I'm watching a TiVO'd Inside the Actor's Studio (at 10:10 AM on a Sunday) with Renee Zellweger, who is quite charming. She is from Katy, Texas which is 30 minutes to the west on Interstate 10. Back in her day, Katy was a bit smaller (sort of like Frisco near Dallas back in my day), but now Katy seems to be getting closer and closer to Houston. She then went to The University of Texas to learn about literature. So add her to the list of UT people which includes Matthew McConaughey, Wes Anderson, The Wilson brothers, and Renee Zellweger. Where are all the A&M people?? Apparently a few years back she shopped at the Dallas Galleria Gap where my roommate Ryan was working at the time and purchased a few things for her dad from said Ryan. He reports that she is very nice and soft spoken.

Today I get on a plane and head to another interview. Three weeks ago, I booked the flight on Southwest which was $480 round trip with 2 stops each way and required 4 hours of driving to and from the airport (which would cost $120 for the rental car and would be dropped off in a different location from place of origin). Last night I got on Orbitz and found an outbound with only one stop and the return being non-stop with both flying directly to my destination city. This flight is $550 the night before which is remarkable I think. So I actually get to save a little money to drop the car, and I don't have to do any extra driving. I'm looking forward to this particular city, as I have never been to this state much less the city.

Happy Thanksgiving. Please give your family a big hug from me and pass along my regards. Carolyn and I are going to play tennis now. What could be better at 10:30 AM on Thanksgiving with the temperature a balmy 50 degrees and not a cloud in the sky? Go Cowboys!

I just sat through my second viewing of The Terminal with Tom Hanks and Kumar Pallana. I've discussed this particular film in a previous blog, so I won't do that again here. It's a lovely film though. I got teary-eyed the second time around (just like the first with Ryan and Janelle). It was fun to sit on the sofa with the fire burning in the background, mom on the next sofa, and Parris at my feet. It feels like home.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. This is of course my second favorite holiday behind Christmas. Actually, I probably like it so much, because it is the beginning of the Christmas season as I see it. And since I have such a great affinity for the winter season, Thanksgiving couldn't occur at a better time. The Cowboy's play the Bears tomorrow, and the Aggies play the Longhorns on Friday. What could be better than food, football, family, and friends? (seriously, I didn't mean to do the "f" thing)

Today was the last day of my required outpatient internal medicine rotation. I was with Dr. Alan Friedman, who was a tenured professor with UT's Department of Rheumatology before he decided to make some money as a private physician. Dr. Friedman is a lovely New York Jew who is very liberal. He isn't afraid to let you know it either. Actually, he isn't afraid to talk about anything. And don't think because you're a patient he won't go toe to toe with you if you can't support your argument. I respect this guy. I agreed with a lot of his arguments and I certainly disagreed with a lot more, but his arguments were always consistent and well backed with information. It was kind of refreshing to spend the month with such a character. I actually learned quite a bit of rheumatology as well, so who can fault that. His office staff is delightful. I think I sort of bonded with them over the month, and they gave me a very cute going away present today. Last month, Nick mentioned that the people at Bextra (an anti-inflammatory medication) make an insulated coffee mug, which actually has a battery-operated fan at the bottom of the cup that stirs your coffee for you. I thought that was the coolest thing ever, so I told Dr. Friedman's staff to keep an eye out for the Bextra rep to get me a mug. Well, behind the scenes they did just that. Apparently this mug is almost impossible to get, and there aren't any in Houston. But today right before I left, they presented me with the mug. It was the coolest thing. I sort of love moments like that, and it is exactly why I'm in the doctoring business. I truly love good people, and Dr. Friedman and his staff reminded me of what good people are and what good people do. So love and kisses to Carrie, Anastasia (or Jay-Lo as I call her), Janet (who got me the mug), Elaine, and Connie for being such awesome people. They certainly made the office a fun and interesting place to learn rheumatology.

