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Mosquito Control

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:26:00 -0400

Before I took up this opportunity with MMCD, I was unaware about their use of chemical pesticides used to regulate the mosquito nuisance. My only encounter with MMCD was only once when I saw them over the Coon Rapids Damn one early summer morning last year when I saw a team pouring contents from 5 gallon white buckets into the river. What they used was a liquid version of what we call Methoprenea (we use a pellet version), a hormonal growth regulator which only works for mosquito and black fly/gnats. This chemical is nontoxic to human and the environment as it specifically only works on the targeted pests. The effectiveness of this product works up to 30 days and is only used to prevent larvae from fully morphing into the flying biting adult. (Did you know that in Minnesota, there are about 50 types of mosquitoes yet not all of them are harmful? Furthermore, did you know that only the females bite?) This can be bought at the store without restriction—through research, one can buy 2.5 pounds worth of pellets for 35 bucks.

Another form of control we use is called Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (BTI). BTI is a bacteria mixed with grounded corn cob for easy spreading. Mosquito start their lives underwater as a larvae after they hatch from their egg. As a larvae, they consume a variety of things available and they also eat bacteria. This is how BTI has become an effective method of treatment because the larvae will consume this bacteria product and within a few days, the larvae will die. Similar to the previous product discussed, BTI also has no effect on other organisms and the environment which makes it an environmentally friendly product…unless you like mosquitoes have at it. This product is also available at store and is much cheaper, retailing at $15 for 2 pounds worth of control, yet it is only effective up to a few days after treatment.

I feel rather accomplished today after being held back inside for two hours because of the anticipated forces of nature, yet with the lesser amount of time after being given the green light to hit the road, I still managed to fill 7 vials of larvae from the field. On a normal day for me so far, I would be lucky to fill 2 vials.

I share with you this information because not everyone is informed of the applied pesticides used to control mosquitoes. One is not to blame because in general, chemical is a scary thing especially pesticides. Rest assured now that MMCD only uses environmentally friendly and EPA/USDA approved chemicals to help control these pests. While we may not be able to fully eliminate the problem, we are trying to help lessen the nuisance during our warm season, eliminating them entirely is also not our objective if you are wondering.

Next week, I may be given instruction to do field collection of Black Fly larvae on the river/creek if instructed to do so by my foreman. Exciting! Good day, good day!

I freakin love Google maps. Freakin! =)))

Wed, 01 May 2013 18:24:57 -0400

I freakin love Google maps. Freakin! =)))

I guess I just adopted a guinea pig…it’s just not the same…at least not yet…...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:32:33 -0400

I guess I just adopted a guinea pig…it’s just not the same…at least not yet… hopefully. =\ …=]

Got all these Budlight 40’s laying around after the weekend party so I decided I wanted a cup,...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:32:16 -0400

Got all these Budlight 40’s laying around after the weekend party so I decided I wanted a cup, afterall I haven’t had some good beer in a long time. Budlight just doesn’t and hasn’t ever done it for me. Gahh..what a burdened beer to finish. Lol.

Mosquitoes have hatched!! Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD)

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:40:00 -0400

Yay! I’m so glad to be back working outside. This is my second week back on the job, stationed in Plymouth next to the Plymouth DMV off 494 and HW 55. Despite the start date setback and the constant harassment by the never-ending snowfall, it has not stop me from being able to work. I am happy and I have been happier once again, although this job is only seasonal-temporary, nevertheless I would rather be doing something I enjoy for the meantime. This is a total new experience for me. My position as well as the agency who I work for is a new experience. I am a Field Inspector. My responsibilities are monitoring mosquito activity in the Twin Cities metro area, more precisely the western counties of the metro such as Long Lake, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, Shorewood and Excelsior etc. Funny thing about this is that prior to this job, I was on training with Fedex and we were running the same routes, yet only now I do it with MMCD. I primarily inspect standing watering holes near residential areas that give way to mosquito to breed in as they reproduce in stagnant water. Upon finding, I collect samples and I apply the required amount of pesticide to eradicate the threat. I work in a team consisting of 4-5 individuals although we all run solo in the field driving our own trucks, 6:30am-3pm, Monday-Friday.

We also collect tires to eliminate mosquito breeding structures, whether found dumped in the field of upon request by the citizens of the metro area—free of charge (not really, you already paid for the disposal through your taxes so take advantage of it!!) That is right, MMCD is a local government agency so we operate through the annual taxes generated through the metro area residents, I am paid through tax dollars.

