So I should inform the general blogging public who read this fine piece of internet literature that I have passed the Macro qualifier, but not the Micro.
I am severely disappointed.
But this does give me an opportunity. I will still be able to take the PhD level courses that I want (according to one professor anyway), and finish up with a master's degree. From this I can get my MA GPA up (from a solid 3.1, with nothing but PhD courses so far), and hopefully apply to a school as good, if not better, and get financial aid. As Prof. el-Hodiri told me a year back, "it's win/win." "Quijote," he said to me, "if you're going to go to graduate school, get into a PhD program. If you fail, the worst case is you get a master's and from there, you can decide. If you succeed though..." And so it has come to pass. Mohammed, you are also a prophet. ... hehehe... get it? Prophet? okay... sorry.
So I have a general idea for a thesis. I would like to work on immigration and/or urban migration (the two of which I believe -as do many around the world- are linked), but I can't think of the specific idea that I had two weeks ago. Hopefully I can add my own sick, twisted outlook on that.
There are things that I got from this year that transcend classwork and school. Things so beautiful and wonderful that I can't really find the words to describe them. Things that have definite squirrel like properties... but you see where I'm going with this.
The department can say what it wants, and decide what it wants. I've gotten the most out of Dallas and this school that I can (and I will continue to next year in the MA). And I will move on, and get more out of what is to come. So :P to y'all. This okie is going north!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Tom Petty is a genius...
In case you didn't know that.
"It's the waiting that's the hardest part."
STILL, waiting on the results. In fact, got a hot tip yesterday (Wednesday) that the quals were still sitting in the grad secretary's office, untouched, and waiting (seems to be a common theme this week).
So yeah. All the people who I told, "I'll be in Tulsa by Thursday or Friday", sorry. I won't. I'll be here. At best I'll be down Saturday, or at worst next Thursday.
I have spent my time watching Kurosawa movies. Toshiro Mifune is one bad mutha-shut your mouth, that's for sure.
You doubt? Watch Yojimbo and Sanjuro (the movies that inspired the story for Fistful of Dollars and Clint Eastwood's character). In fact... let's take a look at the pictures of these two themselves. Both... absolute... bad@##.
But Mifune did have one disadvantage to Clint... he could never be photographed with a monkey and still look cool.
*Images found using google image search. So I don't remember the exact web pages I got them from. Sorry.
"It's the waiting that's the hardest part."
STILL, waiting on the results. In fact, got a hot tip yesterday (Wednesday) that the quals were still sitting in the grad secretary's office, untouched, and waiting (seems to be a common theme this week).
So yeah. All the people who I told, "I'll be in Tulsa by Thursday or Friday", sorry. I won't. I'll be here. At best I'll be down Saturday, or at worst next Thursday.
I have spent my time watching Kurosawa movies. Toshiro Mifune is one bad mutha-shut your mouth, that's for sure.
You doubt? Watch Yojimbo and Sanjuro (the movies that inspired the story for Fistful of Dollars and Clint Eastwood's character). In fact... let's take a look at the pictures of these two themselves. Both... absolute... bad@##.
But Mifune did have one disadvantage to Clint... he could never be photographed with a monkey and still look cool.
*Images found using google image search. So I don't remember the exact web pages I got them from. Sorry.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Clocks and Longitude.
Just got done reading what was probably the first book I've read for the fun of it in over two years: "Longitude."
Not much to say about it except that it was a fun read into the history of something we don't think about much: clocks. What does it matter if we get there a few minutes late, if our clocks are off by thirty minutes, an hour. Well if you were a sailor, a great deal. Millions of dollars were spent to research how to find longitude, and therefore the east/west position of ships on an open ocean. Brilliant astronomers and physicists mapped the stars and cranked out hundreds of thousands of calculations, when the end all it took was simple multiplication and the creation of a more accurate clock. Based on the clock that kept the time of the port you set out from (or Greenwhich Mean Time later on), and the hour difference of the location you were at (found by checking when the sun hit it's highest point: noon) you could find the time difference. Say it's noon in Greenwhich, and two hours ahead where you are. Multiply that two hour difference by fifteen degrees (good old geometry), and you're at 30 degrees west (give or take a few degrees... which can translate into quite a few miles). Hooray math. Let's do it again! 3 hours head? 45 degrees west. Four hours ahead? 60 degrees West. Then convert degrees into the distance given the charts you're using and BAM! Location, location, location. With today's clocks you can get even more accurate to the .00000000000001 degree (or some decimal point that's way out there), but I have neither the time nor inclination to go into that.
