How Much is the Kioh Lung in the Window?

HI FOLKS, BILLY MAYS HERE TO TELL YOU ABOUT A GREAT NEW DEAL! IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST MONTH NOW, BUT THIS DEAL IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE AS MANY OF YOU GET IN ON IT AS POSSIBLE! I'VE GOT RIGHT HERE ONE BRAND NEW DAVID CARRADINE! LOOK AT HOW WELL IT GETS THOSE STAINS OUT! WOW!

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

GET THIS: I'M THROWING IN AN ED MCMAHON! NO JOKE, AN ED MCMAHON! QUITE POSSIBLY THE MOST EFFICIENT SLICER ON THE MARKET TODAY! JUST WATCH AS HE TAKES OUT ONIONS, CARROTS, BROCCOLI, EVEN A CORDLESS PHONE, AND YET STILL KEEPS THE EDGE TO CUT PERFECT TOMATO SLICES!

I'M NOT DONE YET, NO SIRREE!

I'M GONNA THROW IN YET ANOTHER PACKAGE DEAL - GET MICHAEL JACKSON AND -- NOW WAIT, THIS HAS GOT TO BE A TYPO -- NO, I'M BEING TOLD YOU GET A MICHAEL JACKSON AND A FARRAH FAWCETT! IT WOULD BE SO EASY TO COMPLETELY REDO YOUR ENTIRE RUMPUS ROOM WITH BOTH OF THOSE! JUST IMAGINE THE FRESH SPACKLE JOB!

BUT BILLY, HOW MUCH IS THIS AMAZING DEAL? $500? NO! $450? NO! GET THIS, IT'S FOR THE AMAZING INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF TEN EASY MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $29.99!

ACT IN THE NEXT SEVEN MINUTES, AND I'LL EVEN THROW MYSELF INTO THE MIX! THAT'S RIGHT, YOU'LL EVEN GET ME, BILLY MAYS, FOR THAT SAME WONDERFUL PRICE OF $29.99 A MONTH! ORDER NOW!

Limited time only, must be 18 years or older to order. Contents may be deceased by time of arrival. Visa or Mastercard only, please.

What is a gamete? How are they formed? Where are they formed? What purpose do they serve?

A gamete is also known as a haploid; a more common term for them is sex cells - sperm and eggs. Gametes arise as a result of a process called "meiosis", in which a single diploid cell (a typical cell in the body) divides into four haploids. The purpose they serve is reproductive - a gamete from a male and a female of the same species combine to form a xygote, a process colloquially known as "conception." All of these processes can and have been directly observed via microscope.

What do they have in common with the traditional eukaryotic cells of the beings they come from? What is different? Why are these things different?

Really, what's important here is the difference - gametes have exactly half the genetic material of diploids. This is because the chromosomes - organized structures of DNA - are physically separated from each other during the second half of meiosis. Once again, this process is observable via microscope.

Are all gametes from one host the same? If not, what differs? How do these differences or lack thereof affect the nature of the gamete's purpose?

Nope; each gamete contains a different half of the genetic material of the original diploid. This is further made different via a process known as chromosomal crossover, during which two chromosomes pair up and exchange a portion of their DNA with each other; this too occurs during meiosis and is observable via microscope. Through these processes, genetic material provided to the xygote at conception is a different combination of the overall genetic material of each parental unit. This produces a natural variety regarding most every aspect of the species - this can alter everything from how tall the offspring is to what gender it is.

Recall, all of these processes can and have been directly observed. I will pick this discussion up at a later date, and provide an overall conclusion then.

What is a gamete? How are they formed? Where are they formed? What purpose do they serve?

What do they have in common with the traditional eukaryotic cells of the beings they come from? What is different? Why are these things different?

Are all gametes from one host the same? If not, what differs? How do these differences or lack thereof affect the nature of the gamete's purpose?

Answers will be provided later along with reasoning, with time; until then, however, I request that readers try to find out for themselves, if they don't already know.

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Matthew 6:25-27
Mark 1:40-45
Mark 2:21-22
Mark 7:15
Luke 6:37
2 Corinthians 3:6
Hebrews 8:13
(more to be added with time)

( I see a world that's full of fake and disillusions )

Are there those who wish to make a difference? May they speak up, that they may be known. None of us is as powerful as all of us.

(Comments screened unless individuals want recognition; I understand the nature of the question.)

(This entry is public.)


EDIT: From Wiki (And yes, I know Wiki isn't a viable source; please, just bear with me) -

His [Milton Friedman's] political philosophy, which Friedman himself considered classically liberal and consequentialist libertarian, stressed the advantages of the marketplace and the disadvantages of government intervention, shaping the outlook of American conservatives and libertarians. He adamantly argued that if capitalism, or economic freedom, is introduced into countries governed by totalitarian regimes that political freedom would tend to result. [...] His views of monetary policy, taxation, privatization and deregulation informed the policy of governments around the globe, especially the administrations of Ronald Reagan in the U.S. and Margaret Thatcher in Britain.