So far the pace and atmosphere of this job is quite relaxed for being a government agency. Everyone is super chill and nice, no intimidation, no cut-throat kinda garbage. Everyone seems to enjoy their job and says so themselves. Coworkers age varies from 21 (college age) to currently 72, with college kids working during the summers. In comparison with Conservation Corps where the rules are pretty strict and most things are regulated with a heavy hand, MMCD is lenient with the rules. I don’t even have to wear Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) if I don’t want (although it is suggested with certain things, key word: suggested) to when handling equipment and pesticides, whereas in the Corps, I would have to wear a hardhat, gloves and goggle just to carry a ladder.

(I don’t mean to talk down on the Corps as I have learned much from them and I understand their position and their focus, I kind of got tired from feeling a little over-protected).

As stated earlier, this is the second week on the job and I think I have grasped the job well as everyday is a learning experience on the trades of the job. I am also studying to get recertified for my pesticide applicator’s certification from MN Dept of Agriculture again, this time to work for MMCD with mosquito endorsement! The things to come!

Mom

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:56:00 -0400

I’m tired of talking to my mom when she argues how she can’t do things because she’s a woman. She argues with sexism thus this gives her the excuse that she doesn’t or shouldn’t have to do certain things or doesn’t have a certain ability. I hate this old fashion of thinking and I cannot seem to reason logically with her. I tell her that women have nearly the same if not the same potential that men has and also in ability. I’ve reasoned with her that people are capable of doing certain things because they have been taught how, and not just naturally acquire the skills like she thinks. She argues that men should do chores such as fixing cars and whatnot because they are geared for it. NOT TRUE. Most guys end up fixing cars because most guys have an enthusiasm for cars, thus taking interest in cars and fixing them—that is why you end up seeing more guys fixing cars. This is not least to say that woman can’t possibly do the same thing. It is only because one has not learned to do so.

I hate it when mom says that she can’t do things because “she’s just a woman.” I often tell her that people will look down and step on you on your own premise if you are already setting yourself up for it. Everyone is well capable of doing anything they have their mind set to and shouldn’t belittle oneself to cultural norms. May it have been the way in the past, most likely but nowadays, stop with this bullshit and make yourself handy and useful most importantly to yourself.

A letter I found while walking the dog at Palmer.

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:03:00 -0400

3/14/13

“Gyneik

I’m just writing you to let you know that I’m in the hole. I was jumped by 5 guys. I have a cuts to the face and back of my head but I’ll be ok. I don’t know if they will let me out but I only get one 15 minute phone call a month so I will write you as much as I can hopefully you will write back if not I understand, but for what its worth I did not start it. They came at me and I could not back down. I’m just sorry that I can’t call and hear my baby’s voice or yours. Just when I was trying to put things back together with the both of you, niggas decide to test me, but know I love the both of you and will keep in touch.

From the one who will always love you,

(couldn’t read the signature) “

If he didn’t start it and was jumped by 5 guys, why is he the one in jail? Hmmm…

Mom crying

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:21:29 -0500

Was getting dinner tonight from the kitchen and ran into mom. She had tears running from her eyes so I asked her why she was crying. She replied that she misses her old phone as she had just got an upgrade with her cellphone. She misses her first old phone. =)

If I were a ninja turtle which one would I be?

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 01:57:21 -0500

Definitely Donatello. To my understanding, you’d rather use your brain to fight =)

Goals by the end of Year 2013...or I'll be damned

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 06:17:00 -0500

(I am pretty materialistic as one can see through this list, and I am deprived!)

Get a stinking job! Est. ~50k
Get a freaking car and buy it with my own money, my own insurance and pay for it…) Est ~<10k
Finally clear my freaking credit card so I can rack some more stuff on it and pay it off once again! Est. ~2k
Pay half of my student loans off if not entirely (20k) Est. ~ 10k
Maybe move out with the love? =))) Est. ~1k/month
Equip myself with outdoors gear (Shotgun, archery + tree stand setup, snowboard). Est ~<3k
Lasik surgery is very possible. Est. ~<2k
New clothes and shoes (Get rid of all my outdated clothes and ripped up shoes (look like class like voos, chu, tom, kou and bigboy pheng, my fashion idols)) Est. ~<1k
Get out of Minnesota and take MV to my hometown, mingle on the beach, catch some clams, bonfire on the beach and even fish?? =D! Take her through the great Redwoods. Est. ~<3k

Total cost = ~30k (Holy, that’s a lot more than I’ve even had in my lifetime’s earning. A bit intimidating!!!!