Now if you have a clock that's notoriously inaccurate given certain conditions (temperature change, waving of the sea, salty air, etc), you've got a pretty dangerous situation. You don't know where you are as far as East/West goes, and you might think you're at Tierra del Fuego when instead you're in the Falklands.
This led to countless deaths by error of judgment (not to mention when you forget to carry the two), the loss of billions of dollars, and the general unpleasant nature of sailing (what happens if you've go a scurvy outbreak and you need to get to land fast, but don't know which way to go?).
So in walks John Harrison with a magnificent clock, which by its very nature is extremely accurate (made of metals that contract and expand at different rates in different temperatures, and in a ratio such that the clock as a whole loses no time due to expanding or contracting parts... brilliant), and a very simple solution.
What follows is British naval superiority over sea for a few hundred years (which also has much to do with sauerkraut and limes), the "shrinking" of the world due to lesser transportation costs, and a more profitable marine market not subject to "the mystery of longitude." Hooray clocks.
Perhaps this is why the English are so obsessed with time? ;)
So next time some one comes in late and tells you: "Thirty minutes, an hour. What's the difference?" You can tell them. Fifteen degrees longitude. And many sailors lost their lives because of it.
The other moral of this story? Keep it simple, stupid.
... God, I'm a nerd.
Next book: "The Other Path" by Hernando de Soto. Peruvian economist vs. the Shining Path? Did economics really fight terror more successfully than military might? Or was it that there were just a few productive "disappearances" thanks to the Peruvian military? I'm thinking Fuji-san's influence is understated in this book. So far.
Not much to say about it except that it was a fun read into the history of something we don't think about much: clocks. What does it matter if we get there a few minutes late, if our clocks are off by thirty minutes, an hour. Well if you were a sailor, a great deal. Millions of dollars were spent to research how to find longitude, and therefore the east/west position of ships on an open ocean. Brilliant astronomers and physicists mapped the stars and cranked out hundreds of thousands of calculations, when the end all it took was simple multiplication and the creation of a more accurate clock. Based on the clock that kept the time of the port you set out from (or Greenwhich Mean Time later on), and the hour difference of the location you were at (found by checking when the sun hit it's highest point: noon) you could find the time difference. Say it's noon in Greenwhich, and two hours ahead where you are. Multiply that two hour difference by fifteen degrees (good old geometry), and you're at 30 degrees west (give or take a few degrees... which can translate into quite a few miles). Hooray math. Let's do it again! 3 hours head? 45 degrees west. Four hours ahead? 60 degrees West. Then convert degrees into the distance given the charts you're using and BAM! Location, location, location. With today's clocks you can get even more accurate to the .00000000000001 degree (or some decimal point that's way out there), but I have neither the time nor inclination to go into that.
Now if you have a clock that's notoriously inaccurate given certain conditions (temperature change, waving of the sea, salty air, etc), you've got a pretty dangerous situation. You don't know where you are as far as East/West goes, and you might think you're at Tierra del Fuego when instead you're in the Falklands.
This led to countless deaths by error of judgment (not to mention when you forget to carry the two), the loss of billions of dollars, and the general unpleasant nature of sailing (what happens if you've go a scurvy outbreak and you need to get to land fast, but don't know which way to go?).
So in walks John Harrison with a magnificent clock, which by its very nature is extremely accurate (made of metals that contract and expand at different rates in different temperatures, and in a ratio such that the clock as a whole loses no time due to expanding or contracting parts... brilliant), and a very simple solution.
