Best Of: Just look over there

So, I finally figured out how to make a side tab listing some of my better posts. So, just look over there. Enjoy.

Best Of: Fond Memories of A Mad Scientist

Ever wonder what it is like to be a scientist? Well, click here, and then, I don't know, read a book or something.

Best Of: World Cup Wrap Up

Ah, remember the World Cup last year? It gave us a chance to learn about the all of the un-American countries and their love of Futsbol. Click here to re-discover the wonders of Holland and Spain, as well as pay homage to our octopus overlords.

100th Post

Dear loyal fans,

This is the 100th post of my blog. It's been over a year now since I started the Sartorial Skeptic back in May 2010, and now it has really taken on a life of its own. I really can't believe that I've actually kept this up, and I definitely do not understand why you people keep reading.

It's interesting to think that although 60-80% of blogs are abandoned within a month, mine has somehow survived 100 posts. But I suppose quantity really shouldn't be the absolute measure of a blog. When I started this site, it was more far important to me to make it entertaining rather than long-lasting.

I've been tracking my blog traffic, and I'm still amazed at the kind of people who read my blog: my family in Japan, my family in America, old high school friends, acquaintances scattered throughout Europe, friends in rural towns, friends in huge cities, medical school classmates, etc. But most of all, I'm surprised that I've managed to keep so many Kansas readers, many of whom I haven't seen in over a year.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know much it means to me that you are still reading. This blog has helped me remain sane throughout medical school and has been an outlet for me to experiment with some ridiculous humor.

So, as a reward to the fans, each day this week I will be re-posting a "Best of" series of my blog so far. I hope I've been a fun distraction for you this past year, and I hope you will continue to find some value in my writing in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Sai

Zoos and Meerkat Hipster Haters

Readers may recall that the last time I went to the zoo, I wrote a lot about how giraffes are liars and birds hate Greeks. This time, I went to the same zoo, so this post will be neither informative nor entertaining!

Pictured above: Just like this photograph of an exotic bird scheming.

But things were cuter this time around. Just look a these meerkats.

Pictured above:
MEERKAT #1: Hey, check out this hipster with the camera.
MEERKAT #2: God, what a poser.
MEERKAT #1: Digital SLR, man! You aren't even doing it right.

And another bird.

Pictured above: I do exactly the same thing to meet ladies. Put on my bird costume and stand motionless outside of the bars.

And then to an Algerian cafe to end the afternoon.

Pictured above: The mint leaf did not succeed in navigating the Algerian water maze.

Farm Fresh Dogs

Summer has finally arrived, which means that farmer's market season has officially begun. I spent yesterday morning perusing the finest beets and asparagi local farmers had to offer, which gave me a chance to practice being both an old man and an elitist.

I'm getting better at these markets, though. I recently learned a few of the secret passwords to get some of the illegal, pharmaceutical-grade turnips and the exotic, hallucinogenic danger-honey.

Pictured above: While I was walking some flowers, I also decided to pick up some dogs at the farmer's market.

To top off the day, I traveled to the Argyle area with some friends to get some Vietnamese food at Tank! Unfortunately, while taking the train, my "friends" caused a bit of a disturbance. Doug put out a cigarette in a kid's face, Mitali kicked out a nun's knees, and Nicole just kept yelling "Thizz face! Thizz face! Thizz face!" This is why we don't get to go anywhere nice.

Pictured above: Riding the subway never looked this awkward.

Tips on Surviving Chicago (You Won't)

In the spirit of generosity, and to fulfill my court-ordered community service, I have decide to bestow upon you, the humble reader, some of what I've learned during my year of living in Chicago.

1. Weather

Invest in a sturdy umbrella. Some locals joke that a "Chicago umbrella" is one turned inside out by the wind, but this is inaccurate. A "Chicago umbrella" is one turned inside out by the wind and then is rigged to be counted as several votes in a local election.

2. Subways

You will miss your train. It will speed off while you are desperately trying to run between the closing doors. To prevent yourself from looking foolish, I recommend ghost riding the train. Just start dancing along it as it leaves, though you must be familiar with proper "stuntin'" decorum.

3. Crime

Like I have mentioned before in previous episodes, I am a intern for the local Yakuza gang. Though this just means getting coffee for the more senior guys and getting a large tattoo of a dragon fighting a tiger across my chest, it has also allowed me to really get involved in the "crime scene" in Chicago. It's a lot like the music scene, but with fewer moustaches.

4. Making friends

One word: overrated. You know what really makes life exciting? Making enemies. The next time you meet someone who shares your interests, just punch them in the solar plexus and whisper, "Remember this day forever. Also, you should follow my blog."

5. Clothing

Clothes are expensive, and between pretending to be a doctor and punching strangers, you are bound to wear them out. But when they get old, just turn your clothes into different clothes!


Pictured above: A torn shirt, now a brand new handkerchief/pocket square! I know, right? And you said my life couldn't get any lonelier.