Keep that in mind, and read on:

Democratic institutions are not necessarily the way ahead in the long-term future," said Brig. Gen. John "Mick" Bednarek, part of Task Force Lightning in Diyala province, one of the war's major battlegrounds.

If'n you're sick of these political posts, I have a DailyKos account now and will be posting there once they allow me to start a blog there, roughly Saturday.

Using the new avvy again because it's actually appropriate here.

So, I was looking up the email address of the Vice President of Academic Affairs (so I can involve them tomorrow when the Registrar's office doesn't send me any information) when I noticed a link on their page to the 2006 Departmental Assessment Reports. I felt what I found there was interesting enough to share with everyone who reads this.

I have had no problems with the Physics department until recently, and even that was more with the Registrar than them (regarding the change of course catalog to include another new class, PHYS 241; the Physics department willingly and immediately informed me that it was okay to use the previous catalog because of this). The Physics Department Assessment is very clean-cut, follows details to the letter, comes up with very good procedures to determine results, and includes numerical statistics in the results. Everything is filled out, and it's all in order. It even provides a detailed explanation for why PHYS 241 was introduced as a required course this year. Overall, they have acknowledged their problems, have assessed them, and are taking actions to correct them. This is a well-organized department with a big future ahead of them.

I have had every problem imaginable, from failing classes to being assumed a delinquent for not having been given papers, with the Mathematics department. The Mathematics Department Undergraduate Assessment and General Education Assessment are not only vague, but refuse to address some issues entirely; there are fields left intentionally blank, no details whatsoever, and nothing to indicate a plan to change what problems they actually bother to mention. The things they have actually done in an attempt to help are only making matters worse for them, and they even state that none of the changes are popular. The language used makes the students out to be idiots and thus the prime problem of the department (making me believe it was written up by Dr. Stone). None of the department's assessments are signed by the chair, and none even acknowledge a submitter. This is the sign of a department trying to cover their ass for mistakes they're making out of lack of motivation and lack of action.

The rest of the academic departments are just as readable and can be assessed in the exact same way. For example, as important as Languages and General Education are to the Humanities department, neither is addressed in their assessment; true, TC is the big major there and certainly the most important aspect of their department, so it's a good thing their assessment of that major is so thorough, but other things need to be addressed, too.

I'm not just blowing smoke out my ass when I say Tech is a horribly-organized school. I am only hoping to return because I'm already so far along, so far in the hole, and have such a large social circle there that it's my best choice at this point. If it's not too late, DO NOT APPLY THERE.

We (Wii!) have confirmation now that the letter was indeed sent from within the boundary of Cincinnati. This narrows it down considerably. While I do have a suspect in mind, it would be wrong of me to go around pointing fingers. In other words, I am now taking names. Or at least identities, if one does not wish their name be known.

After this, there will be one more public entry - the entry declaring this journal friends-only. If, by this point (the post will be made in the near future, likely noon tomorrow), no names have been produced, I shall have to just drop everyone from Cincinnati as well. I do hate to do this, what with us being the X-Men together, but after something like that...

*le-sigh*

I just got off the phone with my mother. Things are going well, and that's not what this post is about.

She called me because she recieved a complete transcript of this journal from an unnamed source, addressed to my father. She assumed I had sent it to them. I did not.

I do not ask for names. While I am certainly naturally curious and, to be honest, furious, that is your perogative, whoever you may be. It's a very limited selection, as the one in question knows my father's name and home address, but that is not important.

What is important is that I no longer feel secure using this journal. I do not know what I am going to do, but sufficed to say that "friends only" isn't going to cut it.


EDIT: For those curious, and for the person who did this, my mother was very understanding when she realized this was something neither she nor my father were meant to see. She is highly concerned for my personal security at this point as a result. In other words, whoever did this, not only are your actions not appreciated from my end, but you caused my parents, whom I'm sure you were trying to alert to this terrible problem child of theirs, extreme worry for said son, not because of what was presented, but because it was done anonymously. In other words, both my parents and I hate the actions you took.

I am now in possession of approximately 110 GB more hard drive space. :) Legendz is being downloaded properly.

I am now in possession of the first episode of xxxHOLiC. Well worth the wait; it's such an awesome start to what seems to be a great translation. Can't really describe it better than that.

I am now disgusted by the current state of American filmmaking. Have y'all seen the previews for United 93? It's a movie about the plane that was hijacked back on September 11 that ended up crashing into a field in Pennsylvania. What the fuck, folks. That's all I can say. What the flying fuck.

Saw some of Hikaru no Go over at shimmerfox's place this evening. Good show, though, that's an awful lot of Go for one evening.

