Fouth of July and Hiking in the "Mountains"

It has been sometime since I wrote last. I usually don't wait more than a month to write a new articles, but I've been a little busy. I'm still doing some experiments for a group in Japan (which is putting my research a little behind), and trying to do my research. Although I don't mind doing the experiments for the group in Japan...

Anyways, I guess a lot of stuff has happend since last time (but I'm only going to talk about a few things). It was the fourth of July here the other day, and my ex-roommate/friend (Abram) came down from LSU to visit. Abram, Jake (one of his other friends), and myself all went to the Wichita mountains in Oklahoma to go camping for a couple nights. Originally we were going to Colorado, but since Jake had a wedding to go to and needed to study for the MCAT exam he couldn't go to Colorado (so we had to go to OKlahoma). I don't think I would call the Wichita Mountains actual Mountains. I thought of them like hills, but they were tall hills and had a lot of interesting features. I'm posting and explaining some pictures below:

(Above: Random scenery as we were hiking. This hike lasted about 3 or 4 hours. We had to go through several valleys to get to the place we were trying to go.)



(Above: OF COURSE, anywhere I go I always have to get in a fight with someone using the crane kick. "If done right, no defend.")


(Above: Me climbing up the side of a vertical rock wall with my bare hands and no rope...actually the wall isn't verticle, we turned the camera to make it look that way.)


(Above: This bison kept showing up at our campsite. The one's that you see alone are the older males who have been ousted from the pack by the younger males. They are kind of dangerous. You should mess with them as much as you should mess with Texas...and everyone knows you don't mess with Texas. Anyways, it scratched it's butt on this pole for about 5 minutes before it left. I'm glad I didn't touch the pole. It became the butt of a lot of jokes while we were there. At one point, Jake actually went over to the pole and smelled it...although I still don't know why...?)

Also, there was some firework showing at the university football field. It was rather nice...In other words, not too crowded. I basically just talked to Abram most of the time. (Pictures Below)
It was nice having a friend stop by again. It's a little dull around here with everyone gone.
I had a lot more pictures, but I left them on other peoples cameras...which is unfortunate because most of them were a lot funnier than mine! O well. Maybe I will get them next time.





Anyways, that's all for now.
Adios

Trip Back To Japan

I went back to Japan to visit friends in Nagoya. I can't say that I enjoyed the plane ride there, but I did enjoy spending time with friends (as always). I flew by JAL because I think they have better service. However, I was put in a middle seat between two people. First off, the space between the seats is not enough for my legs, so I was extremely uncomfortable on the 12 hour plane ride (and it's not so easy to get up when you are between two people). When I got to Japan I had to remain on the plane an extra hour and 15 minutes while they did a check of everyone on board for the swine flu (but seeing as how there was a outbreak of swine flu in Osaka when I was in Japan, I guess they couldn't help stopping it anyways). Luckily on the way back, I got an isle seat by the emergency exit where I was able to stretch my legs all I wanted (I think I even slept a little).
Well, I did too many things to actually talk about. Next article I do will be a repeat article of a trip that Marni and I took to Nagoya castle a long time ago. Basically, we did the exact same thing, the exact same way, took the exact same pictures, with the exact same results...just years later.
I went to the Toyota museum in Toyota city with Paul (from Ecuador). I thought it would be full of cars. Instead it is only art. This weeks exhibit was about an guy who was trying to bring his child's book to life by building everything in it (some pictures below).





On the last day a lot of us went bowling. There were some who couldn't go for some reason or another...but I won't mention any of them (caugh...caugh...Johney Bravo). Anyways, obviously we all had a good time. Of course I had to imbarrass everyone with my GREAT bowling skills (I did actually beat everyone...hahahaha...haha...hahahaha). Or maybe they were imbarrassed because I was wearing a shirt that translated as "You are Weird" in Japanese. I got a lot of laughs from complete strangers...but at the very least they wern't staring at me. I think everyone bowled until their arms hurt. We all started out pretty good, but got progressively worst as time went on (probably because we played too many games...I could have bowled more...but we had to catch the last train).

May Birthday Party and Time in the Lab

May 4th was my B-day (May 5th in Japan). I didn't really do much. I was originally going to spend all day in the lab fixing the Raman system, but I got close enough to finishing it to stop for the day and I went to my mothers house for dinner and a few B-day gifts. My favorite gift was a book about "Chuck Norris Facts."
I finally fixed the Raman system (AGAIN). Hopefully it stays fixed this time, because I don't enjoy fixing it (the optics really suck).
Anyways, finals are coming up in a few days. I have mine on Tuesday and am busy studying. If I make an A on the exam I think I will get an A in the class for sure.
Other than that I am busy preparing for my trip to Japan. Two of my sisters b-days are also in May, so I have to get them something...but I'm not very good at finding gifts.
I'm not really doing anything that interesting until I go to Japan over the summer. I'll have to write about my trip in another month...that should be more interesting than talking about doing nothing...and I get to spend time with my friends again.
Well, thanks for reading.
See you around.

At the Lab, Texas Sucession From the United States, and Back to Japan

Well, not much going on these days outside of school. Finals are approaching...so I guess that means I will be busy puting off reseach for a week or two when they get closer. I'm not sure how my grades will turn out this semester. Well, actually I will get an A for the research hours I am taking...however I do not know what I will get in Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics. I will either get an A or B (of course I'm hoping for an A).
My douchebag roommate moved out after another arguement about nothing (he was actually trying to kick my other roommate and myself out of the house...so I don't feel bad about anything). So, I have a new roommate and I still have my other cool roommate. Unfortunately, my cool roommate is moving out of state for graduate school (he's going to LSU). The lease is up at my house in May and I don't know what I am going to do yet. I guess I will either renew or move into an apartment (either way, no big deal).
As for what I'm doing recently, I'm just in the lab a lot. I have an experiment tomorrow where I will do TRPL of ZnO...I'm actually going to do more experiments on it soon and publish a paper on it...but the paper is a couple months away. I'm going to have to learn the femptosecond laser lab stuff really soon too (it will give me something else to do).
Anyways, I was looking at the news from the other day and saw an article where the governer of Texas was talking about Texas suceeding from the union. I guess it wouldn't be the first time that has happend, but I doubt in modern day there would be enough support for that. Besides, I remember what happend last time Texas suceeded from the union (during the civil war). When Texas joined the union, they were under the mistaken impression that they could suceed from it anytime they wanted...however, that was not in the agreement. Still, it didn't stop them from trying at one point. It's kind of amazing that the spirit that Texas is still its own country, in a way, lives on...even after more than 100 years of statehood. I've even heard people make serious jokes that Texas should suceed from the United States. Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas (when Texas was its own country) said to congress (before the civil war, but after Texas had joined the union) that Texas could survive without the United States, but the United States could not, without great difficulty, survive without Texas. Well, he may have been right...but I think that Texas probably needs the US as much as it needs us (notice the play on words). I'm pretty sure that any talk about sucession is just talk. Texas has no army of its own to stand against the US (which would definitely do everything to keep Texas a state...including force) and there is not enough support for it (even in Texas...seeing as how most people in Texas arn't actually from Texas). It would, however, be rather ironic if Texas broke away from the US, became it's own state and then was taken over by Mexico (a complete reversal of history)! It's kind of fun to think about though. Well, I obviously have too much time at the moment if I'm thinking about those things.
Anyways, I'm headed back to Japan over the summer for 9 days (May 16- May 25). Can't wait to see all my friends.
Update: I'm building a solar power car...however I will have to make the body over the summer. I pretty much have all the components outside of the frame (the engine, power source, DC engine speed controller, etc.... I originally was going to run it off of solar panels only, but I decided to use batteries and continuously have them charging with the solar panels (of course...I have a voltage regulator to prevent overcharging...but with the type of batteries that I have it doesn't really matter if you overcharge them). I'll have to post something over that when I finish building the car.

