Yeah... I've only slept an hour and a half in the past 36 hours. Damn NASA proposal. I haven't eaten anything of substance since dinner yesterday except for peanut butter (yep, straight out of the jar) honey, and a few chocolate caramel type things I pilfered from the secretary's office.
The good thing is, all the crap I am supposed to know is kinda starting to make sense. The bad thing is, I'm so sleep deprived that I'm not sure I can keep things straight.
Tomorrow will be fun. I really hope I get to sleep. Not holding my breath on that one, but here's hoping.
I'm going to see Hayes Carll with Bridgett tomorrow night. It should be fun, if I'm still conscious at that time. Shit, I wonder if I need to get tickets.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Gotta love Austin....
Well, the good news is that it looks like my health insurance will pay for most of my adventure in Zermatt.
After spending a week in Switzerland where the temperature rarely got above 40 F, I find it rather amusing when I see sorority girls bundled up with their fuzzy Ugs (aside: I think Ugs are just about the UGliest things on the planet.) a sweater, a scarf, and a faux-fur lined jacket walking around campus when the temperature is a balmy 55 F. Maybe I'm still thawing out, but I think these people are wimps.
So there are a lot of homeless guys who live around my apt... I was walking to the Crown last night when one of them approached me. He had a bottle of something in his hand.
Homeless dude: -jabbers incoherently-
Me: I'm sorry?
Homeless dude: Do you know... Do you know who the fuck I am?
Me: No......
Homeless dude: I'm a Jinjitsu master... I can take you to Area 51 and KICK YOUR ASS!!
Me: .....
At that point, I walked away. He followed for a few steps and then got distracted and went off in another direction...
It may be wishful thinking, but I think there are several (read: 2 maybe 3) girls who may be interested in me... Maybe not... Do not need another relationship anytime soon, but some fun would not be a bad thing either...
After spending a week in Switzerland where the temperature rarely got above 40 F, I find it rather amusing when I see sorority girls bundled up with their fuzzy Ugs (aside: I think Ugs are just about the UGliest things on the planet.) a sweater, a scarf, and a faux-fur lined jacket walking around campus when the temperature is a balmy 55 F. Maybe I'm still thawing out, but I think these people are wimps.
So there are a lot of homeless guys who live around my apt... I was walking to the Crown last night when one of them approached me. He had a bottle of something in his hand.
Homeless dude: -jabbers incoherently-
Me: I'm sorry?
Homeless dude: Do you know... Do you know who the fuck I am?
Me: No......
Homeless dude: I'm a Jinjitsu master... I can take you to Area 51 and KICK YOUR ASS!!
Me: .....
At that point, I walked away. He followed for a few steps and then got distracted and went off in another direction...
It may be wishful thinking, but I think there are several (read: 2 maybe 3) girls who may be interested in me... Maybe not... Do not need another relationship anytime soon, but some fun would not be a bad thing either...
Monday, January 16, 2006
I'm coming home!!!
Yes, this time tomorrow, I will be home!!!
Not Austin, but Garland!!!
I have never been so excited about a trip...
I went to Zurich for the last time today. It was cool, but I am definitley missing home.
I got a real swiss recipe for cheese fondue from my uncle today. I think I will try it sometime when I am back in Austin.
My main worry right now is about my health insurance. I'm not sure if the penny-pinchers at BCBS will spring for a $2600 care-flight off the mountain, or how much of my $1500 hospital bill they will cover. At best, they cover it all 75% after a $500 deductible. That's still a helluva lotta money for a grad student to pay off. I guess I will have to kiss my dreams of homeownership goodbye, at least for a year or so, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it then. Who knows, maybe I'll get a second job. I could always hire myself out as a tutor. I think I can get $20/hr from some of these rich Austin kids. Maybe I'll hit up a frat or a sorority.
My main beef with growing up in insurance. I hate it.
Not many memories have returned regarding my ill-fated day on the slopes. I do remember talking to two guys in the hostel the night before my accident. I think I went snowboarding with one of them, so I emailed the hostel and they gave me the two guys' email addresses. Maybe one of them will know what happened to me. Until that happens, I've gotta come up with a great story.
Not Austin, but Garland!!!
I have never been so excited about a trip...
I went to Zurich for the last time today. It was cool, but I am definitley missing home.
I got a real swiss recipe for cheese fondue from my uncle today. I think I will try it sometime when I am back in Austin.
My main worry right now is about my health insurance. I'm not sure if the penny-pinchers at BCBS will spring for a $2600 care-flight off the mountain, or how much of my $1500 hospital bill they will cover. At best, they cover it all 75% after a $500 deductible. That's still a helluva lotta money for a grad student to pay off. I guess I will have to kiss my dreams of homeownership goodbye, at least for a year or so, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it then. Who knows, maybe I'll get a second job. I could always hire myself out as a tutor. I think I can get $20/hr from some of these rich Austin kids. Maybe I'll hit up a frat or a sorority.
My main beef with growing up in insurance. I hate it.
Not many memories have returned regarding my ill-fated day on the slopes. I do remember talking to two guys in the hostel the night before my accident. I think I went snowboarding with one of them, so I emailed the hostel and they gave me the two guys' email addresses. Maybe one of them will know what happened to me. Until that happens, I've gotta come up with a great story.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Headaches
if I remember correctly, getting a concussion hurts...
I went to Zermatt. I rented a snowboard. I woke up the hospital. Apparently, I even got careflighted.
More to come as I remember it.
Back in Austin next wednesday
I went to Zermatt. I rented a snowboard. I woke up the hospital. Apparently, I even got careflighted.
More to come as I remember it.
Back in Austin next wednesday
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Ich bin von Trub
Fri 06 Jan 2006 08:42:12 PM CET
Mom and I left Basel for Trub today. We drove through several small little towns until we got here. It is TINY! We're staying at the Gasthof zum Lüwen which is a tavern/hotel. Our room is right above the party room, and it's friday night, so I'm not sure how much sleep we'll get tonight.
My mother's family, the Wüthrich's, came from Trub. My great-great-grandfather moved to East Prussia (what is now Poland) and then the family returned back to Switzerland once the Russians invaded during WWII. Apparently a lot of people come from here. According to my mom, over 250,000 people can trace their heritage back to this tiny little village.
Walking around the town at night, we found a list of famous families from Trub and their associated coats of arms. I found the Wüthrich coat of arms, as well as Tanner (the last name of one of my uncles back in the states). A coat of arms of note for all you aggies is Baumgartner. Isn't that one of the yell leaders' names? Or wait... was that T-Baum?
We walked up and down the main road in Trub to get a feel for the town. It's a very small community waaaay up in the foothills. There's still about a foot of snow on the ground, and the clouds cleared off before the sun set. It's so clear up here. Still a bit light polluted, but you can see more stars than I have in quite a while. The moon was waxing about 1/2 way full, but the light reflecting off the snow made it so bright you could see for miles, even though there wasn't a streetlight around.
