I have been working at Cold Spring Harbor Lab since Tuesday, and it has been a pretty easy ride so far. Most everyone in the lab is so extremely nice it has led me to believe that they are drugged… AND some of them are truly insane. There are specifically two of them in the lab that are referred to as “crazy person 1″ and “crazy person 2.” I briefly met crazy person 2, but crazy person 1 is constantly watching what I’m doing, following me at times, and likes to discuss China / Taiwan relations. Good thing he’s a visting student… I hope his visit is brief…

Anyway, back to the chill theme. There is a gym next to the building I’m working in, and I was encouraged to work out there when I have nothing to do. I guess there’s no better motivation to working out than getting paid for it, huh? Also, in March, there is a free ski trip to Windham, intramural volleyball in the summer, and a bowling league in October! Additionally, I can get box seats for Mets games, but you know… they’re the Mets.

Lastly, I went to Cornell on Saturday to visit the sis, and check out what we bought:

Bananas BABY!

I was hoping for Eric Chavez, but this Alex Rodriguez guy looks pretty promising also. Imagine the lineup - Lofton, Jeter, Giambi, Sheff, A-rod, Bernie, Posada, Matsui, 2B dude… and suddenly, it’s 8-0, 1 out. Rinse and repeat, 2004 World Series Champs - Yankees

Current YAYs in my life:

1. Job offer from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (mini yay)
2. New Car (big yay)
3. 8 hrs of skiboarding at Mountain Creek yesterday (another big yay)

“Earlier today part of Janet Jackson popped out and saw its shadow - six more weeks of winter!”
-David Letterman

“Russian and American scientists have announced the addition of some new super-heavy atoms to the periodic chart. Where does it end? Even our elements are getting fatter.”
-Jim Barach

Funny picture:

Casualty: neck soreness
Probable cause: whiplash from the hit-the-fence-forward-flip-tumble-and-roll trick.

Details: So I was attempting a simple jump that was two feet before a plastic barrier. You’re obviously supposed to clear the fence, but I think that time, my legs were tired, so I didn’t bring my tips up, and my right skiboard got caught in the fence. As I result, I flipped forward, hit the ground, then tumbled and rolled a bit in the snow before coming to a stop. This was such a spectacular stunt that I heard a big OOOH right after I pulled it off and random people were telling their friends about it. And I probably got the whiplash when I came in contact with the fence, but that is only speculatory. Finally, I strongly urge you NOT to practice this stunt ANYWHERE. Doing so can cause severe injury and such stunts should only be performed by professionals, people without fear, or people who think they are superman.