Back From Hawaii

I'm back from my trip to Hawaii. It was fun and I had a good time seeing my friends. I have posted some random photos of the trip. There are too many to explain, so I chose to explain only a few. By the time I had arrived Fausto and Vik had already been in Hawaii for the past 10 days. The flight to Hawaii took a little more than 12 hours if you count the 3 hour layover in LA. I hate long flights and I have also decided never to fly Delta again (I had decided long ago never to fly American again). When I arrived I was a little impatient since the flight landed more than 30 minutes after schedule and I was in a hurry to meet my friends. Next, the rental car place is NOT in the airport as they claimed, but rather a mile down the road. However, the shuttle bus arrived quickly. Then, getting the car took a long time because everyone had a million questions and their was a line. Finally I was on my way to the hotel (and I got a little lost even with my GPS...I really need to work on that).
First thing I had to do was take a shower once I got there. Then we all went out to eat dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Unfortunately I could not eat that much, so most of it went to waiste.
The next day we went to Pearl Harbor to see the Arizona and Missouri (pics below). It was pretty nice. I wore my 'anata wa bukimi' shirt. After Pearl Harbor, we went to the beach. I don't remember what the name of it was, but it was a pretty nice beach. The waves were kind of big...but the water was too cold for me.
The next day we went snorkling. I don't actually have any pictures of the even because I put my camera in a locker, but I do have pictures of the cove that we went to (before I put my camera up). It was really clear and there were a lot of fish. We went snorkling (which I usually wouldn't do in the ocean because I don't trust fish) and got sun burns (or at least I got one of those on my feet). After snorkling we went to a place called "Blowhole Point" and saw some whales coming to the surface of the water for air and then making large splashes with their tales. This was probably the best day for me. And unfortunately the last day.
Early the next morning I took Fausto and Vik to the airport so that they could return to Japan. I don't really like saying goodbye, but it was great to see them again. After they left, I drove around to a couple tourest attractions, but I didn't really feel like getting out of the car and going in. At one I was getting out of the car to go in, but couldn't find much of a point in it, so I just got back in the car and drove to the car rental return place and returned the car. It seems that even Hawaii is just another place without my friends there. I think I would have had just as much fun no matter where we were.
My flight was not until 10:30pm that night, but I returned the car around 1pm and sat at the airport for a long time. I had a couple margeritas to pass the time. The flight back was a little better than the flight there, but only because it was shorter.
Now I am a little depressed that they are gone and am trying to find something to do other than go to the lab. I should probably work on my homework. I guess I will get started after this.
BUT FIRST: some history about the battle ship 'Missouri.'
The battle ship Missouri was active in World War II and the Gulf War. It is where the official surrender of the Japanese was signed. We looked in the Missouri and probably stood around the same spot that the documents were signed (pictures below). Now it stands as a museum.

A Researcher Visits from Japan, Bronco Riding, and Pappy the Fortune Teller.

Well, a researcher from Shimane University in Japan (whom I met I did my summer research there) came to the US for a conference at Argon National Lab. After the conference he came to visit my university and members of my lab and myself took him around to see the labs and to a couple spots in Forth Worth:

Long time no see...And I'm going to Hawaii over Spring Vacation

Long time no see. Well, I've been a little busy. I've been trying to get the Ramen microscope aligned and running properly and also dealing with my class. Well, that's not important. More importantly is that I'm gong to Hawaii over Spring vacation to visit a couple friends. I'm headed to the island of Oahu. Not exactly sure what we are going to do over there. Anyways, it should make for an more interesting article than this.
Well, I did find a little free time and my father, step-brother, nephew and myself all went fishing at lake Tawakoni in East Texas. We cause about 170 pounds of blue cat in about 8 hours. It was rather fun. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so I didn't get to film the 30 pounder that my step brother caught.
I've been trying to upload a video from youtube to my blogspot, but unfortunately I cannot figure out how. So here is a link for you if you are interested as to what shopping in Texas is like...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y14Q6SdbkJI

Well, sorry this is so short. Not much going on now. I guess I will see you around.
Adios.

Frisby Gold, Changing Weather and me burried pirate treasure.

So, it has been a while since I updated this, as usual. I came back from Skiing (as you know from the previous article) and started school. I'm taking one core class and six research hours this semester. I have been spending most of my time in the lab trying to optimize the laser in the Raman lab to 3 Watts, but I have only gotten 2 Watts thus far (and I've spend about 15 hours on it already). Not much is going on at the moment. I have to work at my part-time job sometimes, but that isn't difficult.
Before school started again my roommate and I went out and played frisby golf at the frisby golf course next to where I live. It's pretty fun. It's like golf, but with frisbies (pictures below).





On the frisby golf course I found a giant plastic X on the ground and had to pretend that I was a pirate looking for burried treasure.

Later on I decided that it must be a giant + and not X because there was no treasure under it.
Weellllllll, that's about all. Things are probably going to start getting a little busy since school started. I hope I can still do some interesting things (other than research) during this semester. I will probably be going to Hawaii over Spring Vacation. That's something to look forward to.
Adios for now.
-Ben

Chirstmas, New Years, Ski and sledding trip to Michigan, and Changing Weather

I has been more than a month since I wrote the last article. I ment to write before this, but things kept coming up. I had a good Christmas, I went to Michigan on a ski trip and was there with friends over the New Year (more explanation in a moment). When I left Texas on December 28th the weather was nice and warm...but when I got back it was cold. Today there is freezing rain and everything is frozen over, but tomorrow it will be warm again. Weather changes fast here. (Pictures of the Cabin and place around the cabin in Michigan) So, let's talk about the ski/sledding trip to Michigan. A friend of mine invited me to go with him to Michigan to meet with a few of his other friends and go skiing for a few days. I eventually accepted and I had a pretty good time (of course I kind of wish my friends in Japan could have come with me). Below I posted a few more pictures of the things we did there (I'll post video of the skiing part later...I didn't bring my camera there so I will have to get the photos off of someone elses camera): A couple days after we went sledding, we went skiing and it was fun. I didn't know how to stop at first (and had difficult controling my speed) but I figured it out after a couple hours. I accidently went down one of the advanced slopes, which was a bit dangerous, but it was really fun (especially since I didn't fall). I'll post pictures of that soon.
I would like to tell you more about the trip (like how a accidently tackled some guy who got in my way while I was skiingg and stuff like that), but I don't really have the time (besides, Celso wouldn't read this if I wrote a lot of stuff).
Anyways, I had a pretty good time. I hope everyone elses Christmas and New Years was just a good. I'll talke to y'all later.
Adios for now.

