magic. But others don't, and that's cool. But we're probably right. Amen."

Merry Christmas everyone, or some would rather say Merry Chrismukkahkwanzaa.
Chúc Giáng Sinh Vui Vẻ!

Wicked pissed.

I'm devastated. Super. Wicked. Pissed. WHY!? why!? why? That photo is so nauseating. Whiterhinoreport has a more optimistic view. But omigosh, Johnny F. Damon signs with the New York Yankees Tuesday night...WTH? Ay yah! What happened Johnny? Whatever happen to what you said:

"There's no way I can go play for the Yankees, but I know they're going to come after me hard. It's definitely not the most important thing to go out there for the top dollar, which the Yankees are going to offer me. It's not what I need."

How could you? The Yanks are gonna shave your face off and cut all your hair. Why? Johnny. Why?

Enough. You're done for! cuz SG is giving you the ultimate head shake. In other news, today is the first day of winter in the North, the winter solstice that is. We are experiencing the least sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere and for the Southern Hemisphere, the most sunlight. Gosh damnit, Johnny! It's all your fault. Keifer Sutherland turns 39 today. Looking forward to the new season of 24! Why!? J. Damon?

(I've changed my blog title to "aiueo sometimes y" cuz I've googled and there's already an "aeiou". Darn it! They're vowels, by the way. The first English lesson I've learned in America. Also, a friend informs me that " aiueo, it sounds like Japanese alphabet. It starts from aiueo, kakikukeko and others follow it" What a cool coincident, ka ke ki ko ku or sa si su se so su, and so on. I like the sound of that. Now I need a masthead, anyone knows CSS codes? I wanna a masthead.)

Pedal driven land vehicle, check.

Santa Claus must've been blind or I must've been really good this year. I got a Magna mountain bicycle!! Thanx so much SG. I took a ride on my new bike the very next day around the Lanham residential area. You might not see it in their faces, but the whole neighborhood were quite jealous of me, even my housemates didn't show it, but they were green with envy. Or maybe they didn't care; I couldn't care less. Anyhow, I can't thank-you enough. This bicycle was what I WANTED and actually RECEIVED. It's got front rear reflectors, front rear brakes with Bowden cables, 21 speed (I'm not if I'll use them all) and an awesome water bottle holder. I think the frame is made of aluminum alloy, but if you'd tell me it's made from carbon fiber or titanium, I'd believe you. So excited. How about them tour de france? Come Christmas day, I'm gonna sit back and enjoy watching my niece and nephews and family open their gifts. I hope all your wildest dreams come true this season cuz I'm satisfied.

Tee hehe

I've hide these videos long enough. LN e-mailed me these links on Dubya sometimes back. There are more, but one can take so much. Don't take it personally. If you're a public figure, it's all free game.

Earth to America. Will Ferrel impersonates Pres. Bush on global warming.

Speechologist. So wrong.

Chenoa's all time favorite: Black Bush. Best comedy ever!

Remember the CBC tomorrow for those who are in the DC area. Also, shindig at LG's place in Philadelphia. Rock on LG. Christmas concert, featuring the one an only, Naoko. Come Sunday, Redskins mania with me myself and Tivo (aka my 1984, 19" TV, the love of my life). I do wish my housemates are as excited as I am. Enjoy your weekend cuz I know I will.

Cold nasty wintery day

Alas, more online quizzes to pass the time.

You Are Comet

A total daredevil, you're the reindeer with an edge! Why You're Naughty: You almost gave Santa a heart attack when you took him sky diving Why You're Nice: You always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Oops. Gotta run.

The 106th CBC is here

Dudes and Dudettes. The Christmas Bird Count is upon us. This event is the oldest and most prominent of winter bird projects. The CBC began as a non-lethal alternative to the competitive hunting that was common on Christmas. Frank M. Chapman, a curator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and one of the founders of the National Audubon Society, encouraged bird lovers to go out and count as many birds as they could find, instead of shooting them (genius!). Over time, these counts became more organized so that the Christmas bird counts developed into a nationwide bird census.