Finally, it should be noted that I interviewed at my first surgery program last weekend. However, I can't talk about it here, because someone with one of these programs might stumble across this here blog and read my thoughts. And while that is highly unlikely, I don't want to take any chances that this blog might adversely affect my rank list with the surgery match. I'll still be blogging the experiences (along with all the pictures), but I can't post them quite yet. When everything is all said and done in February I'll post everything for you to see as I travel the country in search of the general surgery program that fits my personality. It's going to be an interesting two months.

Our media is in a serious state of disrepair. I awoke this morning, ground and brewed my Starbucks® coffee, and flipped the computer on to catch the news of the day. (Speaking of sad, I don't even get a newspaper anymore, because I read everything online. It' sort of like people who don't have land lines anymore, because they only use their mobile phone. Hurray for technology!) I subscribe to SBC's DSL service whose portal is Yahoo. I actually sort of like Yahoo, because everything I need is on my front page (just like with every other portal) including the headlines of the day. Sometimes the headlines are legit and sometimes they are insane entertainment news, but I get the idea that they are trying to keep things diverse and interesting which is appreciated. One of today's headlines at 10:30 CST is a story from Reuters reporting on how a CBS News producer was fired for "breaking into 'CSI: NY,' one of its top-rated shows, on Wednesday night" with the news of Yasser Arafat's death. Admittedly we all knew that Arafat was in a coma and was going to die which probably doesn't deserve interrupting the regular schedule. But this was only half of CBS' rational for the firing. According to the article the producer was given "explicit, advance instructions that breaking news of Arafat's death -- IF IT OCCURRED DURING PRIME TIME [empasis added]-- was to be reported with a news 'crawl' at the bottom of the screen." So yes, the producer deserves to be fired for not doing what that bosses said to do. But that's not the point I'm trying to make here. Are you seeing how fucked up our media is? News is only news if it occurs during the evening news' time slot or NOT DURING PRIMETIME FOR GOD'S SAKE! This is yet another hit on the integrity of CBS News in my opinion. I remember a few years back in the movie The Insider how CBS Entertainment division and CBS News butted heads over the whole whistle-blower in the tobacco industry story. That was all about big business snuffing out real news. Then a recently and "utterly convinced" Dan Rather reported on the fake Bush memos from the Texas National Guard. Now CBS News won't break a story unless it's not in primetime. It's a really sad state of affairs people. Obviously I've never trusted major news outlets and pretty much hate all of them. But rest assured I'll never watch "60 Minutes" or CBS News again. It's quite evident they no longer have journalistic or editorial integrity. What a shame. Seema, is it time for me to switch to ULTRA LIBERAL KPFT Pacifica radio, Houston? Nah, I'll go the other way and keep it on Fox News Channel where they keep it fair and balanced.

Last night was art gallery opening #2 of my life hosted by The Maestro himself, David Baquero of the Baquero Gallery located at the corner of Chaucer and Rice deep in the Heart of Houston, Texas. The evening began at Lupe Tortilla with Nick, Ryan, and a UT-Houston Medical School interviewee named Sara. Apparently she's a friend of one of Ryan's ex-girlfriends. So we went out, gave her a few tips on interviewing, and had a lovely dinner. Then it was off to the Baquero Gallery for what I hoped to be another magical evening with special people...I wasn't disappointed. This time Nathan brought along Shelley (his fiancee) and even Shelley's dad was there briefly. The gallery was for a guy named Anthony Butkovich who originally introduced Nathan to The Maestro. I must say, this guy's art work was actually stuff I'd be interested in purchasing. Too bad the cheapest work in the house was $750. Maybe someday I can make that kind of purchase, but I currently have higher priorities (like a big screen TV for residency). Speaking of that, holy crap I can't wait to get a TV for wherever my new place might be. I say that, because I've been watching a weekend of TV on Ryan's larger than life Sony (with DVR of course). I might be on a tangent a bit here, back to the gallery.