Thanksgiving is Over and Christmas is Beginning...And Finals.

Not really a whole lot to talk about...Thanksgiving is over...as you probably guessed from the title. I didn't do much. I went to my mother's home on Thanksgiving day and saw my little sisters and elder sister...that was pretty fun for the most part. I accidently broke my little sisters light by throwing stuff in her room for fun...but no big deal. On Saturday I went to my Father's house for a late Thanksgiving, but because I had a class until 12:30 I didn't actually make it to my father's house until after they finished eating. So I actually missed almost everything. But no big deal. It seemed rather hectic anyways. So, nothing really to report.
We started decorating for Christmas at my house. My cool roommate put Christmas lights up outside and inside the house. Yesterday we went and got a tree and decorated it for Christmas (now the inside smells like Christmas tree). We didn't have a star to put on top of the tree so instead I put a Troy Aikmen figure on top (pictures below)...my favorite X-Dallas Cowboy's quarterback. He's kind of a star.



My douchebag roommate apologized for his behavior and accusing me of using his bathroom. In fact he apologized for his overall behavior. I don't really think much about it. He says a lot of things and doesn't really mean them. I think he has talks with the priests and then when they tell him stuff about how he should have acted or something like that he changes his behavior for a short time...so I don't really listen to what he says.
Well, not much going on here at the moment. Finals are coming up next week. I only have one class that I actually need to study for. My other grades are pretty much already determined. I guess I will let everyone know how it turns out. Anyways, I have to go to work in a little while. I will probably have a lot more to write about around Christmas. I will probably take a 6 day trip to Michigan and go ski or something like that in December/early January.
Anyways, adios until then.

Japan, My New Scholarship and Finals

(Also, Thanksgiving is going to be here on Thursday!!! I guess I will have an article over that with pictures.)
Well, let's update on a few things that have happened. Number one...one of my roommates is still cool and the other one is an even bigger douchebag than I told people he was. I guess I cannot describe the douchiness of this guy. He accused me of going into his room the other day and taking a really smelly dump...which I found halarious (even though I didn't do it). Peoples rooms are like a personal boundary that I won't cross unless I know the person very well and am sure it is okay with them. (What a douche that guy is.)
Let's see...I did get the scholarship to go back to Japan for a year (even though I don't really qualify for it according to the guidelines of the scholarship), but I declined it and instead accepted a more competative fellowship that lasts for upto 5 years (which I won't need it for that long) and pays me a lot more. It also gets me out of teaching all of the Astronomy Labs. It allows me to just spend my time doing research (which I'm pretty happy about). And, as I said, it gives me about $500 a month more. However, I will apply for the scholarship again next year, which will put me back in Japan in 2010, which, if my friends are not there anymore, will kind of suck!
I recieved an e-mail from my undergraduate professor yesterday saying that the research article that I wrote years ago was accepted for publishing (I guess he just submitted it a couple months ago). So, that's good. I will have a published paper in December.
Do you remember when I wrote about how bad I did on my Advanced Mechanics exam? Well, apparently everyone did, so the professor decided to offer a second exam to the class and he will weigh it more than the first. So, I studied rather hard for the exam and I'm sure I did better this time...unfortunately I think I will make a B instead of an A on this exam. Which is OK...but I wanted an A.
Finals are coming up. This semester ends in 3 weeks! I have another exam in one of my other classes in 3 days (so I should start studying for it) and a presentation in the other on Saturday. I expect I will make A's in 2 of my 3 classes and a B in the other. That is not that bad...but I still have never had a semester where I have made all A's. I have made a B in at least one of my classes since I started college. Next semester I think I will make all A's. I'm going to sign up for Statistical Mechanics, Mathematical Methods II, and probably a research/special problems class. It should be pretty doable.
Anyways, I have to start my Christmas shopping pretty soon. I'm getting a bunch of Solar Panels and money from my parents for Christmas (as I asked for)...maybe Santa will bring me some too:) Anyways, if any of my friends are reading this, I'm going to try and be there for the New Years, but I'm not sure if I can make it yet (it depends), so I may need your address to send you some Christmas gifts (or at least one of y'alls address to send all of the gifts and y'all can just sort them).

Halloween and Fall

Well, Halloween came and went. We had around 30 Trick or Treater's stop by. I gave out chocolate candy bars, butter fingers, and Reese's peanutbutter cups. I actually ran out of candy to give them, so I had to turn off the front pourch light so they would know to stop coming by. I did carve a pumpkin for Halloween. I posted a picture of it below.


Also, Fall has arrived. It is rather nice out today. Unfortunately I don't have the time to enjoy the weather with all of the work that I have to do for school and stuff. I feels like I am a gofers in a hole that only gets to come out when the weather is either way too hot or too cool to enjoy.
Also, Thanksgiving is coming up rather soon. I only get 2 days off for it though and also I will have to use practically both of them to study for exams (FINALS!!!). I'm not exactly sure what I will be doing for Thanksgiving yet. Maybe going to my mothers. I think my Dad must work on that day, so they won't be having a get-together. Whatever I choose, I will have to leave as soon as it is over and come back here to study.
I was sitting down the other day teaching a Freshman (that's first year student) Astronomy lab when I thought, I bet I can easily derive the equations of motion for a central force (as I should be able to). Then I started to work at it. The problem should have only taken about 5 minutes, but since I forgot to account for the idiot factor (which people who are idiots must take into account when they start to solve stuff), I couldn't do it. But, when I remembered that I am really dumb when I don't sleep at all the night before I was easily able to solve the problem. In case you couldn't tell, this is all in preparation for my Advanced Mechanics exam. I need to do really good on it to feel good about the class.
My Mathematical Methods of Physics class is going pretty well now. However, they both decided to schedule their exams a day apart AGAIN, which is what caused me to do bad on the Advanced Mechanics exam in the first place (there wasn't enough time to study for both of them...so I studied for Math Methods and got the highest grade in the class on that exam...but did not so great on the Advanced Mechanics exam). I'm going to start studying for them today. I think I will do good on both of them this time.
I'm still trying to figure out if I can go to Japan over the Winter vacation. I think I will be able to, but I'm trying to work everything out. I will let y'all know how it is going rather soon. And if Fausto is reading this, my diplomatic problem is still bothering me a little.
Well, not much to report. All I can say is that one of my roommates is still cool and one of my roommates is still a giant douchebag. All I have been doing is working and studying. Which reminds me, I better go study. I guess I will see y'all around.
Adios for now!
-Ben