Oh yeah, I got that package from my parents today. Lots of food and books. Surprise of the day, included was a book entitled British Dragons. A short thing, but it seems an interesting read nonetheless. And here I thought they had forgotten about my affinity for dragons. (They only know that much. :P ) They also sent me a really neat Eastern dragon license plate, which would go great on the van. It's exactly like the one hanging on my wall, in fact. ^^; I figure this way, I won't have to take it down. (I've had it in my possession for about a year now, but it's just been hanging on my wall all that time.)

Today was spent like most other days this week, trying to get the car to start. My dad called around 11, informing me that the problem might have just been in the excessive lack of gasoline present in the car in the first place, so rexar and I went to the gas station and got another two gallons (one to pour in the tank, and one to use to actually get the fuel pump pumping). We returned and put it to use.

I was really worried, as the starter sounded like it was getting slower, so I got Rexar to help me jump the battery (it desperately needed it, apparently), and it actually started! It ran for about ten seconds at a time! Now, this is nowhere near a respectable, reliable starting, but it's getting there. We noticed it sounded like one of the cylinders was consistently missing, so I asked wolf359nmt to come over and aid with that. We checked two of the plugs, one of which seemed suspect based on its low spark. The other two had to wait, as it was time for anime club.

No one bought any DVDs. Though, if things continue to work out like this, I may not need the money for that (but it would be nice to finish the curtains, work on the seats, etc.)

Went to El Cam afterwards, then Wal-Mart. (I had to check out their fabric yet again. ^^; I'd like to see if Bobbie's Bobbin carries upholstery material too.) And here we are now. :P

I love it when I'm right.

Went up to Ace, exchanged the bolts and got the ones with a thread size of 20. They fit *perfectly*. Of course, I happened to grab one of the wrong-size nuts by mistake (they aren't exactly well-organized), so I'll have to go back tomorrow and get the right one.

I know I said I had other things to take care of, but I went ahead and made three of those curtains anyway (I only had that much fabric). They look fan-frigging-tastic. Can't wait to make the remaining three, but I'm going to have to. Goodness, I have so many ideas for the inside of that car... if only I could get it to run...

I downloaded the 8.14 MiB xxxHoLiC commercial via BitTornado in three hours. Azureus didn't connect in two days. I officially don't like that program. Not like I can download that huge file onto my computer with it (it's still just as big as ever, and without Azureus, there's no selective file download), so... I don't know. I know rexar volunteered to help, which I'm glad for, certainly.

schlake, I need to get in touch with you at some point to get the photo DVD. (I saw it this evening over at Christina's. ^^; )

Spent all day looking for the bolts to properly attach the engine to the bell housing, and I still don't have them (hardware stores close at 6 in this town, apparently). For those curious, it's a 7/16" bolt, two of 2" length and two of 1-1/2" length; unfortunately, the ones I have right now are the wrong thread size. I think it needs to be smaller, probably a 20.

I really wish I had more money; in addition to the fuel pump, I've found some things I'd *really* like to get, namely a Westfalia side-cabinet (I've found one for very cheap actually, but it's still outside my price range) and an air-scoop-thing for the passenger-side door (there's one on the driver's side door already; this thing doubles as an armrest, quite nice). Also, found out the tachiometer (sp?, correct meter?) isn't connected; that will take a bit more patience than I was willing to front today.

I did get that key cut, though. For free, too. That guy at Rak's was really nice about it (and *really* confused as to why they didn't carry it).

I am the new owner of a Sidekock (tm). It was given to me by my roommate, who no longer needed it. My parents have also sent me a "refill card" for it, but I don't know how to use said card. I don't even know what the phone number of the phone is.

I've decided what I'm going to make the new curtains out of. As soon as I finish drawing two things I promised folks, I'll get on making those. ^^;

I'm planning on taking the DVDs (that haven't been sold by that point) to the anime club meeting and somehow advertising their for-sale-ness there. In other words, if you were wary about the quality of the disks or something, you can drop by and check them out. Remember, it's in the SAC on Sunday evening, at 7.

Yes, I'm serious about selling these items, so don't worry too much about it if you're interested. The DVDs I'm getting rid of for various reasons: the first two I have duplicates of, and the second two, I just don't see myself watching the rest of them in the future, so I might as well make space on my shelf. The camera, I only really used for the photography class I took last semester, and I can't really get the materials needed to continue the hobby, as there aren't any photography stores in town. Besides, I really need this money to get the fuel pump replaced.

Azureus hasn't connected yet. It's been two days now. It displayed the little yellow (and sometimes even green) light at the bottom, but the smiley-face never changes from red. I think it's a lost cause behind this firewall. Hunter could probably help with his connections, but noooo, that would require actual helping.

The other day, someone randomly found the chapters of Journey to Fire's Keep I posted in my other journal and commented, asking for more! And this was on the old, unrevised version! That made me so happy.