We walked up to a cheese factory where all the farmers were bringing their milk. Seriously, we were passed by at least 15 cars pulling little trailers with milk cannisters. They backed up to the dairy and a guy with a big tube opened the cannisters and sucked all the milk out. I'm assuming they get paid by the liter or something.
We had dinner in another little hotel down the street from ours. Mom and I had Rostig, which is fantastic. I am so totally making it back in the states. Basically swiss hash browns, but much better than anything you can get at IHOP.
We're going to see Tante Kätie tomorrow morning. Or, rather she's coming to see us. She lives up on top of one of the mountains. We came to see her and her husband Ernst last time we all were here in '98. Ernst and Kätie Wüthrich lived in the Wüthrich family home on this hill up until a few years ago when they sold it. In the Swiss tradition, ownership of the family farm is passed down to the youngest son, when the parents grow old. The parents move to the Stückli, the "Mother-in-law" little house near the farm for the rest of their days.
Ernst and Kätie only had one son, and he could not find a woman who wanted to live with him up on the mountain. Apparently, he got so disparaged that he committed suicide, leaving them with the care of the farm. They kept the farm for as long as they were able, and then moved to the Stückli, and sold the farm. Ernst passed away in the past few years, leaving her. It's kinda sad, really.
Anyway, the roads are a bit uncertain, and we don't have a 4wd vehicle (I think we're lucky to have 4 cylinders) so she is coming down the mountain in her 4wd car/truck/whatever. She's 80 some odd years old, and still quite vivacious. Last time we were here in 98, she was in her 70's, and we went hiking with her. She left us panting in the dust. She said that she was expecting a shipment of heating wood in tomorrow so she was going to be stacking wood all tomorrow, but she will reschedule to come see us. Amazing woman. We're kinda torn between making her come down the mountain in her 4wd to come get us and not seeing her at all. I think it would be in poorer taste to not see her now that she knows we're here, just 10 km away. She seems pretty excited to have visitors.
Sat 07 Jan 2006 12:54:50 AM CET
After dinner, I went out walking a bit further north in town. Once the moon went down, the skies were absolutely gorgeous. I even saw a shooting star, and what I am assuming was the Northern Lights, but I could be wrong.
In the other part of the hotel, there was a band playing tonight. I stopped in and saw them for 12 CHF and had a beer for 5 CHF. The were called the Tornadoes, and on the wall was a promotional poster. It said: Tornadoes: Die Partie Band! They were actually pretty good, for a swiss cover band. Among the songs I heard:
Living on Tulsa Time (Pronounced Tool-saw)
West Virginia
Rock around the Clock
Blueberry Hill
There was a dance floor and there were some couples dancing. Polka and jitterbug, mainly. They were pretty good. If you could mute all the sounds, you would have sworn you were in Texas. You had your preppy beautiful-people table, your bitter 35-ish poker night widows, your crowd of young punks, and even a few lesbians. I guess the world is a pretty small place.
Mom and I left Basel for Trub today. We drove through several small little towns until we got here. It is TINY! We're staying at the Gasthof zum Lüwen which is a tavern/hotel. Our room is right above the party room, and it's friday night, so I'm not sure how much sleep we'll get tonight.
My mother's family, the Wüthrich's, came from Trub. My great-great-grandfather moved to East Prussia (what is now Poland) and then the family returned back to Switzerland once the Russians invaded during WWII. Apparently a lot of people come from here. According to my mom, over 250,000 people can trace their heritage back to this tiny little village.
Walking around the town at night, we found a list of famous families from Trub and their associated coats of arms. I found the Wüthrich coat of arms, as well as Tanner (the last name of one of my uncles back in the states). A coat of arms of note for all you aggies is Baumgartner. Isn't that one of the yell leaders' names? Or wait... was that T-Baum?
We walked up and down the main road in Trub to get a feel for the town. It's a very small community waaaay up in the foothills. There's still about a foot of snow on the ground, and the clouds cleared off before the sun set. It's so clear up here. Still a bit light polluted, but you can see more stars than I have in quite a while. The moon was waxing about 1/2 way full, but the light reflecting off the snow made it so bright you could see for miles, even though there wasn't a streetlight around.
We walked up to a cheese factory where all the farmers were bringing their milk. Seriously, we were passed by at least 15 cars pulling little trailers with milk cannisters. They backed up to the dairy and a guy with a big tube opened the cannisters and sucked all the milk out. I'm assuming they get paid by the liter or something.
We had dinner in another little hotel down the street from ours. Mom and I had Rostig, which is fantastic. I am so totally making it back in the states. Basically swiss hash browns, but much better than anything you can get at IHOP.
We're going to see Tante Kätie tomorrow morning. Or, rather she's coming to see us. She lives up on top of one of the mountains. We came to see her and her husband Ernst last time we all were here in '98. Ernst and Kätie Wüthrich lived in the Wüthrich family home on this hill up until a few years ago when they sold it. In the Swiss tradition, ownership of the family farm is passed down to the youngest son, when the parents grow old. The parents move to the Stückli, the "Mother-in-law" little house near the farm for the rest of their days.
Ernst and Kätie only had one son, and he could not find a woman who wanted to live with him up on the mountain. Apparently, he got so disparaged that he committed suicide, leaving them with the care of the farm. They kept the farm for as long as they were able, and then moved to the Stückli, and sold the farm. Ernst passed away in the past few years, leaving her. It's kinda sad, really.
Anyway, the roads are a bit uncertain, and we don't have a 4wd vehicle (I think we're lucky to have 4 cylinders) so she is coming down the mountain in her 4wd car/truck/whatever. She's 80 some odd years old, and still quite vivacious. Last time we were here in 98, she was in her 70's, and we went hiking with her. She left us panting in the dust. She said that she was expecting a shipment of heating wood in tomorrow so she was going to be stacking wood all tomorrow, but she will reschedule to come see us. Amazing woman. We're kinda torn between making her come down the mountain in her 4wd to come get us and not seeing her at all. I think it would be in poorer taste to not see her now that she knows we're here, just 10 km away. She seems pretty excited to have visitors.
Sat 07 Jan 2006 12:54:50 AM CET
After dinner, I went out walking a bit further north in town. Once the moon went down, the skies were absolutely gorgeous. I even saw a shooting star, and what I am assuming was the Northern Lights, but I could be wrong.
In the other part of the hotel, there was a band playing tonight. I stopped in and saw them for 12 CHF and had a beer for 5 CHF. The were called the Tornadoes, and on the wall was a promotional poster. It said: Tornadoes: Die Partie Band! They were actually pretty good, for a swiss cover band. Among the songs I heard:
Living on Tulsa Time (Pronounced Tool-saw)
West Virginia
Rock around the Clock
Blueberry Hill
There was a dance floor and there were some couples dancing. Polka and jitterbug, mainly. They were pretty good. If you could mute all the sounds, you would have sworn you were in Texas. You had your preppy beautiful-people table, your bitter 35-ish poker night widows, your crowd of young punks, and even a few lesbians. I guess the world is a pretty small place.
Monday, January 02, 2006
SauerKraut
to borrow a phrase from Weird Al's song "Albequerque,"
I HATE SAUERKRAUT!!!