So a few weeks back the Maestro cut his finger while sawing frames for a painting. Actually he sort of nicked his finger nail and took about a third of his right 3rd digit down to the bed. Most people would count their blessings that they still had the finger at all. But for a right-handed classical guitarist who gets paid thousands and thousands of dollars to perform at shows in England televised by the BBC, you get a bit worried about the future of that kind of gig. He obviously won't be able to perform this December, but he was worried about all future performances. I happily volunteered to find him the finest hand surgeons in Houston and did just that. I'm quite sure his nail will grow completely back, but I'm also quite sure it won't be completely normal for at least 6 months...probably more like 18. Anyway, I hope he feels better that the finest will be looking after him. As he told me, he was very depressed and angry the week after it happened. But he received call after call offering to help however possible, and eventually he realized it was ok to accept the charity of others. I think he sort of learned how important he is to many, many people. In my three meetings with him, I certainly understand that sentiment. At the end of the night, he gave me a mix CD of classical guitar he promised me from the last gallery. I couldn't believe he actually made me the CD and was holding it for over a month. He also informed me there are two more CDs on the way which trace the history of classical guitar from its origin to today. What kind of guy plays classical guitar, is a master framer, hosts an art gallery, and makes a classical guitar anthology for a guy he met twice? This guy is unbelievable. I have included crappy photos from my new camera phone. Better pictures will be available at nathanbeach.com.




>>View the PICTURES<< (courtesy nathanbeach.com)

In other news, Nathan sort of formally asked me to be the best man in his wedding. The poor guy has been fretting over asking someone to do this for months, because he didn't want to impose. I think that's sort of like Nathan--always thinking of others even for his wedding. I of course am deeply honored and delighted to help in anyway I can. I was sort of shocked when I was asked, and it's quite humbling to be asked such a thing for such an important date in one's life. Let us hope I can do the position justice. Shelley told me we couldn't have a bachelor party, because too many bad things would happen. I of course said that was a deal breaker, but after some negotiations everything was settled. As long as we don't have strip clubs or strippers, the party is on. I'm pretty sure Nathan isn't into that sort of thing anyway, so I'm actually looking forward to this event. Maybe we can do it over Christmas break when everyone is in town. All I know is there will be lots and lots of drinking. I don't think I'll have a problem accomplishing that. The wedding was slated for early May, but apparently there was a scheduling snafu and it might end up the day before I graduate medical school. Hopefully that won't be the case. June would be nice...

Yesterday I interviewed at my home school's surgery program. The day started late, because we didn't need to do all the tours and stuff about Houston, as we live here. Dr. Potts gave us a nice presentation about the program (which we already know) and then it was interview time. My first interview remarkably was with the legendary Red Duke who is sort of a celebrity here in Texas. As I've spoke of in previous blogs, he was at Parkland Hospital when JFK was shot as was Ron Jones who I worked with a few months back at Baylor Dallas. Dr. Duke is also an Aggie and former yell leader. At this point we sort of know each other from brief interactions in the hospital, in the doctor's lounge, and at school. The interview went very well. We discussed the 80-hour work week, my activities while an Aggie, and his work with virtual doctoring for EMS vehicles in the field. We really had a great talk and before it was over realized we had gone 30 minutes too long. My next interview was with Dr. Kao and Dr. Lally. Dr. Kao is a young faculty member out at LBJ (our county hospital). We'll discuss more of her later. Dr. Lally is the chief of pediatric surgery at UT. He's an outstanding physician and very student friendly. I actually got tough questions on this interview, which is great because I need preparation for interviews at other institutions. We talked about my research with Dr. Safi, what kind of practice I want to have, and others. Although some of the questions were difficult, I felt like I stood up to the task. Anyway, I thought we had a great talk and enjoyed the interview. I finished by talking with Dr. Potts. We sort of discussed how the day went, and he offered to help in any way he could. He's a pretty cool guy to do what he's done for all of the students interested in surgery. I'm very lucky to have had him as a teacher these last two years.