What follows is British naval superiority over sea for a few hundred years (which also has much to do with sauerkraut and limes), the "shrinking" of the world due to lesser transportation costs, and a more profitable marine market not subject to "the mystery of longitude." Hooray clocks.
Perhaps this is why the English are so obsessed with time? ;)
So next time some one comes in late and tells you: "Thirty minutes, an hour. What's the difference?" You can tell them. Fifteen degrees longitude. And many sailors lost their lives because of it.
The other moral of this story? Keep it simple, stupid.
... God, I'm a nerd.
Next book: "The Other Path" by Hernando de Soto. Peruvian economist vs. the Shining Path? Did economics really fight terror more successfully than military might? Or was it that there were just a few productive "disappearances" thanks to the Peruvian military? I'm thinking Fuji-san's influence is understated in this book. So far.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
I'd like to thank the little people...
So Macro is done. Ish. Ish to it all, I say.
I really just have no idea how it's going to go.
So in lieu of commenting any more than "ish" on these tests (not bad"ish" and not good"ish" for those hazy on the definition of "ish" -see "meh"-), I'm going to add to my list of supporters and sponsors.
To the friendly Koreans (or Vietnamese?) at Mustang Donuts, who seem to always be open and constantly yelling at those annoying skater punk Highland Park kids. May the Texas conceal and carry laws help you with your never ending quest to get those kids off your sidewalk.
To Chipotle, who's chicken fajita burrito is helping to ease the pain of a four hour econ test.
To New Belgium beer, makers of "1554 'Enlightened' Black Ale" which I'm enjoying with my burrito... at 2 in the afternoon. What... it's after 12. I deserve it.
To the friendly people at Borders who let me study there last night, and whom I just purchased two books from: "Longitude" by Dava Sobel, and "The Other Path" by Hernando de Soto (as opposed to the Shining Path... see Peruvian terrorism and economics).
To Outback Steakhouse, and my roommates gift cards to Outback Steakhouse. Margarita time.... I don't think it's a gay drink.
To the fine beverages without which my caffeine fix and relaxing evenings would not have been possible:
Folgers coffee, powdered dairy creamer, Dr. Pepper, Cherry and Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Lipton's Raspberry Iced Tea, Lipton's Tea, Sam Adams Beer, Sam JACKSON beer (GOOOOOOOOOOOD M********** CHOICE!... just kidding), New Belgium, water, Borden's milk, Minute Maid Orange Juice, and of course... Hershey's Chocolate milk. Can you hear that spoon clacking?
... To Do List:
Clean room, bike (lose the subsequent five pounds I will gain from this burrito), vacuum, clean tub, sleep.
Nice.
I really just have no idea how it's going to go.
So in lieu of commenting any more than "ish" on these tests (not bad"ish" and not good"ish" for those hazy on the definition of "ish" -see "meh"-), I'm going to add to my list of supporters and sponsors.
To the friendly Koreans (or Vietnamese?) at Mustang Donuts, who seem to always be open and constantly yelling at those annoying skater punk Highland Park kids. May the Texas conceal and carry laws help you with your never ending quest to get those kids off your sidewalk.
To Chipotle, who's chicken fajita burrito is helping to ease the pain of a four hour econ test.
To New Belgium beer, makers of "1554 'Enlightened' Black Ale" which I'm enjoying with my burrito... at 2 in the afternoon. What... it's after 12. I deserve it.
To the friendly people at Borders who let me study there last night, and whom I just purchased two books from: "Longitude" by Dava Sobel, and "The Other Path" by Hernando de Soto (as opposed to the Shining Path... see Peruvian terrorism and economics).
To Outback Steakhouse, and my roommates gift cards to Outback Steakhouse. Margarita time.... I don't think it's a gay drink.
To the fine beverages without which my caffeine fix and relaxing evenings would not have been possible:
Folgers coffee, powdered dairy creamer, Dr. Pepper, Cherry and Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Lipton's Raspberry Iced Tea, Lipton's Tea, Sam Adams Beer, Sam JACKSON beer (GOOOOOOOOOOOD M********** CHOICE!... just kidding), New Belgium, water, Borden's milk, Minute Maid Orange Juice, and of course... Hershey's Chocolate milk. Can you hear that spoon clacking?