It is a German tradition to eat sauerkraut for new years, sort of the same tradition as Black Eyed Peas, so I partook. They didn't tell me that the American diet doesn't prepare your intestines at ALL for the mayhem which ensues. The Sauerkraut was very good, but I guess it was too good, because I had too much... Seriously, 2006 got off to a very painful start. From 9 in the morning until 9 at night, I was in various states of agony.
After a night of pretty bad sleep, I felt much better. Rather weak, because I hadn't been able to eat anything the previous day.
I'm getting better at the whole driving of a standard transmission. I drove from Ottersheim to 3/4 the way to Basel with basically no problems. On the Autobahn, I drove 160 kmph for a little bit. That's right, my American friends, 100 mph!
European drivers seem to have no respect for the speed limit. I mean, even more so than American drivers. We usually go 5-10 mph over. Europeans go easily 20-30 kmph over the speed limit. I think it's probably because you never see Police cars. I've only seen one Polizei car during my entire trip here. They probably don't enforce speed limits very much here.
We just got back from a whirlwind trip of Germany. We spent a night in Colmar in Alsace in France. A.k.a. Little Venice b/c there is a river going through town. Very pretty. Apparently, there was quite a heavy german resistance during WWII. The american General wanted to call in an airstrike and level the town. The french general convinced him not to because of the historical importance. Saving the town through house-to-house fighting cost over 2000 american lives... Beauty and freedom has a price, I guess.
Colmar is the birthplace of Frederic Bartholdi, the architect who designed the statue of liberty. When we were leaving the town to go to Straussburg, there was a miniature (well, still rather large) model of the statue of liberty. I took pictures.
We went to Straussburg the next day. Very old, very huge cathedral. It was started in the 1190's... not finished until the 1700's...
Went to Ottershiem for a few days to spend time with my aunt and uncle there. Also saw my cousin's kids again. I taught Ricky how to play Spit.
Spent New Years with Tillmann and company. Had fun playing with their dog Jula. She's a giant dog, but an attention sponge.
After eating new years' eve dinner (including sauerkraut) and watching Dinner for One with the Schwabes, Tillmann and I went to Christoph's for a New Years Eve party, where I ate more sauerkraut. God, even thinking about sauerkraut makes my stomach churn right now.
When the clock struck midnight, we all went outside to watch the fireworks. I swear, New Years in Germany must be the most dangerous place in the world. It's like a war zone here. EVERYONE buys fireworks! And not just a few, but armloads! The streets are littered with burnt out bottle rockets the next day.
I HATE SAUERKRAUT!!!
It is a German tradition to eat sauerkraut for new years, sort of the same tradition as Black Eyed Peas, so I partook. They didn't tell me that the American diet doesn't prepare your intestines at ALL for the mayhem which ensues. The Sauerkraut was very good, but I guess it was too good, because I had too much... Seriously, 2006 got off to a very painful start. From 9 in the morning until 9 at night, I was in various states of agony.
After a night of pretty bad sleep, I felt much better. Rather weak, because I hadn't been able to eat anything the previous day.
I'm getting better at the whole driving of a standard transmission. I drove from Ottersheim to 3/4 the way to Basel with basically no problems. On the Autobahn, I drove 160 kmph for a little bit. That's right, my American friends, 100 mph!
European drivers seem to have no respect for the speed limit. I mean, even more so than American drivers. We usually go 5-10 mph over. Europeans go easily 20-30 kmph over the speed limit. I think it's probably because you never see Police cars. I've only seen one Polizei car during my entire trip here. They probably don't enforce speed limits very much here.
We just got back from a whirlwind trip of Germany. We spent a night in Colmar in Alsace in France. A.k.a. Little Venice b/c there is a river going through town. Very pretty. Apparently, there was quite a heavy german resistance during WWII. The american General wanted to call in an airstrike and level the town. The french general convinced him not to because of the historical importance. Saving the town through house-to-house fighting cost over 2000 american lives... Beauty and freedom has a price, I guess.
Colmar is the birthplace of Frederic Bartholdi, the architect who designed the statue of liberty. When we were leaving the town to go to Straussburg, there was a miniature (well, still rather large) model of the statue of liberty. I took pictures.
We went to Straussburg the next day. Very old, very huge cathedral. It was started in the 1190's... not finished until the 1700's...
Went to Ottershiem for a few days to spend time with my aunt and uncle there. Also saw my cousin's kids again. I taught Ricky how to play Spit.
Spent New Years with Tillmann and company. Had fun playing with their dog Jula. She's a giant dog, but an attention sponge.
After eating new years' eve dinner (including sauerkraut) and watching Dinner for One with the Schwabes, Tillmann and I went to Christoph's for a New Years Eve party, where I ate more sauerkraut. God, even thinking about sauerkraut makes my stomach churn right now.
When the clock struck midnight, we all went outside to watch the fireworks. I swear, New Years in Germany must be the most dangerous place in the world. It's like a war zone here. EVERYONE buys fireworks! And not just a few, but armloads! The streets are littered with burnt out bottle rockets the next day.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Don't eat the yellow snow....
Went hiking in the foothills yesterday. It was high and cold enough to support some snow, and wow.... it was amazing. Exactly what I picture a "winter wonderland" like. We borrowed some sled from my uncle and clambered up the hill for about a half mile or so to a restaurant on the top of the hill. We had to dodge some skiers who were coming down the mountain. I had a bottle of cider at the top. It was very good, not as sweet as some of the ciders we have stateside.
We sledded the entire way down. We (my cousin, Mandy, and I) stopped about half way down to have a snowball fight. I am happy to report that although Mandy had been talking smack the entire trip about how she was going to beat me in a snowball fight, she's all talk and no game. I trounced her quite handily and rubbed snow in her face for good measure. It was lots of fun.
Along the path, there were small patches of yellow snow. I only saw 4 or 5 dogs the entire trip. Seriously, like every 20 yards or so. I guess it was good because you knew which areas of the snow to avoid.
Once we were back at my Aunt/Uncle's house, we had dinner (pork chops, noodles, and some sort of mushroom sauce). After dinner, my uncle and cousin taught us how to play Jass (pronounced "Yah-suh"). It's like 42 or pitch, but on crack. It was very interesting. I wouldn't mind playing some more, but you need a special deck.
We're going to Alsace today, although it's taking forever for us to get moving. My mom has spent 3 hours looking for her power converter for her curling iron.
We sledded the entire way down. We (my cousin, Mandy, and I) stopped about half way down to have a snowball fight. I am happy to report that although Mandy had been talking smack the entire trip about how she was going to beat me in a snowball fight, she's all talk and no game. I trounced her quite handily and rubbed snow in her face for good measure. It was lots of fun.
Along the path, there were small patches of yellow snow. I only saw 4 or 5 dogs the entire trip. Seriously, like every 20 yards or so. I guess it was good because you knew which areas of the snow to avoid.
Once we were back at my Aunt/Uncle's house, we had dinner (pork chops, noodles, and some sort of mushroom sauce). After dinner, my uncle and cousin taught us how to play Jass (pronounced "Yah-suh"). It's like 42 or pitch, but on crack. It was very interesting. I wouldn't mind playing some more, but you need a special deck.