Then Nick and I went home in preparation for the big dinner at Dr. Andrassy's house. We arrived to his palace just before 7:00 PM. He lives out in the Memorial Area in the Northwest part of town. His house is in a sort of country Italian style and is ridiculously beautiful. Nick and I got the full tour including his office, smoke room (complete with humidor), workout room, guest rooms, larger than life kitchen, and grill house outside. It really is a spectacular place. Of course, the drinks were flowing from the full service bar, which is a prelude to interesting events. All of the interviewees arrived and good conversation was had by all. A few of the faculty and residents were there including Dr. Potts, Dr. Wilson (another Aggie grad), and Dr. Kao. It was great to sort of catch up with a lot of my classmates. I noticed many of the best people in our class are going into surgery. I think that says a lot about our school and the quality people that will be physicians come May 31st. Anyway, we all had dinner, hung out some more and wrapped it up. We decided to head to Davenport's near my house for some post-interview phun.


We were joined there by Ryan and Melissa along with Craig’s fiancee Amber and Melissa from school. Dr. Kao also joined us, which caught me completely by surprise. I mentioned earlier that I need to discuss Dr. Kao, who is a young attending out at LBJ. Nick worked with her a few months back and said good things. From my interview, I could tell she was sort of outgoing and there was no let down at Dr. Andrassy's. I mention her, because it's refreshing to hang out with someone more your age who's fun to be around. Plus she had a ton of great advice about residency stuff which was appreciated. Plus it turns out that she was pretty cool at the bar as well. So you get the idea that I was thoroughly impressed.

So that was the interview. It was an awesome day. I can only hope some of the other places I'll visit will be half as fun.

Yesterday April had a few friends over to her house to watch the election. This was, of course, the "most important election of my generation". In fact it was not any more or less important than any other election, but ok if you say so. Just as in 2000, half of the country likes the liberal guy and half of the country likes the conservative guy. I arrived at April's with laptop in hand to do some medical work and keep up with the online election stuff. Unfortunately, April doesn't have wireless internet access (or even a telephone line), so a friend of her's offered to let me use his computer to download a document I needed for my assignment. I forgot how spoiled I am here at the house to have wireless internet access. It really makes life very easy, especially if you own a laptop and want to use it on the sofa. Anyway, several people were at the party including a nice couple called John and Jen, and of course Brent (and his dog Bosco), April, and Angela. Todd was in California screaming at the television I'm sure. Ryan, Nick, and Stephanie also made a brief appearance. So in the room, all of the voters (but one) were for the blue states (whiny tree-hugging liberals), and the remaining voter was for the red states (Jesusland). I made lots of jokes to keep things civil, but it was obvious the "conservative" in the room was the enemy. The girl component of the little couple that I didn't know (Jen) seemed especially quiet towards me, and I couldn't decide if it was hostility or just shyness. So we drank lots and ate some food (among other things) and attempted to enjoy the evening. Around 11 O'clock, nothing was decided so we called it a night. When I left April's house it was apparent that Ohio would be the deciding state just as Florida was in 2000.

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Well, I didn't finish my assignment that was due today (Wednesday), so I got up at 5:30 AM to finish it. I also flipped on the television to see if there were new developments in the election. Low and behold, Bush had pretty much iced the thing by winning Ohio. I would later find out that Kerry conceded the election to Bush that morning. So all of this election stuff got me to thinking:

1. Most of my friends are Democrats. While I understood this in college (where everyone is a "free-thinker" and rebellious), I sort of thought people would start growing out of that by now. Now that they have jobs and bills to pay, I was thinking they'd want to hold on to that money and vote for tax cuts.

2. Most of my friends are either staunch Atheists or somewhat Agnostic.

Why do I mention these things? Well, because I'm the opposite of both of those points. Do I think I'm wrong because many of my friends feel differently than I do? Of course not. So why do I have so many friends who are so different? I have no idea...maybe their thoughts keep things interesting for me.