WestFest and A Family Reunion

I know that image quality is not that great...the pictures were sent to me by e-mail. I don't think my sister knew she was changing the size of the images when she sent them, so you will only get a distorted idea of WestFest from these. Some time ago (Labor Day weekend in the USA) I went to WestFest as I always do when I'm in Texas at that time (it's tradition). WestFest is held in the town of West, Texas and is a large Czech festival. Since I am half Czech I am obligated to go, but I would go even if I were not obligated since I get to see some many people in my family that I haven't seen in a while. So, let me take you through the pictures (I can't actually see them, so I am guessing the order they were posted...so if my explanations don't look like the photo...sorry).
(Below SHOULD be my baby sister (I call her Ducky) and myself in front of the flag of Texas, The USA, and Czech Republic. Notice that they are all red, white, and blue...which have always been my colors (because of Texas)))


(Below: SHOULD be my baby sister and myself in from of a sign that says something in Czech...a language I don't speak...but my guess is it says something welcoming people.)


(Below should be my Elder sister (Jen) and my baby sister on the bleachers in front of the horse shoe competition.)


(Should be a picture of the horse shoe competition.)


(Below should be a picture of my nephew (Cole). He is not much more than one. Unfortunately he had an accident and got hurt at WestFest, but he is better now.)


About the horse shoe competition. I joined forces with my Uncle Rick (Cole's Father) and decided to compete against all the others that entered the competition. There were around 200 teams in the beginning. But, we started taking them out one by one. My Uncle would keep us in the lead the entire game and I would close it out by throwing a ringer and a really close shoe. Nobody could beat us...except the champions from the past 5 years straight. When there were only around 25 teams left we had to play them. It wasn't even close. I understand why they have won the past 5 years straight. But, I plan on practicing one month in advace for next years competition. I think my uncle and I will go further next year!
Anyways, I had a good time. I got to eat Kolaches and drink a bunch of Ice tea (which is something I enjoy) as well as meet with family members whom I have not seen in a while. All and all it was pretty good.
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Also, last Saturday I went to my family reunion. It was alright. I haven't seen those people in forever either. I was a bit surprised. I didn't recognize a few of them at first. How much weight do you think it is possible to gain in 2 years? Well, I don't know, but the answer must be more than 200 pounds! I saw my cousin James for the first time in a couple years and he succeeded at that. I think that one day he decided to just start eating and eating...kind of the same way Forrest Gump decided to just start running. The reunion was of course held in the town of West, Texas like it is every year (since that is where most of my family is from...it's a big Czech town). I won a couple prizes at the reunion, but nothing that great. Anyways, I have a colloqium that I have to go to pretty soon so I'm going to end this for now.
I guess I will write again in a couple weeks or so...although I don't know what about. So I guess this is adios for now.
See you around.
-Ben

Midterm Exams

I did an article about finals last semester and not midterms...mostly because my midterms were not so bad last semester. This semester it is awful. I think I compared finals to Hell, but without laughter...well, midterms aren't much different. In one of my classes the midterm is worth 30% of my entire grade (thus, if you do bad on it you will not make a good grade in the class), and the professor is being very abstract on what the exam will be over (that class is advanced classical mechanics). In my math methods of physics class, I have a pretty good idea of what will be on the exam, the real problem is it is a difficult subject. It is over the calculus of residues, which is one of the two things I had trouble in when I was an undergraduate. Luckily, that midterm is only worth 20% of my final grade (I feel okay about that test...it's the mechanics test that is worrying me). I think I understand the calculus of residues now, but I'm still having a little trouble with branch points and how to choose the shape of my contour.
Anyways, my mechanics final is worth 50% OF MY FINAL GRADE!!! That means no matter how good I did on the entire class, I can still screw my grade up completely on the final day of class...I don't agree with this! But, then again, I'm not teaching the class (and to be fair, neither is the professor in my opinion).
My two exams are back to back (one on Thursday and one on Friday). That's making things pretty difficult right now. Luckily they forgot to hit me with their car before this started (what other way could they make this worst?), so I guess there is a good side to this. I will have to update my blog after this week is over.
On Saturday I am going to my family reunioun (the Czech side). It is held in West, Texas (West is the name of the town...it is actually in Central Texas) where most of my family is from.
Anyways, I have to go to class soon. Next time I will try and post articles of my trip to WestFest and also my family reunioun. Adios for now.
(Sorry, no picturers).
-Ben

Biking around Denton

I decided to get a bike to go to school on everyday. The only problem is, it is about a 2.5 mile drive (which take about 15 to 20 minutes). I guess I didn't realize how much endurance it took to make it in that amount of time. But, since I will be doing it everyday, I guess I will get use to it rather fast. Anyways, my bike only cost about $75 (for the bike and repairs). In Japan it would have cost at least $250. That's why I didn't buy a bike in Japan (plus they are rather crappy).
Other than the fact I am biking to places now, nothing else is going on. Oh yeah, I found a Japanese conversation partner. I think she is going to be in the USA for at least one more year (actually, although I haven't met her yet, I think she is planning on just staying here). So, I will start Japanese language practice again (when I can find the time). It's good for me...it will help to keep me from forgeting something that took so long to learn. Anyways, I encluded pictures of my road bike. I hope everything is going great for y'all.
Adios for now.
-Ben

I Got a New Chuck Norris Shirt and Some Older Pictures

Well, the title says it all. Not much has happend since my last post. I'm still busy. I did get them to scale back my hours at work a little (that should help me). I've included a few older pics along with this article to make it better. Not sure when I am going to get to do anything fun around here (depends on when I have the time and if I feel like it then...maybe I would prefer to rest...but I doubt it...I can even make the rest into some sort of fun...for example, I can sit outside by the river and just shoot random stuff with a shot-gun...for those of you who don't know, that IS fun and relaxing:). Well, Momoko if you are reading this, I'm working on a Chuck Norris T-shirt for you. I just haven't had time to go to the store and look for one yet. The one that I got was given to me (I didn't go to the store and get it myself). But of course I will get one for you!



Above is a saying of one of the first Texas Rangers. I think they made a few movies about him. He eventually died of TB. But, he is inshrined in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame at the Texas Ranger Museum.




Below is my new Chuck Norris T-shirt. As long as I wear this, nothing can happen to me because Chuck Norris is so tought even his shirts ward off danger.