That package still hasn't arrived. I sincerely hope it arrives before noon tomorrow.

Had a dream last night. I don't remember the entire jist of it, but at one point I'm running with some folks (I'm not really sure who they were, but I knew them in the dream) through some sort of campus, like a camp-ground or something. We ducked beneath a handrail at one point and kept going, but about ten feet afterwards, one of them looks at me and comments on how they were surprised I got that close to a "nest". I turned around and shrieked - the entire pole was covered in baby spiders, lowered out on their little silk strings to catch the wind. And I mean *covered*; there wasn't a square millimeter on the bar that didn't have a thread attached to it. Naturally, having just gone under this bar, I knew there were probably thousands in my hair, so I ran out to a small patch of grass and practically ripped my hair out, screaming exceptionally loudly the whole time (coincidentally, if I scared someone with my screams, I apologize ^^; ), absolutely terrified. Sad thing is, that's exactly how I'd actually react, since this was something I actually did in the dream (remember, if I can remember the dream, I was conscious throughout it and making my own decisions).

For those of you interested, I guess I'll go ahead and say what the rest of the songs were, since no one is guessing anymore.

( The winners are... )

WHEREAS a fuel pump would be at least $30, and because it definitely seems to be that (gas pressure is equal everywhere even when the pump is running, which doesn't allow it to get up to and through the carburetor), and whereas I still owe knes_here $25, and whereas my forthcoming paycheck shall only be for less than $45 and shall not be paid again for another two weeks, and whereas I had been considering hocking some stuff anyway, I declare that I am selling four anime DVDs and a photography camera.

DVDs are all in original casing and contain original inserts; they have been opened.

DVDs
- Dragon Drive Vol.1: Amazing Transformation. Contains insert describing each episode and a Kanper (one of the characters) lenticular pencil board. Eps. 1-4.
- The Big O Season 2 Vol.1: Paradigm Lost. Contains small poster of DVD cover art. Eps. 14-17.
- Gantz Vol.1: Game of Death. Insert with cover art and episode names included. Eps. 1-2.
- Saiyuki Reload Vol.1. Same kind of insert as with Gantz. Eps. 1-4.

Asking $15 each, but will easily take offers.

Camera
35mm Ricoh KR-5superII. Manual will be included when I can find it.
Lenses:
- 52mm zoom lens. f=35-70mm. 1:3.5-4.5.
- Vivitar 49-52mm wide-angle lens. 1:2.8.

Asking price: $35. Again, will take offers.

God DAMN it, I hate fucking ISD.

I was chatting with my father on possible ways to at least temporarily fix the current van problem, when my AIM connection died. And it's not returning.

You suck gigantic hairy nards, ISD.

EDIT: Now that the connection's back up, upon doing more work on the van, it would appear it might actually be the fuel pump. The filter that appeared to be giving me trouble was bypassed to no avail. I sincerely hope it's just that.

It's definitely a carburetor problem. We are not happy, nor are we looking forward to this. At least the problem is pinpointed. For some reason, gas is not getting past it.

Gas hoses have been replaced. Not turning over yet. There's a very strong spark from the ignition coil, but either there's not enough fuel in the tank (it *did* kind of all spill out), something up with the carburator, or something up with the spark plugs. I really, really hope it's the first. There's certainly not a fuel smell coming from it, so that means there's at least a problem there.

Found this really frigging awesome bandana by matter of chance. I'm one step closer to being a flat-out hippie. :P Also, apparently masonite of the manner in which I need is only about $8.50 a large sheet at Rak's. I'll need at least two for my purposes, and probably a total of five or so yards of fabric, at least for just that aspect. For that price, I just might be able to do that within the month. Or, barring that, perhaps over the summer.

I'm hoping this download actually works tonight when ISD isn't quite so loaded down with internet traffic.

Okay humanity, y'all can stop being dicks for the day any time now.

What does that mean? It means that if we've held a conversation today (conversation includes an exchange of words from both parties, and today includes all times since I have woken up), you came across as such. This is not meant to be insulting; on the contrary, I'm requesting a ceasefire. It's upsetting. As a result, today's whole overall feel just went to crap.

So, it turns out there are no other ways of obtaining this particular series, because it's so obscure or something I guess. Hunter basically told me to get a job, which he then turned to "get a second job then" when informed that I already had one. Umm, second job = no time in the evenings = death, remember? Yeah, you came across as a dick. And all I did to you was ask for a little help, jackass. You never did answer my question, by the way. No, not everyone else has the funds you have to spend on computers. No, not everyone else has the ability to get through school on a mere 12 credit hours a semester, especially when one is expected to be able to afford it out-of-pocket with no financial aid. You fucking suck.

Tried to get anything done with the van this evening, but nothing worked as it should.