This will be my second year participating in the count. Last year, (during breaks between Finals) I was among the farmlands of Adams County, Pa with JW. Yes, we saw lots of moo cows, goats, cats, chickens and rows of deer skulls. All Pennsylvania farmers pride themselves on how many deer they’ve hunted that season. We had a great time invading Rusty’s farm sanctuary and helping ourselves with some hor'dourves at the Strawberry Hill Farm, all in the name of birds. This year, I will be among the DC birder folks. Anyone interested? I know that during the winter months, birding is slowed down in this area. However, if you are in the coastal areas, you’re in for some viewing pleasures if you care to fight the wind. Although the bird count probably skews towards more experienced and active birders, people of all age and skill levels are welcome to contribute. I know very little about birds. (JW can attest to that!) If I had patience with fishing, I figured birding can’t be that much harder. The event was quite enjoyable, nonetheless. I had on one hand a borrowed bird handbook with some data sheets and on the other hand my Nikon binoculars. As I recalled (or I still have the list, dork!), we saw and recorded Canada geese, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawk, mourning dove, woodpeckers (I forget which kinds), mockingbirds (thanx for pointing that out Rusty), chickadees, blue jays, crows, starlings (ugh!), sparrows (I forget which kind), lots of juncos, red-winged blackbird, many cow birds and a tufted titmouse. Yes, we saw a tit-mouse, a tufted one. Photo at right.

This winter, the Christmas Bird Count period runs from December 14th to January 5th.
In the Washington, DC area, there are multiple bird counts. Here is a list of counts in Maryland. The DC count is this Saturday December 17th. Virginia is here . (Kudos to the DC Audubon)

The CBC is an attempt to measure the wintering population of each species across North America and in specific regions. While not a perfect census, the data gathered can be useful for establishing broad historical trends. We can see which species are declining, which are increasing, and how wintering ranges shift. We can’t make any legislative changes/protections until we count the beaks of these egg-laying vertebrates. So put down that beer. Get off the couch and look at your backyard, and if you’re adventurous, step outside. Good. Now walk a few steps. Good. Look around, tally, and bring a friend. Then come Sunday, crack a new can of Bud Lite and treat yourself to a Redskins game on TiVo. Those who are going to the game at FedEx Fields, enjoy. Don't forget the CBC!

The river's keystone species

I was listening to this NPR Morning Edition and was intrigued by the segment. Click the link to hear the updated report.

Cambodia is home to the Mekong Giant Catfish, the biggest species of freshwater fish in the world. In the second of a two-part National Geographic Radio Expedition installment, Michael Sullivan reports on the efforts of a young American conservationist to save the species from extinction.

The giant catfish is endemic to the Mekong, weighing in excess of 250 kg (that's more than 551.16 pounds). Historically, it could be found throughout the Mekong Basin from Vietnam to China. Today its population is declining and endangered. WWF proposes studying these remaining populations and with that information, plan for their survival. Kudos to the conservationists for all their efforts because the health of the bottom dweller catfish tells the health of the river. The cancerous symtoms (skin, liver, and mouth tumors) on the catfish indicates the polution levels.

Locally here in the Anacostia River and its tributaries, especially in the Northwest Branch, our river is among the most contaminated river in the US. If you've ever gone catching (because fishing could imply you didn't hook any fish) at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, you'd notice the skin discolorations and the disturbing tumors surrounding the "lip" of the catfish. This is old knowledge to many of you, but I just want to put it out there so that you'd be reminded of your role in correlation to the environment. That is all.

Virtual pet

I'm adopting a penguin this holiday season. I've always wanted a monkey or a penguin as a pet. I guess this will do for now.




Twenty-five years ago today, some douchbag shot and killed our beloved John Lennon. Your vision shall live on, Mr. Lennon.

Typical Wednesday

Check out this fascinating photo of Europe at night. It is taken during the day and night on a cloudless atmosphere. The Guardian newspaper features a centrefold image showing Europe at dawn as if viewed from space. I love it! (Courtesy of Nasa archives)

I'm also enjoying the snow and jumpstarting my housemate's car battery. It was my first time jumpstarting a car; she had forgotten to turn off her monster Honda Pilot neon blue headlights over night. I'm not gonna lie, I was scared and was experiencing the proudest moment of my life. Very simple procedure you might incline, but imagine me (for those who know my petite stature) trying to crank a lead-acid battery full of plates, lead, and lead oxide with a voltage capacity of 12.0v in the blistering cold...shivering questions like "where's the negative and the positive?" or "which is red and which is black?". I had every equipment to jumpstart Tammy's car, the cable connectors, Cammy the Camry's working battery; all I need is some guts. I must admit, thanks to the handy friends I'd met over the years, I looked like a natural. The whole thing didn't take more than ten minutes, and off Tammy's car went. Will I volunteer to do this again? Not unless I have to. I was scared shitless. That's enough chemistry for me today.

In other news, a new species is found on Borneo, a new carnivore! The World Wildlife Fund is conducting the research to determine if there is a new species that was recently photographed.

Environmental researchers are preparing to capture what they call a new, mysterious species of carnivore on Borneo, the first such discovery on the wildlife-rich Indonesian island in over a century. [...] Locals and wildlife experts who viewed photographs of the animal, which has very small ears and large hind legs, said they had never seen such a creature before and were convinced that it was a new species, WWF said.