We're going to Alsace today, although it's taking forever for us to get moving. My mom has spent 3 hours looking for her power converter for her curling iron.
Pictures!
I'm starting to upload pictures to my utexas website. Keep checking this page:
https://webspace.utexas.edu/cpd226/Pictures/Trips/Switzerland05/Pictures.html
https://webspace.utexas.edu/cpd226/Pictures/Trips/Switzerland05/Pictures.html
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Snow, here I come
I'm heading up to my Aunt and Uncle's place in Wald (the Forrest). Apparently, it is snowing like a mug up there. I may or may not have access to internet. If not, I shall record it on my laptop and post later.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Weihnachtszeit
Fri 23 Dec 2005 12:09:09 PM CET
I am on my way to Winterthur with Mom. She's driving the rental car. I'm slowly learning how to handle a stickshift. I think I made a large breakthrough today when I realized that you don't have to completely disengage the clutch when backing out slowly. It's ok to coast with the clutch half-engaged.
In Europe, you can never make a right on red. However, when you're at a red light and it's about to change to green, the yellow light comes on for a few seconds. This would probably be a bad thing in America...
The snow is melting. Sad, but who knows, maybe there will be more snow.
Switzerland is fighting entrance into the E.U. because of the Immigration policy, I think. Switzerland only has 4.2 million citizens, and there are 2.3 million foreigners here.
Fri 23 Dec 2005 07:06:06 PM CET
Returning from Winterthur and the Einstein museum.
Boy, the swiss roll up the sidewalks at night. If you want to do some shopping, do it BEFORE 6:30, because all the shops seem to close at that time. I was in a Kiosk looking for some postcards, and it was a good thing I got in when I did, because not 3 minutes after I entered, one of the ladies working the store went outside and started getting the gate ready to close. I hurried up and bought 4 postcards.
Not that I mind people working sensible hours, but I'd bet it would be hard for me to get anything done over here. Hell, it's hard for me to make it to the liquor store before 9. And don't get me started on banks!
The Einstein museum was pretty cool. They had a bunch of letters and documents regarding his life. The man was a genius when it came to science and math, but his social and marital skills seem to be lacking something.... a lot of something.
When he married his first wife (who was the only girl in his undergrad class, I think) he wrote a sort of contract. Basically his wife had to do everything house-related (including keeping his desk in order) fix him dinner, expect no intimacy, and ask no questions. Maybe that was the norm for the day, but damn...
The rest of the Technorama, or the Swiss Science Center was really cool. It totally put the Science Place to shame. There were a couple of really cool ferro-magnetic fluid demonstrations which were completely astonishing. By increasing the magnetic field in the coils around the fluid, it was possible to shape the fluid into a sinusoidal surface. I'll try to post some pictures.
We stopped in a chinese food place for a little bite to eat before we headed home. Good to know chinese food (and by chinese food, I mean chinese restaurant food) is pretty much universal. It tasted about the same as I remember in the states. Mom and I split a sampler and discussed where to go next.
We went down the main shopping pedestrian mall. It was pretty cool. We bought something for Mandy and for Aunt Helga and window shopped before we had to turn back to the car and head home for dinner.
The highways here look pretty much like the highways in the US. The speedlimit signs look different though.
I love the way the lights from all the houses up on the hillsides looks at night. Maybe it's just because I grew up and have always lived on flat ground, but seeing houses on hillsides is pretty cool to me. Also cool is mist/fog and downward pointing streetlights seen from a distance.
I am on my way to Winterthur with Mom. She's driving the rental car. I'm slowly learning how to handle a stickshift. I think I made a large breakthrough today when I realized that you don't have to completely disengage the clutch when backing out slowly. It's ok to coast with the clutch half-engaged.
In Europe, you can never make a right on red. However, when you're at a red light and it's about to change to green, the yellow light comes on for a few seconds. This would probably be a bad thing in America...
The snow is melting. Sad, but who knows, maybe there will be more snow.
Switzerland is fighting entrance into the E.U. because of the Immigration policy, I think. Switzerland only has 4.2 million citizens, and there are 2.3 million foreigners here.
Fri 23 Dec 2005 07:06:06 PM CET
Returning from Winterthur and the Einstein museum.
Boy, the swiss roll up the sidewalks at night. If you want to do some shopping, do it BEFORE 6:30, because all the shops seem to close at that time. I was in a Kiosk looking for some postcards, and it was a good thing I got in when I did, because not 3 minutes after I entered, one of the ladies working the store went outside and started getting the gate ready to close. I hurried up and bought 4 postcards.
Not that I mind people working sensible hours, but I'd bet it would be hard for me to get anything done over here. Hell, it's hard for me to make it to the liquor store before 9. And don't get me started on banks!
The Einstein museum was pretty cool. They had a bunch of letters and documents regarding his life. The man was a genius when it came to science and math, but his social and marital skills seem to be lacking something.... a lot of something.
When he married his first wife (who was the only girl in his undergrad class, I think) he wrote a sort of contract. Basically his wife had to do everything house-related (including keeping his desk in order) fix him dinner, expect no intimacy, and ask no questions. Maybe that was the norm for the day, but damn...
The rest of the Technorama, or the Swiss Science Center was really cool. It totally put the Science Place to shame. There were a couple of really cool ferro-magnetic fluid demonstrations which were completely astonishing. By increasing the magnetic field in the coils around the fluid, it was possible to shape the fluid into a sinusoidal surface. I'll try to post some pictures.
We stopped in a chinese food place for a little bite to eat before we headed home. Good to know chinese food (and by chinese food, I mean chinese restaurant food) is pretty much universal. It tasted about the same as I remember in the states. Mom and I split a sampler and discussed where to go next.
We went down the main shopping pedestrian mall. It was pretty cool. We bought something for Mandy and for Aunt Helga and window shopped before we had to turn back to the car and head home for dinner.
The highways here look pretty much like the highways in the US. The speedlimit signs look different though.
I love the way the lights from all the houses up on the hillsides looks at night. Maybe it's just because I grew up and have always lived on flat ground, but seeing houses on hillsides is pretty cool to me. Also cool is mist/fog and downward pointing streetlights seen from a distance.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
ich möchte sprechen deutch
I really really really wish I spoke German. I feel like such a dork not being able to speak the language.
Although, I am getting better. I don`t know if I`ll be able to hold conversations before I leave, but if I keep hearing people talk, I`m fairly sure that I will be able to undestand what people are saying.
Some german words I`ve picked up so far:
Unglaublich - Unbelieveable
fertig - ready
kenn - to know
Ich bin saat - I am full! I can eat no more!!
genau - of course
bis - until
bis spater - until later
I think after 2 more weeks, I should be fairly good at understanding german. We`ll see how it goes...
Swiss girls are so pretty... I want one... Of course they seem like they would be rather high maintenance too... rats...
The snow is still here. I am definitely still winning the snowball fight.