I think this list is extensive enough for now. Kudos to me if I even get a single thing done!

5 Scary Ingredients in Candy You Might Wanna Know About

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 04:57:23 -0500

5 Scary Ingredients in Candy You Might Wanna Know About

Holy! DOT changes that would make driving safer and even fun?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:49:24 -0500

Holy! DOT changes that would make driving safer and even fun?

Musical Influences PT. 2 Interesting, I have concluded this...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:42:00 -0500

Musical Influences PT. 2

Interesting, I have concluded this year. I found it interesting after again realizing that people grow up listening to different music, shouldn’t come as a complete surprise but still. I thought it was interesting that between even MV and I how we each grew up with small musical differences. I grew up listening to a lot of Hmong music, mostly at the time, music that was still being made in South East Asia. Common artist’s were Luj Yaj, Pov Thoj and Tsab Mim Xyooj etc (these 3 were commonly heard on a daily basis). Another funny thought was how common music videos were of these artists at the time, as well as their hot commodity.

I thought that it was interesting that alongside listening to the common Hmong, that my mom also played a lot of Lao and Hmong Lao music (Hmong inspired Lao music); the name that comes up is Pwv Vien (wrong spelling, need to go look for her tape to confirm the spelling).

The point is that I kind of chucked at the fact that in addition to Hmong, MV was influenced by her family’s musical talent and her mom is big on Thai and their music, so she grew up listening and watching a great load of Thai movies, thus she preferring Thai music as opposed to Lao which I like.

I really just wanted to share that video up there and ramble. Lol. I really do like Lao music though, and the signature Lao Khaen, the Lao Qeej. I love it opposed to the Hmong qeej because it has a faster melody when played traditionally versus the style played with ours. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Hmong Qeej as well and it really depends on my mood. I just really like the Lao qeej as well because it has a very festive beat that makes people wanna get up and salavong, another association of this instrument and the culture of the Lao people that I am heavily jealous upon. I am frustrated and disappointed that along the way, (which I’m sure) that the Hmong have lost their cultural dances, not the ones you typically see at the New Years (as I really think those dances aren’t the “REAL” traditional dances, unless they are then that’s just sad IMO) and also because I’m really bummed that there’s no position for the Hmong men to participate in Hmong dances. Being that I love to dance for fun, whether for the traditional purposes, I would have loved to be a part of it. Understand my admiration and frustration! =D!

The above video is Jonny Olsen, a Caucasian man who is no doubt in loved with the Lao culture. I’m fascinated in his fascination =))) He’s good. He’s also singing a favorite song of mine. The song has also been translated and the background music has been used in many Hmong sung songs; a popular reference would be of Maim Lis. Happy listening!! (Below is a beautiful clip of the Lao Khaen being played. I had a difficult time trying to add that clip onto this page because either I’m not HTML competent anymore or Tumblr isn’t letting me do so…Freakin A).

Lao Khaen Music

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:41:19 -0500

Lao Khaen Music

Yuck!

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 14:25:01 -0500

I freaking had a dream that I bought a case of Yeo’s “new” drink. I bet you can’t guess what flavor it is. It’s freaking beetle juice. It was freaking disgusting. I don’t know why in my dream I would have wanted to try it out in the first place! My mom said it tasted like dead people juice. Gahhhh! I’m going to stick with my White Gourd =\

Drive a friend’s car that I haven’t driven before

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:13:00 -0500

I haven’t driven many of my friend’s cars but for those that I have, they have some pretty sweet rides, each with their own feel and experience.