Very exciting.

Postive thinking, anyone?

Ok, so here I am, in a space between yes/no, right/wrong, pessimist/optimist, whatever. The business of glamore is just not for me. Should I keep on fighting? or just admit that I can't win and walk away? These days, I keep coming up against a brickwall. Maybe it's time to do a reality check. I won't give away too much of my predictament cuz that'll just bore you. But for those of you out there who practice the silent treatment on people, shame on you! It really hurts. Ignoring someone is like a slap in the face. Then again, it's a non-violent payback, no physical harm done. I know my folks and the HR people are masters of this practice. To that, I give you a resounding "piss off!". I'm not afraid of rejections. I've been denied on several incidents mostly because of my temper and honesty. Oh how I hate Mondays. December has got to be the worse month of the year. However, I will leave you with this cool Xmas light link. Hope that will cheer you and grant you a never-say-die mood. (Courtesy of my lil bro).

Bosox without Mullah

So it's official. Mueller and other great players are free agents. What to do, what to do? How am I going to live? It's what I've feared way back. Although I can't see myself cheering for the Twins if Bill Mueller signs on. Well, I must move on. I guess this is what depression feels like. However, I like you, so I'll leave you with some cheery Bosox commercials. Love it! I'm off to a concert. You guessed it, some more Roussel and Mendelssohn at the LOC. Stay warm this weekend.

Goose counters wanted

Just wanna relay this message to those who can make it tomorrow morning for the Canada goose count. Come join us...probably maybe have refreshments for the volunteers. The effort is so very ever important and thank you so very kindly for rising up that early.




8AM is the start time for our 7th goose count---and our first wintertime count. (Dr. Jim Cooper, a wildlife biologist and leader in the Minnesota goose management program, who spent a couple days with the Resident Goose Committee last August, recommended we count geese when the migratory birds are present with the year-round residents.) It’s likely we’ll enumerate significantly more birds than our warm-weather average, which is 592……Same logistics: Meet at Langston Golf Course clubhouse parking lot at 8am. We’ll organize into teams, and start the 5-minute count at 9:15. Should be wrapping up before 10AM. We need about 20 people. Please see who you can collar to help, and confirm here at the Anacostia Watershed Society. Thanks!
-Steve McKindley Ward-

Arranged marriages or Phony marriages

I have always opposed to marriage fraud; however, arrange marriage sounds fun. Just kidding! well, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I mean, if Apu had an arrange marriage and it worked, who knows. Ok ok, Abu is a cartoon, gosh! Anyhow, this Fox article didn't shock me because it's incredibly common within the Vietnamese community.

Federal authorities arrested 11 people in connection with a sophisticated marriage fraud scheme that targeted Asians seeking U.S. citizenship.

The arrests took place Tuesday in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Bay Area, according to officials who described the operation as one of the biggest of its kind in the country.

Chinese and Vietnamese nationals were charged up to $60,000 to marry American citizens to obtain green cards, authorities said. Couples were provided with fake wedding photographs, joint tax returns and even love letters. [...]

Recruiters for the ring allegedly received $1,000 for each U.S. citizen they found who was willing to marry a foreigner and submit a visa petition. The U.S. citizens allegedly received $3,000 to $5,000, plus travel expenses, to fly to Vietnam or China for arranged marriages and to apply for visas for their spouses, authorities said.

It's about time the authorities are catching on. Many who do these phony marriages are native Viet men who want the cash or want a young Vietnamese wife. I'm not going to lie, my brother and a few of my acquantances are one time or another have been offered the 'opportunity'. My cousin from Vietnam begged me if I could set one of these deals for her. I couldn't respond back. For one, I'm broke and Omigosh! Has her conscience been diminished? Does she know what love is? I mean in these kinds of marriage, love and physical attraction are obviously non-existent. (Oh don't give me the exceptional crap, if it works for my grandparents, may they rest in peace, it doesn't mean that it'll work for my generation). Then again, there could be more deeper desperate reason.

I dunno, but I'll give you a case scenerio, a woman who came over on an arranged marriage was stuck without any legal standing when her husband left her. In order to get a green card, she must have proof that she has been married for two years. Everything was fine in the husband's eyes until she got pregnant, and then he threw her out on the street and refused to deal with her. Although technically still married on paper, she had no copy of the document, and her temporary green card expired, leaving her without the ability to get a job or healthcare. Then you'd be in deep shit, easily deported. Ask any FOB Vietnamese, and this example will be head nod. So why are we keep doing these phony marriages, despite the legality controversy? Because America is a beautiful place where we can get away with a lot of things. Damn communists, driving away her inhabitants and even messing with a woman's emotion.