... To Do List:
Clean room, bike (lose the subsequent five pounds I will gain from this burrito), vacuum, clean tub, sleep.
Nice.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Sunday morning coming down.
I am burned out.
Taking Sunday afternoon off. Going to go over the concepts I have down pretty well tonight as a refresher. Micro is tomorrow. Macro is on Wednesday.
Special thanks to all the sponsors of this burn-out:
Kuby's, Dr. Pepper, Einstein Bros., Wendy's, Mahatma Rice, whoever makes dry erase markers, and Tom Thumb.
Taking Sunday afternoon off. Going to go over the concepts I have down pretty well tonight as a refresher. Micro is tomorrow. Macro is on Wednesday.
Special thanks to all the sponsors of this burn-out:
Kuby's, Dr. Pepper, Einstein Bros., Wendy's, Mahatma Rice, whoever makes dry erase markers, and Tom Thumb.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Few More Days...
And it will be "go time."
Starting the "final review" tomorrow, which will consist mostly of me answering questions until I can't stand anymore.
Oh yes, did I relate my new study method?
I swipe dry erase markers from the upstairs classrooms, go downstairs in the basement, and solve questions until my legs hurt. Then I sit down and solve them. Then I stand some more. Fun stuff. It makes the studying a little more bearable, because I'm not sitting all the time, and it's easier to see my mistakes on the board then on a piece of paper.
Plus I get a real sense of accomplishment after erasing two boards full of equations. Or maybe it's just a high from the dry-erase markers.... either way, just a few more days.
Starting the "final review" tomorrow, which will consist mostly of me answering questions until I can't stand anymore.
Oh yes, did I relate my new study method?
I swipe dry erase markers from the upstairs classrooms, go downstairs in the basement, and solve questions until my legs hurt. Then I sit down and solve them. Then I stand some more. Fun stuff. It makes the studying a little more bearable, because I'm not sitting all the time, and it's easier to see my mistakes on the board then on a piece of paper.
Plus I get a real sense of accomplishment after erasing two boards full of equations. Or maybe it's just a high from the dry-erase markers.... either way, just a few more days.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Pulling a Gore? Jumping the Al?
So our neighbors to the south have apparently gotten a large migration of Floridians since the last election. A tight popular vote (with no electoral college to worry about) has seemingly clinched a victory for Calderon, but Lopez Obrador will continue to appeal to the Supreme Court about a full recount of 41 million votes. Now, far be it from me to comment on how other countries decide to govern themselves... wait... I'm from the US... nevermind. Not that far at all..
anyway, far be it from me to... not... comment... on... other countries' governments, but I agree with this BBC article that Obrador would be better served by bowing out now and gearing up for 2012. Now why should he when he might have a small chance of perhaps finding the votes?
If he continues in this way, he is in danger of Pulling a Gore (Jumping the Al? How should we call this? The Florida Five Step?). Granted, Al had a bit more reason to appeal (he actually had the popular vote), and Mexico doesn't have an electoral college to deal with, but Al still came out looking like the loser (for many reasons) despite all his efforts. So will Lopez Obrador slink off to Italy, grow a really lame beard in a failed attempt to imitate Hemingway, then come back 6 years later with a statistically unsound propaganda film about drowning polar bears? ... maybe.
But if he steps aside what does it gain? Calderon will have to deal with:
a) an increasingly unstable world economy,
b) an increasingly jittery neighbor to the north who he'll have to deal with on every issue ranging from oil prices to immigration (whether he wants to or not)
c) Chavez... that alone is enough to make any dude roll his eyes when it comes to dealing with foreign policy (he'll get to be the new US "lap dog"),
d) inflation, unemployment, and all the lovely other things that Presidents have no real power over, but get blamed for anyway.