I guess a couple of my friends are back from Hungary by now. I think I will check up on them and see how their trip was. I WANT PICTURES of them eating cheese and playing waterpolo (maybe even at the same time).
Well, I got to run for now. I did this while I was teaching a lab (only 2 students came to this one. Maybe there will be more next hour).
Adios for now and I'll see y'all around.
-Ben

What is Recollection?

It has, once again, been a while since I updated my blog (almost a month...okay, it has been a month). I keep meaning to update it, but I never can find the time. I didn't even submit my first homework assignments in two of my classes because I didn't have the time to do them (luckily, neither of the classes count a lot for homework...one is 15% and the other is 20% of the final grade).

So, what are you doing right now? Well, I am teaching a computer lab and having the students work independently. I am explaining how a camera works. The first question I am suppose to ask them is, "What is Recollection?" And then we discuss if for a while. The most common answers is "re-collecting thoughts." Can you actually say that is wrong? Of course, it is not wrong, but why give me the word broken down into the words it is actually composed of.
I probably shouldn't be doing this when I'm in the middle of teaching a lab, but I don't have time during any other part of the day. Besides, the students don't mind (they are working independently and will raise their hands if they need help).
I think I may have taken on more work that I can handle at the moment. I only have three classes, but two of them require a lot of work. I have a test in Mathematical Methods of Physics (which is one of my favorite classes...combines two things that I love), a difficult homework assignment in Advanced Classical Mechanic, a Test on Thursday, my Teaching Assistant duties, a job that I have to work at 4 days this week, Research, etc... Well, the list goes on and on. The outcome is that I have NO time to do anything.
It is looking more and more like I will be returning to Japan for a while (maybe a year...nothing is set in stone yet...and I have to beat up some other students for the position or something like that). But, instead of only having to return for the summer, I may have to go back for an entire year (don't know yet). We will see.
I still have one cool roommate and one that I don't like. The one that I don't like still knows nothing about physics. He expects to be able to graduate with his doctoral in 2 years, but he hasn't done any research since he has been here (he didn't do anything in Japan either). I don't think he understands what it takes to get a doctoral (and that he doesn't belong in this field since he is not willing to do the work). Doesn't really bother me though unless he actually does graduate (which I will take as an insult to the American education system and loose all faith in it). I really feel sorry for the class that he has to teach, but I'm not going to elaborate on the reason as to why.
I guess is was September 11th the other day. I remeber when I was in Japan, every September 11th they would have specials on and talk about the World Trade Centers, but in the USA it passed by rather quitely. I know there were gatherings in places and rememberance services, but it seemed to be a bigger deal in Japan than in the USA (or at least it felt that way). I almost forgot it was the anniversary.
Also, hurricane Ike came through, but didn't do much except give us some rain (did you know that hurricanes are caused by Chuck Norris practicing round house kicks in his back yard?). The weather at the moment is GREAT and will be for the next few days. Unfortunately, I will be stuck in here the rest of the day and inside studying for the entire week. So, even though it is nice outside (for the first time in a while), I will just be here doing other stuff and not enjoying it. (But, there will be other days of good weather). I have a little vacation at the end of November for Thanksgiving. I can't wait.
Well, just writing to keep my blog updated so you know I haven't forgotten about it yet. I hope that y'all are having a great time over there. I know that Viki and FauXto are in Hungary (aka: Hungaria) playing water polo and eating cheese (like nerds), so I'm glad that they are having a good time. Paul is working on his thesis (and probably applying for the doctoral program?...you better be, if I come back to Japan for a year and you are not there, I'm going to get upset and go back home!!!!). Well, thanks for helping me out with my situation. Y'all all are really good friends (let's all play a game of 'kick the puppy dog' when I get back...does any of y'all have a dog?).
Well, I guess I'll see y'all around.
Adios for now.

Going back to School (GOOD)

I don't know why, but I'm always a little excited to go back to school. It doesn't actually start until tomorrow, but I'm here (at school) now writing on my blog. I'm not really prepared yet...i.e. I haven't bought the books that I need for class, I didn't buy school supplies or new clothes really. Now that school is about to begin again, I have to look back at what happened over the summer. I went to Japan (again), I saw my old friends, I traveled different places in Japan and met new people, I did new research, I came back to Texas, I showed my girlfriend around, I went to New York (unfortunately), I moved into a new house (with roommates), etc... I guess that's a lot. I'm reminded of how many more years I have to be here to complete my doctoral and where I will go and how long it will take me to finish my post doctoral degree. One thing I'm glad to be doing again is work. After spending most of the summer in Japan and then doing little in the USA, it feels good to go back to Sylvan's Learning Center and teach a little. When school starts I will have to teach a lab or a class. For some reason, university students aren't as sharp as high school students it seems. Or maybe they are just less embarrassed to ask simple questions (that I assumed they already knew). But I'm sure that's not it...when I test high school students on the same thing I test university students on, the high school students show better understanding. It makes me wonder what happens to someone between high school and college. Does one night of drunken celebration destroy years of education? That can't be true or most university students would be brain dead by their second week of classes. I don't understand it.
Well, not much to talk about right now. I'll just leave you with some pictures.

I went to Shiraishi and back to Nagoya

A lot can happen in two weeks. Before I ever came to Japan (for the first time), I wanted to go to this island in the inland sea known as Shiraishi. On this island lives and author from the Japan times (humor articles of her adventures in Japan). I even bought her guide book to Japan a long time ago and had her sign it (she signed the first 50 copies that people ordered from her). Unfortunately I lent that book to someone who said they wanted to go to Japan, and then I never got it back...
So, let's get started. On Shiraishi there is practically nothing. A few stores and a bar. More specifically, the "Moooo! Bar," which happens to be owned by the author I was telling you about. I convenced a few people to go with me (Karol-Poland/USA, Rob-Chicago/Arizona, and Paul-Ecuador). We stayed on Amy's (the author) yatch since all the hotels were booked. I'm not giving a long detailed story this time. I'll try and explain as I post the pictures:
SHIMANE TRIP

(Karol, Rob and I set off for Shiraishi at around 4:30 in the morning from Matuse)


(We arrived at Kasaoka station by train, where we had to walk a little ways to the Ferry...or Felly if you read the Japanese sign in English.)


(We stopped at the Cafe for some breakfast. The picture is of the peach bread with peach cream inside. In the cafe some Japanese guy wouldn't stop talking to me...and he had a very difficult accent. I found it hard to understand him.)


We finally found our way to the FELLY after using the directions I got off of Amy's web-site. Oddly enough, there are 2 FELLYs and we ended up at the one we were not trying to go to (but it went directly to Shiraishi).


Me in anticipation of getting there (it's like finishing the circle of something you said you would do a long time ago, but never go around to doing).


Random scenery from the FELLY





This is the only road on the island, and it goes all the way around, so I knew it would lead to the Moooo! Bar. And I had no fear of getting lost.


And finally, we reached the Moooo! Bar...the circle was complete. Only problem was, it still want open because it was 10am.