I almost bought some running shoes today. I may go back tomorrow and buy them because I do need some exercise. I do end up walking quite a bit, but with all the food that they are forcing down my throat (well, they don`t have to twist my arm tooooo hard) I don`t think it`s doing any good.
We went to see the grave of James Joyce today. He was a very tall and thin man, at least if you take his statue literally. Then, we went to the Zürich Zoo. It was a really cool zoo. The penguins were pretty cool, but smelly. I liked the elephants. Especially the baby one. They were eating twigs and sticks like it was nothing. I guess they have some pretty tough stomachs.
I think either tomorrow or some other time I`m going to some small little town east of Zürich to an Einstein exhibit. It should be pretty cool.
Tenative new year`s plans are to be in Wörms with Tillmann. It should be lots of fun.
bis spater...
Although, I am getting better. I don`t know if I`ll be able to hold conversations before I leave, but if I keep hearing people talk, I`m fairly sure that I will be able to undestand what people are saying.
Some german words I`ve picked up so far:
Unglaublich - Unbelieveable
fertig - ready
kenn - to know
Ich bin saat - I am full! I can eat no more!!
genau - of course
bis - until
bis spater - until later
I think after 2 more weeks, I should be fairly good at understanding german. We`ll see how it goes...
Swiss girls are so pretty... I want one... Of course they seem like they would be rather high maintenance too... rats...
The snow is still here. I am definitely still winning the snowball fight.
I almost bought some running shoes today. I may go back tomorrow and buy them because I do need some exercise. I do end up walking quite a bit, but with all the food that they are forcing down my throat (well, they don`t have to twist my arm tooooo hard) I don`t think it`s doing any good.
We went to see the grave of James Joyce today. He was a very tall and thin man, at least if you take his statue literally. Then, we went to the Zürich Zoo. It was a really cool zoo. The penguins were pretty cool, but smelly. I liked the elephants. Especially the baby one. They were eating twigs and sticks like it was nothing. I guess they have some pretty tough stomachs.
I think either tomorrow or some other time I`m going to some small little town east of Zürich to an Einstein exhibit. It should be pretty cool.
Tenative new year`s plans are to be in Wörms with Tillmann. It should be lots of fun.
bis spater...
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Switzerland!
Yes, folks, I am writing from Zurich, Switzerland!
After spending a day traveling, my mom and I arrived at the Zurich airport. We flew from DFW to JFK, and after a 4 hr layover, went from JFK to Zurich. The flight from DFW to JFK was pretty good. I managed to doze a little on the plane. Such was not the case on the flight from JFK to Zurich. I can never sleep on overnight flights, I don't know what it is. There were some interesting charachters too. My mom ended up sitting next to two orthodox jewish people. The guy had long curly sideburns and everything. And, in the morning, he stood up, put on his prayer cloth (or whatever it's called) and started wrapping what looked like a black leather strap around his arm. He was dressed in a black suit with a black yarlmulke and a black top hat.
After we landed, we followed the maze to the baggage claim. We had to take a metro-type thing from the terminal to the baggage claim. It was kinda wierd. It was a subway-DART-type-thing, but there was no driver! Completely automated.
My family didn't recognize me at first without my hair. It was good to see everyone again. They were really happy to see mom, and she was really happy to see them. It was also good to see Mandy again. Hadn't seen her in 4 months or so. She's gone music crazy and bought a concertina (an accordian type-thing) and some sort of irish drum. Silly girl.
IT'S SNOWING OVER HERE!! There is snow on the ground and it's the good snow for making snowballs too! I'm totally winning the snowball war with my sister. There's at least 2 inches of snow, which is an entire inch more than I have seen previously.
I love european breakfasts. They are so good. Bread, jam, cheese, and nutella.
The trees here are so tall. Even normal trees dwarf the ones we have in Texas.
I'm going to see if there are any Einstein related museums here in Zurich. He went to school here and also worked here as a patent clerk.
More to come later, especially if I can find a way to transfer pics from my camera to my laptop. I think I forgot my cable. May have to go buy a new one.
After spending a day traveling, my mom and I arrived at the Zurich airport. We flew from DFW to JFK, and after a 4 hr layover, went from JFK to Zurich. The flight from DFW to JFK was pretty good. I managed to doze a little on the plane. Such was not the case on the flight from JFK to Zurich. I can never sleep on overnight flights, I don't know what it is. There were some interesting charachters too. My mom ended up sitting next to two orthodox jewish people. The guy had long curly sideburns and everything. And, in the morning, he stood up, put on his prayer cloth (or whatever it's called) and started wrapping what looked like a black leather strap around his arm. He was dressed in a black suit with a black yarlmulke and a black top hat.
After we landed, we followed the maze to the baggage claim. We had to take a metro-type thing from the terminal to the baggage claim. It was kinda wierd. It was a subway-DART-type-thing, but there was no driver! Completely automated.
My family didn't recognize me at first without my hair. It was good to see everyone again. They were really happy to see mom, and she was really happy to see them. It was also good to see Mandy again. Hadn't seen her in 4 months or so. She's gone music crazy and bought a concertina (an accordian type-thing) and some sort of irish drum. Silly girl.
IT'S SNOWING OVER HERE!! There is snow on the ground and it's the good snow for making snowballs too! I'm totally winning the snowball war with my sister. There's at least 2 inches of snow, which is an entire inch more than I have seen previously.
I love european breakfasts. They are so good. Bread, jam, cheese, and nutella.
The trees here are so tall. Even normal trees dwarf the ones we have in Texas.
I'm going to see if there are any Einstein related museums here in Zurich. He went to school here and also worked here as a patent clerk.
More to come later, especially if I can find a way to transfer pics from my camera to my laptop. I think I forgot my cable. May have to go buy a new one.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
memoirs of a TA
So I caught four of my students cheating on homework today....
It was actually 2 pairs, but it sucked either way.
I grade the homeworks, so I was going through grading, and I noticed that there were two papers which had remarkable similarities between them. One belonged to student X, the other belonged to student Y. Student X is a senior engineer. [S]he's very smart, on top of things, and always come asks questions about the homework during office hours. Student Y is a freshman Astronomy major, soon to be lib-arts major. [S]he could be smart if [s]he actually tried to apply his/herself, but find the math inherrent in Astronomy an affront to his/her sensibilities. Both papers scored a perfect 50. Extraneous characters showed up in exactly the same places on each homeworks. Both used exactly the same method, wrote exactly the same equations (down to sig. figs), and got exactly the same numbers. It was too obvious. I remember helping Student X with this homework, so I know that Student X did the work, which does not leave much to the imagination as to how Student Y got the same answers.
So, I email the prof asking for the procedure/policy for cheating, not revealing that I actually have a case. He immediately emails back with a Zero Tolerance policy and demands to know who it is. I'm a little hesitant because I know both student X and Y fairly well from office hours, and I feel like I'd be betraying them, but then realize that I'm getting paid to TA not to be their friends. I email him back revealing X and Y, make copies of their homeworks for record keeping purposes. I stress what I think to be the case, that Student X did the work, and Student Y probably did the copying.