Brian Grande’s awesome Nissan Altima. That thing has great control, power and just feels good to sit behind the wheel. (His has to be the 2002 model or newer, V6 ~250hp, auto)
Vong’s 1991-1996 Toyota Camery. Fuel efficient yes, drives pretty well excluding excess cargo such as from the YS Trip. Not as well grounded as Brian’s because it’s not as heavy as Brian’s. 125whp, auto, V4.
Kou’s Honda Hatchback EG 92-95, unknown WHP. This is the vehicle Voos, Chu and I started our manual transmission training on. It was a great training session/s with it. It was light when driven solo and I can’t complain about how it doesn’t drive well, it shifts just fine. The only ‘down side’ was the lack of power steering but that wasn’t too much of a problem if at all. Great times!
Mai Yer’s 2000 Civic EX. ~125WHP. Although I didn’t get much time behind this car, it had a very empty feeling, probably too light as well. Not sure what to think behind it. It was also the first time I’ve ever driven a Civic, still the only civic coupe/sedan I’ve driven besides Kou’s hatch.
Chuhue’s Toyota Corolla 2008 or newer Type S. Drove well, compact yet still has good handling, enough HP for the model to have enough pull during acceleration, sporty look. Good!

Music is so influential!! I know, you know, we know that we know...

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 04:47:00 -0500

Music is so influential!! I know, you know, we know that we know of someone, someones, ourselves included that are influenced by music! Whether you just enjoy listening to music or you are actively making music or simply just enjoy the tunes, we become that much closer to the art. Whenever I listen to good music regardless of genre, I always imagine myself in that culture, a culture that sometimes society labels certain group of people who seemingly choose to associate themselves with. Such an example is a person who listens to hard rock or metal rock music tend to have long hair, facial hair and wears band tees such as that of the singers in the music videos. Because certain bands are so cool because of their music, their followers want to be just like them. This mindset creates a cult almost. Although I listen to whatever’s good at the moment, whenever I run across a good song like that of ‘Man in a box’ by Alice in Chains, I always imagine myself being free and screaming so happily. Maybe truth be told, I just need to sing to some hard rock and yell my lungs out. I want to grow out my hair long and be ruthless yet these ideas are quick to disappear thereafter when my playlist quickly switches to hip-hop music. I suddenly think that I cannot have this rocker look and at the same time also really want to wear cartoon shirts and nice clean sneakers such as that of hip-hop stars. I’m so easily influenced by music mainly. I am a man of no sense of fashion and style at all. This is probably because my ideal style is always changing or not constant because I simply can’t make up my mind just as I’ve explained. The problem may be that Rock and hip-hop are not the only genres of music that I listen to. My thoughts are everywhere. Take what you can from my spasm!

Music

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:08:00 -0500

I’ve been away from doing music for so long I have completely been disconnected from it. Tonight as I was looking up for new hits or getting updated with all the hits I’ve missed during my absence, I ran up on a forum where active Club DJs discuss music and the hits that they’ve been having success with. This leads me all the way through the year 2012. It’s cool to learn that different tastes hit harder in other regions of the US as some songs don’t even get played or get little demand for, as every region has their own style of music. I’m really surprised as well that I haven’t heard a lot of these songs but it’s no surprise because I don’t even frequent the clubs. Its amazing how fast even music goes from HOT to real cold where no one wants to even hear that track played. 3 years is considered cold, if even, that’s if it was real hot before. That’s because so much can change in a short amount of time. There’s so much music on the market today that the flavor is constantly changing. Remember how just a few years ago the scene was all jerking and dougie-ing? Apparently it isn’t the scene anymore from the report. I think Twerking came at the same time as jerking but wasn’t as big, but that’s the scene now,…at least for girls, guys don’t twerk. Lol. Some of these songs are really really good though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xhfr7iQfI8 V.I.C Twerk it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FbResoSxY8 Twista & Tyga- Gucci, Louis, Prada

Any DJ is a lucky person to be having this much fun on the weekends!! So much Bass therapy!!

Tumblr Winter Challenge: Try food you’ve never tried before and tell us about it.

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:42:00 -0500

Brussels sprouts- I DISLIKE it much. Tough to say because I’ve only had it one time and it probably wasn’t served in a recipe that would make it taste good. I had it boiled with proteins. The sprouts were really bitter and had a stench that I couldn’t take. The taste also lingered for too long after the bite. Although it is a cultivar from the cabbage family, and I LOVE cabbage, Brussels sprouts just doesn’t do it for me.

Describe the person you talked to the most in the past 2 weeks.

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:25:11 -0500

This is quite obvious. I have been communicating much with the lovely Mai Vang Vang these past 2 weeks and prior. She is loving, caring, silly, obnoxious and can be straight up evol sometime when I ignore her apparently. She is quite wonderful indeed. She has talked about giving me babies and staying at home to watch the kids while she supports the family. She is the REAL man of the family =) I love you!