Finally, I don't want to devote too much time to the outcome of this election. However, I do want to point out that the world isn't coming to an end because John Kerry wasn't elected to office. He's so mediocre it makes me sick. He doesn't have a creative bone in his body, and he's the laziest politician on the planet. I say this, because he's been in the senate forever and introduced something like three bills during that time. In addition, his first wife was worth around $350 million, and you know how much his second wife is worth. He's merely a frat boy slacker who found some sugar mamas and got elected to public office. Ho hum. So please remember that the second coming of Christ wasn't in the cards had JK been elected. Now we'll have to wait and see if GW can make this Middle East thing work. He probably can't, and I feel bad for that. Iraq is a miserable situation, and I hate to see our troops killed just like everyone else does. But damn, wouldn't it be something spectacular if somehow a stable democracy emerged out of a brutal dictatorship? I can only pray for that. I think The President did a few good things aside from this Iraq situation. At least our intelligence gathering community is unified now, hopefully our airports are safer, we cleaned out the terrorists in Afghanistan, the schools have a national mandate to get better, the economy added over 300,000 jobs in October, and I feel integrity has been restored to the White House. So now I'll wait and see if GW can really make positive things happen. If not, all of you who voted for the other guy can geared up for the Hillary '08 campaign. ~gulp~

It would be good of me to recap the 24-hours from Saturday at 4 O’clock to Sunday at 4 O’clock. There is much of which I must speak. On Saturday Todd and April threw me in the sweet, sweet Toyota Prius (the hybrid car that gets around 45 miles to the gallon) and we hopped on the highway headed for the thriving metropolis of Waco, Texas. This city is home to the man formerly known as David Koresh, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, The Texas Rangers Museum, The Dr. Pepper Museum, The Circle, and even the Waco Water Park. It's all there.

Upon arriving after our 2.5 hour road trip, we parked in someone's front lawn and walked to the football stadium called Floyd Casey Stadium. I saw several of the Dallas A&M Club people at the game including Bob, Brendan, Travis, and Neil. I also saw an old friend from Aggie Fish Club named Melissa McNally, but now she's married. It was very nice to see everyone. Then we watched a football game. Baylor kept the score close the entire game. Reggie McNeal threw his first interception of the season. Baylor's offense was moving the ball with ease. Add those together and it spells overtime. A&M's first drive ended in touchdown plus extra point. Baylor's first drive ended in touchdown plus 2 point conversion. That means Baylor wins. And geez those Baylor fans were excited. They ran onto the field and started tearing down the goal posts like they just won the national championship. They hadn't beat A&M since 1985, so I guess they had to be excited about something. It was a good game. Too bad my first football game in Waco ended in defeat, but what can I do? So Todd, April, and I got in the car and drove to College Station. We thought we'd go to Northgate to drown our sorrows.

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We dropped Todd and April's stuff off at the Memorial Student Center's Hotel (wow, they stayed in the MSC Hotel), then Carolyn and David picked us up. Originally we had planned to hit every bar in Northgate, but we were sort of depressed so we went straight to The Chicken. We gathered a few pitchers and found a table out on the patio overlooking the throngs of people milling around Northgate. It was the day before Halloween, so most everyone was dressed up. This was sort of amusing for us, and our seat at the entrance of The Chicken made documenting the costumes very easy. So we sat at the table reminiscing of the good old days of college, met a bunch of new friends, and drank lots of beer. There was one group who was especially fun. They were huddled in the corner, so I sent Todd to scope out the situation. After he secured permission from his girlfriend to hit on other girls, Todd made the 10 foot trip to the other girls. After much talking, I motioned the ladies over to the table for some conversation. It turns out that they all went to Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, which is a private Catholic School. I let them know I went to Pearce, and the ball rolled from there. One of the girls was called Noel, and she wanted to be a physician's assistant. Hopefully by the end of the night I convinced her to be a physician instead, because physicians can have families and raise kids just like PA's can. So the talking continued, we were rejoined by Carolyn and David, and later we all went home. Back at David's house, I of course got to play with Paris. She's such a cute doggie. Then I fell asleep.

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Finally Sunday rolled around. Carolyn, Todd, April, and I had lunch at Cafe Excel. Then we went to Southgate for some quick shopping followed by a trip to The George H.W. Bush Presidential Museum and Library. It was my second trip to visit, and I'm still amazed by all there is to see. President Bush (or 41 as we call him in Texas), lead a remarkable life. I really can't do him justice in words, so hopefully the images will tell the story.

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And that was the Baylor/Halloween weekend.