He immediately emails X and Y informing them that they will receive 0s for this hw, and anything further will result in reporting to the Dean. He emails me and asks me to compare the homeworks of students A and B, because he suspects they are cheating/copying as well. Lo and behold, it's another set of carbon copies. Student A did the work, while B copied. B, however, cannot copy very well, because where A's read "No, you cannot see it two months later", B's read "No, you cannot see it two mores later." I shit you not, beligerent reader. If you're going to cheat, at least try to do it right. I guess it doesn't really matter b/c B dropped the class right after class ended.
After class, student Y emails the prof and confesses to copying from X and more or less exonerates X. prof emails me instructing me to give X back the points for the homework, which I do. I then get an email from X, who I guess had not gotten the news that [s]he had been exonerated. [S]he claims not to know that Y copied. I really want to believe this, I really do. I like student X, and it was really hard to turn him/her in. I guess I'm glad that Y confessed. It's hard to condemn someone who did all the work, even if they let someone else copy.
I have no sympathy for students Y and B. If you're stupid enough to copy a bullshit 50 point hw assignment, you deserve to get a 0 for it. And besides, in order to pass the class, you've got to have a passing test average, which to the best of my knowledge, neither Y nor B were anywhere close. I'm actually angry at them for putting me in this position. In undergrad, there were plenty of times when I could have just copied from a classmate. I can't actually remember ever doing this in college. I'd prefer to take the crappy homework grade and try to muddle through it for the test.
I remember in high school when all the teachers threw a coniption fit when they found out that we were freely passing information about quizzes in multi-period tests. For example, if you had English 4th period and you knew you had a quiz that day, you'd find someone who had it 1st or 2nd period and find out what was on the test and consequently what to cram. It worked both ways, if you had a quiz before someone else, you'd return the favor. Honestly, back then, there really didn't seem to be anything wrong with it, just another way to beat the system. Only when the teachers freaked out and made a big deal about it did it really dawn on me that there was something wrong in what was the "norm".
Next time I TA, I will ask the prof for some time at the first class to explain the difference between copying and collaborating. Collaborating on astronomy homework is a good thing, as long as you both write up your own version of events. Hell, I usually don't understand my homework until I've discussed it with someone else. Downright blatant copying is unacceptable.
damn kids these days...
geez, I feel old.
It was actually 2 pairs, but it sucked either way.
I grade the homeworks, so I was going through grading, and I noticed that there were two papers which had remarkable similarities between them. One belonged to student X, the other belonged to student Y. Student X is a senior engineer. [S]he's very smart, on top of things, and always come asks questions about the homework during office hours. Student Y is a freshman Astronomy major, soon to be lib-arts major. [S]he could be smart if [s]he actually tried to apply his/herself, but find the math inherrent in Astronomy an affront to his/her sensibilities. Both papers scored a perfect 50. Extraneous characters showed up in exactly the same places on each homeworks. Both used exactly the same method, wrote exactly the same equations (down to sig. figs), and got exactly the same numbers. It was too obvious. I remember helping Student X with this homework, so I know that Student X did the work, which does not leave much to the imagination as to how Student Y got the same answers.
So, I email the prof asking for the procedure/policy for cheating, not revealing that I actually have a case. He immediately emails back with a Zero Tolerance policy and demands to know who it is. I'm a little hesitant because I know both student X and Y fairly well from office hours, and I feel like I'd be betraying them, but then realize that I'm getting paid to TA not to be their friends. I email him back revealing X and Y, make copies of their homeworks for record keeping purposes. I stress what I think to be the case, that Student X did the work, and Student Y probably did the copying.
He immediately emails X and Y informing them that they will receive 0s for this hw, and anything further will result in reporting to the Dean. He emails me and asks me to compare the homeworks of students A and B, because he suspects they are cheating/copying as well. Lo and behold, it's another set of carbon copies. Student A did the work, while B copied. B, however, cannot copy very well, because where A's read "No, you cannot see it two months later", B's read "No, you cannot see it two mores later." I shit you not, beligerent reader. If you're going to cheat, at least try to do it right. I guess it doesn't really matter b/c B dropped the class right after class ended.
After class, student Y emails the prof and confesses to copying from X and more or less exonerates X. prof emails me instructing me to give X back the points for the homework, which I do. I then get an email from X, who I guess had not gotten the news that [s]he had been exonerated. [S]he claims not to know that Y copied. I really want to believe this, I really do. I like student X, and it was really hard to turn him/her in. I guess I'm glad that Y confessed. It's hard to condemn someone who did all the work, even if they let someone else copy.
I have no sympathy for students Y and B. If you're stupid enough to copy a bullshit 50 point hw assignment, you deserve to get a 0 for it. And besides, in order to pass the class, you've got to have a passing test average, which to the best of my knowledge, neither Y nor B were anywhere close. I'm actually angry at them for putting me in this position. In undergrad, there were plenty of times when I could have just copied from a classmate. I can't actually remember ever doing this in college. I'd prefer to take the crappy homework grade and try to muddle through it for the test.
I remember in high school when all the teachers threw a coniption fit when they found out that we were freely passing information about quizzes in multi-period tests. For example, if you had English 4th period and you knew you had a quiz that day, you'd find someone who had it 1st or 2nd period and find out what was on the test and consequently what to cram. It worked both ways, if you had a quiz before someone else, you'd return the favor. Honestly, back then, there really didn't seem to be anything wrong with it, just another way to beat the system. Only when the teachers freaked out and made a big deal about it did it really dawn on me that there was something wrong in what was the "norm".
Next time I TA, I will ask the prof for some time at the first class to explain the difference between copying and collaborating. Collaborating on astronomy homework is a good thing, as long as you both write up your own version of events. Hell, I usually don't understand my homework until I've discussed it with someone else. Downright blatant copying is unacceptable.
damn kids these days...
geez, I feel old.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Aggieland once more....
Took a trip to Aggieland this weekend. Christine was dunking her ring, and she invited me to come. I was glad I did. It was good to see all the young people again. I realized how much I miss that place.
There are no good texas country radio stations in Austin. Believe it or not, the live music capitol of the world does not have a decent country radio station. Now as far as NPR, classic rock, and 80's music, the radio stations here kick ass, but they are sadly lacking on the Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, and Corey Morrow. I realized this while driving into CS at 8:00 saturday night, and 92.5 played Corey Morrow's "Texas Time Traveling Machine" I miss two stepping at the Hall on thursday nights. Perhaps I'll have to drag some of my new friends out here in Austin.
On my way back, I heard my favorite song by Willie Nelson - "I'd have to be crazy (to fall out of love with you)" Erin never liked Willie. Maybe that should have been a sign...
So I got drunk off a 12 pack of Modelo with a bunch of undergrads on saturday night. It was fun. I felt really old, but it was good to see the Hart Hall 4th floor A-ramp crew again. They almost didn't recognize me with my new haircut. I stopped at Walmart on my way in and bought a set of dominos and we played bones after everyone had left. It was almost like old times. Except I didn't get screwed by the 6-5, which was nice.
