After another day of cramming, I feel no more prepared for the comps. I’ve looked over Einstein A and B coefficients, fine structure of hydrogen, optical cavities, etc. etc. etc. I have no idea what will be on the exam, and I am terrified of failing. I have no idea how I can tell my advisers, my family, my friends that I couldn’t pass something that is practically designed to be passed. I just don’t know…
Posted: January 30th, 2008 under Physics.
Comments: 1
The countdown to the Comprehensive Exams is down to a few days, and since I’ve gotten tired of trying to cram ridiculous amounts of solid state physics into my head for the day, and AMO is for tomorrow, I’m going to post about my personal angst.
You see, the comps are to graduate students the last giant wall to climb before they advance to candidacy. Leading into them, there is distressing uncertainty about the future: what if we pass but our adviser doesn’t have money? what if we don’t pass at all, not even as the masters level? what if I end up vomiting violently during the exam, do I keep going or excuse myself?
Once we get past the comps, we are well on our way to our PhD; it essentially becomes a matter of finishing up writing a thesis, defending it, and cutting through about a month’s worth of red tape in the spare time over the next few years. The Comps are sort of like that uncertainty you get on that first date after the relationship transitions to “serious”, and it has similarly life-altering effects. My career path totally changes if I fail this exam, and I’m still in flux about funding even if I do pass it.
However, come Thursday night, this existential angst is liberated as my fate is no longer in my hands, and I just have to sit back and wait for a few congratulatory e-mails.
Posted: January 28th, 2008 under Physics.
Comments: 1
Check out the latest from Pete and the Pirates - Mr Understanding - http://youtube.com/watch?v=14_U78314T8
Also, Nada Surf’s See These Bones (sorry no video) - http://youtube.com/watch?v=214UVnH9waM
The craziest video I have seen in a while - Architecture In Helsinki - Heart It Races - http://youtube.com/watch?v=sZjpWs1h7pU
A cover version (I like this version better, sorry no video) - Dr. Dog - Heart It Races - http://youtube.com/watch?v=0QvJ3dXqmvw
Another song you have to listen to a few times, but then you will love it. Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor - http://youtube.com/watch?v=AW94AEmzFhQ
And a song that I can’t believe is not a bigger hit right now. Lupe Fiasco - Superstar - http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ty0u1PzXfTo
-AJ
Posted: January 28th, 2008 under Aakash.
Comments: none
Well, not quite that much fun Read more »
Posted: January 16th, 2008 under Personal.
Comments: none
What’s a blog without a top ten list? Although it has nothing to do with this blog, here are my picks for the best songs of 2007 (with youtube links if available). Be warned, these songs will get in your head. Please comment on what you liked (or didn’t like).
Top ten songs of the year:
1. Wilco - Impossible Germany - http://youtube.com/watch?v=97IT0-EDTtw
2. Mark Ronson w/ Amy Winehouse - Valerie - http://youtube.com/watch?v=RI_xYIxUTE0
3. M.I.A. - Paper Planes - http://youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g
4. Pete and the Pirates - Come On Feet - http://youtube.com/watch?v=N2yp7RWq6MA
5. Peter, Bjorn, and John - Let’s Call It Off (Girl Talk Remix)
6. Los Campesinos - You! Me! Dancing! - http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nj6SO_yKMe8
7. Shout Out Louds - Impossible - http://youtube.com/watch?v=NPQco3-7u5I
8. Timbaland - The Way I Are - http://youtube.com/watch?v=iWg3IMN_rhU
9. Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining - http://youtube.com/watch?v=h6-W3fCUok8
10. The Wombats - Let’s Dance to Joy Division - http://youtube.com/watch?v=gyCi4CMD29w
Honorable Mentions:
The Shins - Australia - http://youtube.com/watch?v=OHTSxw6zN1E
Feist - 1 2 3 4 - http://youtube.com/watch?v=p8Z-DIAthbM
The Go! Team - The Wrath of Marcie - http://youtube.com/watch?v=aWvgPzfReMY
Against Me! - Thrash Unreal - http://youtube.com/watch?v=BKzNZDXfm0Q
-AJ
Posted: January 2nd, 2008 under Aakash.
Comments: none
For those of you who know me, I practice Aikido and take it very, very seriously. That said, nothing steams me more than when people rave about it being ineffective or useless. Rather than argue over YouTube or attempt to reason with people on Bullshido, I’ll just post my thoughts here. Read more »
Posted: January 2nd, 2008 under Aikido.
Comments: none
I’m busy studying to the comps and preparing to do other less-than-pleasant grad school stuff. In the mean time, here is video of Chiba Sensei doing his own particular brand of aikido:
Posted: January 1st, 2008 under Aikido.
Comments: none