Say it with me, Andres, "Political Powder Keg." You have an opportunity to wale on the entire government, scot-free, FOR SIX YEARS. If they go too far right, they're puppets of the US Corporations, if they go too far left, they're letting Chavez infiltrate Mexican interests too much. YOU... CAN'T.... LOSE... except... uh... you already did. But that's BESIDE THE POINT. And you can always use the phrase with the nightly news, "If I'd been elected [insert problem here] wouldn't be happening."
2012 is your year, Andres.
Just don't pull a Gore.
In other news, Peru chooses the lesser of two evils.
For more educated and serious opinions on this matter, peruse the BBC:
Protest over Election
Presidential Profiles
BBC Viewer Reaction (and the majority of them... not Brittish)
*Note: The views in this article were expressed with little to no research other than the BBC, and looking more for a humorous than political response. So please, Ardilla, no me mates para escribir sobre su pais (un pais muy bonito tambien). But you have to admit... it does seem a little like Florida. ;)
Later Edit:
For those who don't know, "Jumping the Al" is derived from the term "Jumping the Shark" which is a reference to the episode of Happy Days where the Fonz jumps a shark on his motorcycle (Heyyyyy). So "Jumping the Shark" is the point at which a sitcom becomes stale and basically ridiculous. Hence, "Jumping the Al." Just FYI.
Maybe he would've gotten the electoral college if Al had said, "Heyyyyy" more.
anyway, far be it from me to... not... comment... on... other countries' governments, but I agree with this BBC article that Obrador would be better served by bowing out now and gearing up for 2012. Now why should he when he might have a small chance of perhaps finding the votes?
If he continues in this way, he is in danger of Pulling a Gore (Jumping the Al? How should we call this? The Florida Five Step?). Granted, Al had a bit more reason to appeal (he actually had the popular vote), and Mexico doesn't have an electoral college to deal with, but Al still came out looking like the loser (for many reasons) despite all his efforts. So will Lopez Obrador slink off to Italy, grow a really lame beard in a failed attempt to imitate Hemingway, then come back 6 years later with a statistically unsound propaganda film about drowning polar bears? ... maybe.
But if he steps aside what does it gain? Calderon will have to deal with:
a) an increasingly unstable world economy,
b) an increasingly jittery neighbor to the north who he'll have to deal with on every issue ranging from oil prices to immigration (whether he wants to or not)
c) Chavez... that alone is enough to make any dude roll his eyes when it comes to dealing with foreign policy (he'll get to be the new US "lap dog"),
d) inflation, unemployment, and all the lovely other things that Presidents have no real power over, but get blamed for anyway.
Say it with me, Andres, "Political Powder Keg." You have an opportunity to wale on the entire government, scot-free, FOR SIX YEARS. If they go too far right, they're puppets of the US Corporations, if they go too far left, they're letting Chavez infiltrate Mexican interests too much. YOU... CAN'T.... LOSE... except... uh... you already did. But that's BESIDE THE POINT. And you can always use the phrase with the nightly news, "If I'd been elected [insert problem here] wouldn't be happening."
2012 is your year, Andres.
Just don't pull a Gore.
In other news, Peru chooses the lesser of two evils.
For more educated and serious opinions on this matter, peruse the BBC:
Protest over Election
Presidential Profiles
BBC Viewer Reaction (and the majority of them... not Brittish)
*Note: The views in this article were expressed with little to no research other than the BBC, and looking more for a humorous than political response. So please, Ardilla, no me mates para escribir sobre su pais (un pais muy bonito tambien). But you have to admit... it does seem a little like Florida. ;)
Later Edit:
For those who don't know, "Jumping the Al" is derived from the term "Jumping the Shark" which is a reference to the episode of Happy Days where the Fonz jumps a shark on his motorcycle (Heyyyyy). So "Jumping the Shark" is the point at which a sitcom becomes stale and basically ridiculous. Hence, "Jumping the Al." Just FYI.
Maybe he would've gotten the electoral college if Al had said, "Heyyyyy" more.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Congratulations!!!
Best wishes to the new Bugsy and Bobo wedding team. May you have a wonderful life together, and hope to see you again soon. Love you both.
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