So, we decided to go exploring:









Finally, we made it back to the Moooo! Bar...and it was open. (I had a Ben's Double Moooogarita)...You can see Paul in the picture with his Chuck Norris shirt on. He joined us there later on that day.



And, now some picutures the floating hotel:




To tell you the truth, I have done way too much in these past couple weeks to actually write it all here. So, let me just end with a few random pictures:







Well, now I'm REALLY busy. I don't like the way they do things here. They should have told me certain things so I had more time to prepare...but that just wouldn't be the Japanese way. I think I will be back by the very end of July (to Texas). I'm trying to reschedule my ticket now. They don't make it easy.
Well, adios for now.
-Ben

I went to Kyoto, After going to Nagoya

Well, I have been a little busy, but not with work. I went to Nagoya on Friday to visit friends (as I plan to do almost every weekend that I'm here). In Nagoya I went to Nagoya University and had dinner with one of my friends (Celso-from Brazil) at the university cafe. I gave him my old softbank phone (which was useless to me in the USA since none of the phone companies use USIM cards it seems). On Saturday I went to Meidaisai...if you have been reading my blog for a long time, you know what Meidaisai is (it is the Nagoya University Festival). I posted pictures and a video of Meidaisai below, with a few comments:


(In one of the pictures above, you will see a STRANGE Japanese comedy play. You will think it is strange as well if you see the picture.)
Two years ago (on this very month), if you go to my archives, you can see my first article over Meidaisai. I think I complained about it being too crowded. Well, not much has changed...it's still very crowded. After I finished going to Meidaisai, I went to meet a friend for language exchange. We used to have language exchange every week when I lived in Nagoya, but since I left it is impossible. So, since I'm back, we are continuing language exchange over the weekends. She had just got back from a visit to Taiwan and she brought me a few gifts from there. I haven't tried them yet, but they look similar to some Japanese snacks I have had before...I'll let ya'll know if it taste the same later.
On Sunday, I went to Kyoto with a couple friends. It is actually kind of interesting since I went to Kyoto with the same friends last December before I left for Texas. If you go back to my archives (or just scroll down my blog), you will find my post about the trip we took to Kyoto 6 months ago (and you can compare those pictures to the new ones that I posted below):

(Isn't this the oldest phone you have ever seen in use today?)

(Picture of Paul-Ecuador and I pondering the meaning of the pictures at the International Mangu Museum. They were about peace and war.)


(A small snack and a random building that I liked in Kyoto)

(A monk or something like that asking for donations)








(Above are just random photos of Kyoto. In one you can see Paul holding up the roof of one of the land marks. Okay, it's obvious he is not, but that's only because I didn't have enough time to position the camera before people would step in front of it.)









(Above is at the temple that we spent a while trying to get to. Aparently there are 2 Shijo stations. If you get off at the wrong one you will end of a long way from the temple. If you get off at the right one you will be rather close. So, why are their 2 Shijo subway stations you may ask? Well, I do not know, but I'm sure I could just make something up...well, at this moment nothing is coming to mind...but I will make something up later. Anyways, it was rather scenic at the temple. On the way back to Kyoto station I got a few snacks that I plan on bring back to the USA later. I would have to say that the trip was rather enjoyable. Thanks Paul and Momoko if ya'll are reading this).

(Let's talk about the above picture a little. Have you ever seen that commerical where the guy who loves nature is pretending to make a nature video and he is out in a mountain stream. Then he takes a cup and gets some of the water from the stream and drinks it...and then starts talking about how good it tastes. Then, the nature guy looks up stream and sees 2 really dirty looking men, in old dirty cloths, bathing in the river together and pointing and laughing at the nature guy? And then the nature guy makes a bitter look as if he just drank something bad? Well, the water that these people are drinking comes from the mountain. I was asked if I wanted to try some, but I said that I don't drink strange water...I just don't trust what has been in it.)


Finally, I went back to Matsue for experiments on Monday (today).

(above is a picture of me, taking a picture of Paul and Momoko...where Paul is taking a picture of me taking a picture of him. Did't understand what I just wrote in English? Well, neither did I, but if you look at the picture you may)

It turns out that over the weekend, the two people that came to Japan with me to do research (Carl and Saul) did do a few things in Matsue. I can't remeber what Saul did, but I know Carl went around Matsue and other places on his bike (visiting a few temples and a Japan heratage place). Also, Carl went to Kumar's place (Kumar is the Post Doctorial student in our lab) and took part in a cultural exchange between other international students (at least it sounds fun to me). Saul claims that he is going to go to take the train to Hiroshima this weekend. I haven't told him that there is no train to Hiroshima from Matsue yet...he has to go by bus. I also haven't told him that they don't speak much English at Matsue station. I am a bit curious as to how he is planning on buying the tickets. Of course, if he just goes to the station and keeps saying "Hiroshima!...Hiroshima!...I want to go to Hiroshima," I think they will put him on a bus just to get him away from there. There is a chance that someone at the station will speak enough English to help him. But, from what I understand, he wants to go to Hiroshima to visit the Catholic Church there...nothing else. Well, I guess I accept that. I would rather the trip be for different purposes, but... Of course, this weekend I plan on going back to Nagoya (in fact I will leave Friday morning because I have to take care of some business at Nagoya University). I don't have much planned for Saturday (but I will find something to do), however on Sunday I'm going to repeat my "Failed Trip To Nagoya Castle" that I posted about 7 months ago before I left Japan. This time I expect a different outcome. (If you haven't figure it out yet, I like doing repeat articles and having a different outcome. I'm going to try to do a few more repeats while I'm here. One of them will be over strange Engrish.) Anyways, I'll write more in a week or two (I still have a little more than a month in Japan). I'll be back in Texas in time for West Fest! Well, Adios. -Ben

I Visited Friends in Nagoya and SHORT NOTICE Once Again

Well, like I already said, I went back to Japan. Over the first weekend in Japan (this last weekend) I went to visit my firends in Nagoya. It was pretty fun. I gave out omiyage (gifts from my country) to everyone. I stayed at one of my friends apartments...but with my bad since of direction, I forgot how to get back to his apartment Saturday night after a few friends and I had gone to a lot of different shops looking at things (and trying different foods)...so I kind of wondered around Kurumamichi for a while looking for the place. At one of these shops, I tried Lotus Tea...I had never tried Lotus Tea before. I think it is my new favorite tea. On Saturday night, after I found my way back to my friends apartment, a few friends and I tried the red wine that I brought from Texas. Well, I found out that I don't like red wine...but they told me it tasted good. Next weekend I plan on going back and seeing everyone again. I might even stop by Kyoto on the weekend and look around with a few other friends (not sure yet). Anyways, I posted some photos (and explanations) below:

(At Starbucks in Nagoya...Wyle (Palestine) and Shino (Japan))

(At the Brazillian Place "The Amigos" near Fukiage. From left to right: Celso (Brazil), Wyle (Palestine), Shino (Japan), Anna (Japan), Nobuyo (Japan), Chow (Vietnam), Marni (Philippines)

(In the subway at Nagoya headed to a friends apartment...From left to right: Celso, Momoko (Japan), Paul (Ecuador), and holding California red wine is once again Marni)

Well, I need to explain this picture. I have had a running joke about Chuck Norris with all of my friends for a long time. I memorized a lot of Chuck Norris facts and say them all the time around them...and even make of some of my own. So, when I came back to Japan I brought a Chuck Norris shirt for myself and one of my friends. Well, we are both wearing them in the picture above (Paul and myself). Paul's shirt says, "Chuck Norris counted to infinity...Twice!" and mine says, "When Chuck Norris does a push up, he isn't pushing up...He's pushing the Earth down!"