I was supposed to go to sbisa with Vince in the morning, but he didn't answer his phone, and I got tired of waiting for him, so I went by myself. It was everything that I thought it could be, a cornicopia of goodness. I gorged myself on fruit, bacon, breakfast tacos, grits, and anything else I could pile on my plate. Later on in the day, (as I suspected) it came back to haunt me, and I became re-acquainted with the MSC bathrooms, but it was still worth it.
I'll finish this post later....
There are no good texas country radio stations in Austin. Believe it or not, the live music capitol of the world does not have a decent country radio station. Now as far as NPR, classic rock, and 80's music, the radio stations here kick ass, but they are sadly lacking on the Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, and Corey Morrow. I realized this while driving into CS at 8:00 saturday night, and 92.5 played Corey Morrow's "Texas Time Traveling Machine" I miss two stepping at the Hall on thursday nights. Perhaps I'll have to drag some of my new friends out here in Austin.
On my way back, I heard my favorite song by Willie Nelson - "I'd have to be crazy (to fall out of love with you)" Erin never liked Willie. Maybe that should have been a sign...
So I got drunk off a 12 pack of Modelo with a bunch of undergrads on saturday night. It was fun. I felt really old, but it was good to see the Hart Hall 4th floor A-ramp crew again. They almost didn't recognize me with my new haircut. I stopped at Walmart on my way in and bought a set of dominos and we played bones after everyone had left. It was almost like old times. Except I didn't get screwed by the 6-5, which was nice.
I was supposed to go to sbisa with Vince in the morning, but he didn't answer his phone, and I got tired of waiting for him, so I went by myself. It was everything that I thought it could be, a cornicopia of goodness. I gorged myself on fruit, bacon, breakfast tacos, grits, and anything else I could pile on my plate. Later on in the day, (as I suspected) it came back to haunt me, and I became re-acquainted with the MSC bathrooms, but it was still worth it.
I'll finish this post later....
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Update!!
Ok, ok, ok... I get the picture... I am updating... happy? :-P
I've been really busy the past few weeks, but it's been fun.
I saw the aftermath of a bike-car collision. It wasn't pretty. The dude was ok, but definitely shaken up and bleeding from the ankle, and the windshield was rather cracked. The girl driving the car was hysterical. I guess I can't blame her. I didn't see it happen, but it was 2 am, which means they were both probably drunk. Well, I don't know that... I'm willing to bet the guy on the bike was more likely to be drunk than she was. Apparently he had just left the Hole in the Wall (bar/club) and was not exactly acting sober. Judging from the layout of the accident, it looks like he was coasting down a hill and rode right out into the road, in front of the car. If that's the case, there's nothing the girl driving the car could do. But, then again, he could have been riding in the bike lane like he's supposed to and she drunkenly ran him over. Still, I tend to think it was the former.
Needless to say, I'm wearing my bike helmet religiously from now on. I guess I usually pay pretty good attention to cars when I'm on the bike, but it only takes once.
My apartment is a mess, I don't want to clean it. Actually it's not that bad, but I have too much paper clutter. I hate paperwork.
I can't decide what I want to do this weekend. I could either go to CS to watch Christine dunk her ring, or I could go to Wurstfest, or I could stay home and work all weekend. I really need to work, but the others would be fun.
A girl I'm tutoring for my astronomy class seems to be digging herself out of the hole. She's still confused about a lot of stuff, but she's actually doing much better than when she started. At the beginning of the semester, I was wondering how she graduated from high school in the first place, but she seems to be improving rapidly. I don't know if it's going to be enough to bump her test average up to passing, but it's encouraging. It seems she's learned how to study. She's making flash cards and everything. Kinda makes me jealous. If only making flash cards and memorizing facts about supernovaes and stellar evolution could help me in my classes. Anyway, there's a test in her class tomorrow, so I hope she does better on this one than on the last few.
I've been really busy the past few weeks, but it's been fun.
I saw the aftermath of a bike-car collision. It wasn't pretty. The dude was ok, but definitely shaken up and bleeding from the ankle, and the windshield was rather cracked. The girl driving the car was hysterical. I guess I can't blame her. I didn't see it happen, but it was 2 am, which means they were both probably drunk. Well, I don't know that... I'm willing to bet the guy on the bike was more likely to be drunk than she was. Apparently he had just left the Hole in the Wall (bar/club) and was not exactly acting sober. Judging from the layout of the accident, it looks like he was coasting down a hill and rode right out into the road, in front of the car. If that's the case, there's nothing the girl driving the car could do. But, then again, he could have been riding in the bike lane like he's supposed to and she drunkenly ran him over. Still, I tend to think it was the former.
Needless to say, I'm wearing my bike helmet religiously from now on. I guess I usually pay pretty good attention to cars when I'm on the bike, but it only takes once.
My apartment is a mess, I don't want to clean it. Actually it's not that bad, but I have too much paper clutter. I hate paperwork.
I can't decide what I want to do this weekend. I could either go to CS to watch Christine dunk her ring, or I could go to Wurstfest, or I could stay home and work all weekend. I really need to work, but the others would be fun.
A girl I'm tutoring for my astronomy class seems to be digging herself out of the hole. She's still confused about a lot of stuff, but she's actually doing much better than when she started. At the beginning of the semester, I was wondering how she graduated from high school in the first place, but she seems to be improving rapidly. I don't know if it's going to be enough to bump her test average up to passing, but it's encouraging. It seems she's learned how to study. She's making flash cards and everything. Kinda makes me jealous. If only making flash cards and memorizing facts about supernovaes and stellar evolution could help me in my classes. Anyway, there's a test in her class tomorrow, so I hope she does better on this one than on the last few.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
5 secrets....
1) I never shave on days that I travel.
2) I am a pack rat.
3) I am an obsessive AIM away-message-checker.... Can't help it.
4) While I pretend to be a beer snob, I can't really tell you what I enjoy in a beer. I think an interesting (i.e. complex) taste is key.
5) My idea of a perfect weekend is fly-fishing in a river in Texas drinking Shiner. Haven't had one of those yet, but perhaps this fall will be the year....
2) I am a pack rat.
3) I am an obsessive AIM away-message-checker.... Can't help it.
4) While I pretend to be a beer snob, I can't really tell you what I enjoy in a beer. I think an interesting (i.e. complex) taste is key.
5) My idea of a perfect weekend is fly-fishing in a river in Texas drinking Shiner. Haven't had one of those yet, but perhaps this fall will be the year....
ACL Part 2
well shit.... I retract my previous statment that I'm glad I'm not going tomorrow... It looks like all the weather from Rita went east of us. We've got blue skies and a little respite from the heat.
Speaking of Rita, I hope everyone made it through alright, and that the damages are not too terrible. I've already seen a picture of a collapsed wall in Galveston. The lampost made it through alright though...
Speaking of Rita, I hope everyone made it through alright, and that the damages are not too terrible. I've already seen a picture of a collapsed wall in Galveston. The lampost made it through alright though...
ACL
No, I did not throw my knee out on the basketball court, I went to Austin City Limits Music festival!!! It kicked ass!