(At a friends apartment...you can see Paul and Momoko in from of Texas Wine)
There are actually a lot more pictures (and better ones), but they are on other cameras (I'll get them later).

Next are just random picture of Japanese country side taken during my train ride to Nagoya. I do like the look of the Japanese country side.






Once again, I received short notice about something that I could have been informed about a when I arrived and given propper time to prepare. I have to give a presentation at 8:30 tomorrow morning over the research I hope to do while I'm in Japan. I was told around 11am...that's less than 24 hours. Well, I have nothing else to do while I'm in this lab all day anyways. I guess that will give me something to do. Actually, this is really common in Japan. I usually only get one 1 or 2 days notice to do something. Once I received 2 days notice about having to go to an accelerator facility on the other side of Japan for 2 days to do research (and this was while I was doing preperations for the Thanksgiving party that I was hosting). I posted that article on my blog a long time ago. Well, I guess I complain a little too much while I'm here.
Actually, while I was gone, 4 people from the lab took one of the other people (that came with me to Japan) to Matsue Castle. Unlike most historical castles in Japan, Matsue Castle is not a replica that was rebuild after WWII. It is actually the same castle from a long time ago. I am going to visit it myself before I leave here. Also, the 2 students that came with me to Japan took a tour of a soy sauce factory together over the weekend (how or why they did that, I do not know). At least I was happy to hear that they didn't just sit around and do nothing over the weekend.
The professor of the lab came over to me today and asked me how my trip to Nagoya was and if I knew how to use the train in Japan (this was right before he told me that I need to prepare a presentation for the seminar at 8:30am tomorrow). Well, it was nice that he asked about my trip to Nagoya, but a little insulting to ask me if I knew how to use the train...It's not rocket science. Also, I can read and speak Japanese pretty well...I guess he doesn't get that.
Well, that's all for now. I guess I better get started on that Powerpoint presentation I just found out I have to do tomorrow morning in front of everyone. I'll post another article in a week or two.
See ya'll around.
-Ben

Back to Japan

(The Dog Days of May)
Well, here I am again...back in Japan. I remember that I left because I didn't like certain things about it. Well, this time I'm on a different fellowship and studying photonics. But, things are still the same here. Today we had to give a presentation (a self introduction presentation) along with members of various labs. After the presentations, we found out that we have to attend a conference later on today at Izumo city and that we need to meet at the main gate of Shimane University at 4pm to leave with everyone else. So, once again the amount of notice that we were give was only a few hours. It kind of upsets me when they don't tell me stuff in advance...but maybe that's just me.
Anyways, I think the residence that we (Myself and the 2 other guys that came with me) was pretty good, but it has a Japanese style toilet. I don't know if you know what that looks like, but let me describe it to you....a hole in the ground that you use the restroom in. I can't make it sound any better than that. Well, I wasn't thrilled about it, but the other two were very offended by it. One of them is even trying to get the international student center to install a western style toilet in the residence (rather successfully I might add). Anyways, long story short, the other two people are rather unhappy. One of them made a board with 51 days marked on it and is counting down the days that we have until we return back. I'm doing fine though. Speaking Japanese really helps. I navigated our way around Japan thus far. We went from Dallas to San Francisco airport, from San Fran to Tokyo-Narita airport, from Narita we took a bus to Haneda airport, and from Haneda we went to Izumo airport (where the professor picked us up and we went to the residence with the Japanese style toilet that I already mentioned). We traveled more than 24 hours straight.
I'm feeling pretty good because I get to go back to Nagoya over the weekend and visit my friends. If I'm told that there is something I have to do over the weekend at Shimane, I'm going to completely ignore it a go to Nagoya anyways (I already made the plans). My excuse is that I don't work over holidays (Memorial Day...it doesn't matter if it's true or not...which it's not). The city that I'm at right now, Matsue, isn't that bad. It's in the country...which I like more (I don't like living in Japanese cities).
Anyways, I took the people that came to Japan with me out to eat at a Chinese place last night for dinner. They liked it for the most part. We had gyoza and harumake (gyoza is like meat and some vegi's wrapped in rice paper...they look like dumplings, and harumaki is like an egg roll...just smaller).
Is it bad to not care that the other two guys arn't having a good time here?..I don't know why, but my feelings are kind of split over it...It's too bad that they arn't having a good time, but it doesn't really bother me a lot. I knew they wouldn't have a great time here, but I hope they can make the most of their time. Since one is origonally from Poland, maybe he can appriciate a different culture more.
I don't know what they are going to do when I'm gone over the weekend. I don't plan on taking them with me. I showed them where they can go to get a little entertainment and sightseeing. Maybe they will take my advice. One thing is for sure, they will have a bit of difficulty getting around without knowing any Japanese.
Well, I've taken pictures of Shimane, but not many yet. I'll do another post soon and post better pictures.

(The Kaikan...the place I'm staying...all Japanese style)

Finals are OVER...the results....I'm Moving into My New House

Finals are OVER. How can I describe what finals are like to you? lWell, I would have to say that it is like Hell, just without the laughter. It turns out that I did better than I thought. I made an A in two of my three classes. But, the one that I put the most effort into and wanted an A in I received a B (but after the final exam, I was happy to receive even that grade). By the way, the grades are done differently here than in Japan (you shouldn't compare the two).

The class I really wanted to make an A in (and gave the most time and effort to was quantum physics II. It's a difficult class and the professor is known for being difficult (among other things). Unfortunately, the professor that taught the quantum class is retiring, which means that I won't be able to take him for quantum III, which bothers me because that means I won't ever receive an A from that professor! An interesting thing about that professor is that he also taught my academic advisor when he was at this university (i.e. he was my professor's professor as well).
Other things that are going on....I'm moving into my new house. It's pretty nice. I posted some pictures of the inside of the house and the front and back yards below.