I got there for the last song of REK's set. Of course, it was The Road Goes On Forever. Too bad I didn't make it for the earlier part.
I finished up the night watching the Black Crowes behind a dirty old man who kept taking pictures with his digital camera of the rather hot girls dancing together in front of us. The Crowes were awesome, as usual. I enjoyed this set much more than when I saw them at Jazzfest. It was a bit longer than their set at Jazzfest (1 1/2 hours) so they got to a few more good songs. I especially liked Remedy, Hard to Handle, Jealous Again, and She Talks To Angels. One or two of the jam sessions got a little tedious, but all in all, they were very good.
When they came on stage, Chris said something to the effect of the following:
"We're glad to be in Austin, where the hippies and the rednecks seem to get along just fine. It's also probably the only place in the world where you can say "Hippies" and "Rednecks" and no one takes offense."
I agree. As someone who could pass for both a redneck and a hippie, I really like Austin.
I always get a kick out of seeing Chris Robinson dance around on stage. He likes to coordinate his moves with his chorus girls. He seems like a bit of a diva. With the frilly white shirt, the beard, and the long brown hair, I can't help thinking of the baptist portrayal of Jesus.
Other bands that I saw:
Blues Traveler - You gotta love the harmonica
John Prine - Love his scratchy out of tune voice. Just perfect for the type of songs he sings. I wish I had been a bit closer so I could have understood some of the words.
The Allman Brothers - Quality Texas rock set. It sucks that I only could catch the first half before heading back to hear John Prine.
I'm glad that I will not be going tomorrow. Not because I don't want to hear any of the acts, but because gales and rain have been forcasted. I'm glad that the weather ended up working out like it has.
I hope everything is working out for the best on the Gulf Coast. I'm glad it's not hitting Galveston, but I feel bad for the part of Texas/LA that it is hitting. Hopefully everyone is out.
I got there for the last song of REK's set. Of course, it was The Road Goes On Forever. Too bad I didn't make it for the earlier part.
I finished up the night watching the Black Crowes behind a dirty old man who kept taking pictures with his digital camera of the rather hot girls dancing together in front of us. The Crowes were awesome, as usual. I enjoyed this set much more than when I saw them at Jazzfest. It was a bit longer than their set at Jazzfest (1 1/2 hours) so they got to a few more good songs. I especially liked Remedy, Hard to Handle, Jealous Again, and She Talks To Angels. One or two of the jam sessions got a little tedious, but all in all, they were very good.
When they came on stage, Chris said something to the effect of the following:
"We're glad to be in Austin, where the hippies and the rednecks seem to get along just fine. It's also probably the only place in the world where you can say "Hippies" and "Rednecks" and no one takes offense."
I agree. As someone who could pass for both a redneck and a hippie, I really like Austin.
I always get a kick out of seeing Chris Robinson dance around on stage. He likes to coordinate his moves with his chorus girls. He seems like a bit of a diva. With the frilly white shirt, the beard, and the long brown hair, I can't help thinking of the baptist portrayal of Jesus.
Other bands that I saw:
Blues Traveler - You gotta love the harmonica
John Prine - Love his scratchy out of tune voice. Just perfect for the type of songs he sings. I wish I had been a bit closer so I could have understood some of the words.
The Allman Brothers - Quality Texas rock set. It sucks that I only could catch the first half before heading back to hear John Prine.
I'm glad that I will not be going tomorrow. Not because I don't want to hear any of the acts, but because gales and rain have been forcasted. I'm glad that the weather ended up working out like it has.
I hope everything is working out for the best on the Gulf Coast. I'm glad it's not hitting Galveston, but I feel bad for the part of Texas/LA that it is hitting. Hopefully everyone is out.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
As if I had forgotten I work in an astronomy department....
I swear. This is real. I got this email TODAY!
----
To: graduate@astro.as.utexas.edu
Re: LunchTrek
Greetings fellow students,
I'm resurrecting LunchTrek for the semester. For those of you new to this, once a week at noon we bring our lunches and watch Star Trek episodes in the 15th floor lecture room. Original Series, Next Gen, or both.
Those of you on my notification list from last semester will stay on my list unless you'd like to be removed. Anyone who would like to start receiving the weekly episode summaries (or can't remember if you're on my notify list), please respond to this email. The rest of you, I promise this is the only time you'll hear from me!
Also let me know if you have a preference for Monday or Friday, and if you would like to see only Original, Next Gen, or alternating episodes.
Live long and prosper,
xxxxxxxxxx
--------------
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good space opera as much as anyone, but come on people, don't perpetuate the stereotypes any more than absolutely necessary!!
----
To: graduate@astro.as.utexas.edu
Re: LunchTrek
Greetings fellow students,
I'm resurrecting LunchTrek for the semester. For those of you new to this, once a week at noon we bring our lunches and watch Star Trek episodes in the 15th floor lecture room. Original Series, Next Gen, or both.
Those of you on my notification list from last semester will stay on my list unless you'd like to be removed. Anyone who would like to start receiving the weekly episode summaries (or can't remember if you're on my notify list), please respond to this email. The rest of you, I promise this is the only time you'll hear from me!
Also let me know if you have a preference for Monday or Friday, and if you would like to see only Original, Next Gen, or alternating episodes.
Live long and prosper,
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Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good space opera as much as anyone, but come on people, don't perpetuate the stereotypes any more than absolutely necessary!!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
apologies
So I wrote the xgf an apology email today. I know, I know, it has only been a week, but you can do a lot of thinking in a week. While I'm not completely over her, I am over her enough to realize that I'm no longer mad at her for breaking up with me, but more just angry at the situation.
Sarah is coming to visit this weekend. It should be fun. I think we'll go kayaking at Town lake and go see the bats, and then maybe 6th street. Woo hoo!
I went kayaking today with Miranda, another grad student. She's from Massachussets, and bought a brand new kayak for $900. Quite pricey, if you ask me. I guess I can't complain, since I'm going to drop ~$500 on a road bike once I get my paycheck in October.
Speaking of which, I will have to be very frugal this next month. I have not recieved a paycheck since the beginning of August, and I will not recieve my first paycheck until October 1st. Probably a good thing that happy hour this friday is paid for by the astronomy department...
Alright... Classes start tomorrow. I should probably drink some water. Going to class with a hangover is probably not the best way to start off 5+ years of grad school.
Sarah is coming to visit this weekend. It should be fun. I think we'll go kayaking at Town lake and go see the bats, and then maybe 6th street. Woo hoo!
I went kayaking today with Miranda, another grad student. She's from Massachussets, and bought a brand new kayak for $900. Quite pricey, if you ask me. I guess I can't complain, since I'm going to drop ~$500 on a road bike once I get my paycheck in October.
Speaking of which, I will have to be very frugal this next month. I have not recieved a paycheck since the beginning of August, and I will not recieve my first paycheck until October 1st. Probably a good thing that happy hour this friday is paid for by the astronomy department...
Alright... Classes start tomorrow. I should probably drink some water. Going to class with a hangover is probably not the best way to start off 5+ years of grad school.
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