In one of the pictures you will see a cross above the fire place on a cardboard sheet. That belongs to one of my roommates. I have to share the place with 2 other people. I have never had a roommate before...I hope it's not that bad.
My elder sisters Birthday is today. I tried to call her, but she may be a work...which would mean that her phone is turned off. My younger sister's birthday is on the 19th of this month. I got her a gift card to Barnes and Noble book store (because she loves books). She turns 16 years old, so she is about to start driving (this is a warning to all drivers on the road...look out!).
My parents are going on vacation to the Virgin Islands this weekend, so I have to go to their home and take care of their dogs. Maybe I will get to go to the Alamo before I leave for Japan, but since I'm going to be babysitting little dogs, I kind of doubt it right now.
At the moment I am out shopping for Omiyage for all of my friends. I don't think I will have room in my suitcases for all that stuff.
Well, I have to go because I have to get ready for work (I need to leave in about 25 minutes). Luckily, I'm not going to loose my job even though I will be gone all summer long (they are going to give it back to me when I return).
I'm still preparing for the trip to Japan on the 24th of May. I hate long flights. O'well. I guess I will see everyone at the end of May or beginning of June.
So, I guess I'll see ya'll around.
Adios
-Ben

Finals and My B-day

Well, I haven't actually done anything for my B-day yet, but after finals I will...In fact, this Saturday I'm being treated to lunch at the place of my choise. Also, my elder sisters B-day is on the 14th and my younger sisters is the 17th.
Anyways, have you ever really needed to do something, but just had difficulty forcing yourself to do it? In my case, I cannot seem to force myself to study for my quantum physics final. It's not as bad as it sounds. I have to make a 92 on the final to make an A in the class or a 53 to make an B in the class. I hate finals. But, I did get an A in my Theoretical physics class (in fact, I was told by my professor, "I give you A plus plus!" He's Italian, so it sounds normal.
After this week is over, I have to really start preparing to leave for Japan, AGAIN.
But, at least I will get to see my friends.
There are a couple other students going to Japan with me. I'm trying to think of ways to amuse myself at their expense, in Japan (I wouldn't really do that, but it doesn't stop me from thinking about it).
Well, I'll write something interesting and with pictures after finals.
Adios

Dead week and FINALS

This is the last week of actual school and all of the professers have decided to give tests (as usual). These are not the final exams, but rather regular exams. Two of my classes decided to give take home exams (which means that the problems are so long and difficult that I doubt I will be able to finish all of the work required by the deadline. My other class is having us do a presentation (I have to do mine on Monday or Wednesday). These presentations take a little while to prepare for, but as long as I do it I'm pretty sure I will get an A in that class at least. Next week is what we call 'Dead Week.' During dead week, prefessors cannot give any homework or exams, but those that were assigned before dead week are still okay (and therefore, take home tests that were assigned the week before dead week and have a deadline in dead week are okay). During dead week, I have to give another presentation in Solid State Physics. That souldn't be too hard. The hardest part will be finding time to make the presentation. The week after 'dead week,' FINAL EXAMs start. I hate final exams. The professors never prepare you for the material that's on the final test and there is never enough time to prepare for them. On top of everything, I have to work. Actually, my TA duties are over after this week (so I don't have to teach any more Astronomy labs until next semester), but I still have a part-time job that will take about 5 hours every weekday (and that will affect the amount I can study). But, I still could make all A's in everyone of my classes...but it will be very difficult. I'm looking forward to this semester being over. I need a break. Plus, when it's over I'm going to visit San Antonio and go to the Alamo and river walk. Anyways, that's several weeks from now. Not too long after the semester ends I have to leave for Japan (about a four and a half weeks from now). I guess I will see everyone then.
Adios
-Ben

I'm coming back to Japan over the summer (and other things important)

It's official...I will be doing summer research on bionanophotonics at some university in Shimane. The date has not yet been set in stone, but I do believe that the professor is planning on sending me (and 2 or 3 others) to Shimane for 2 months starting at the end of May. That means I will be able to visit my friends in Nagoya for a couple weekends (the amount of the scholarship is a little more than 200,000 yen per month...that's more than my previous Monbusho scholarship). Of course, I don't have to pay for housing (they university is actually renting an apartment for us). With the extra money, I will be able to visit my friends in Nagoya and go a few places (so I'm feeling pretty good about that). Actually, when I think about it, I have never been turned down for a scholarship in math or physics that I applied for...I'm 5 of 5 (A undergraduate summer physics research scholarship $2,500, a TXCEPT math scholarshop $600, the Monbusho scholarship 170,000 yen/month, and now the IREA research scholarship $2,000 per month, and my current TA scholarship of $1,550 per month). I guess I have been lucky.
I have to choose a graduate advisor to oversee my graduate research really soon. I'm still not sure who I will choose...but it's an important decision, so I'm thinking about it a lot.
At the moment, I'm trying to think of what to bring back to everyone in Japan. I went to a book store the other day and saw a bunch of books about Texas history, but I don't think any of my friends would want to read that stuff (despite how great it is). But, I did get a book about somethings in Texas that one of my friends will like. I guess I still have plenty of time to figure that stuff out (about 7 weeks).
Speaking of Texas history, I'm going to do an article over a few very interesting events in Texas history (the anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto is coming up soon...the battle where Texas won its independence from Mexico and became its own country). I will visit the Alamo before I leave for Japan and take pictures and stuff for my blog...I'll probably do the article then.
Anyways, I didn't have to work today (Saturday), so I decided to put of my advanced quantum physics homework for a few hours and see what I could find around my town to write about on my blog.




(More views of the court house)
One of the pictures above has a band that just happend to be outside in front of the court house practicing that day. Actually, I think they were pretty good.
(Above: One view of the historic downtown court house)

A lot of towns in Texas have historical court houses. The one in Denton, the town that I'm living in now, was built back in 1850. That was only 5 years after Texas had become a part of the United States. Before that, Texas was its own country called, "The Republic of Texas." With the exception of Hawaii, not other state in the US can claim being an independent country. Many people seem to think that the state of Texas was always this size, but in actuality, Texas was a much larger place when it was The Republic of Texas. As a compromise for settling the debt that Texas had accumulated, part of Texas was giving to the US when Texas joined the union (i.e. when Texas became a state). Before that, Texas comsumed parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wyoming (all very large states). When Texas beat Mexico for its independence, not only did Texas win what we today call 'Texas,' but it also won a lot more land that people don't really remember (you are welcome Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Wyoming!).
Also, I thought that a few of my friends may want to see my university, so I walked around campus a took some pictures. I hope you like them. I also included the physics building in there. Since some of the pictures are off topic, I will explain them as I go along:

(Almost in the middle of nowhere, these buildings pop out of the country side and form Texas Women's University)

After visiting downtown and TWU, I decided to get some lunch and figure out where to go next.


(So, for lunch I went Texas style. A 0.5Kg BBQ sandwich and a Dr. Pepper...It was delicous. Two of the things I really missed while I was in Japan.)

I decided to walk around campus and take some pictures for everyone to see. I didn't walk all the way around campus, because it is too big to do that. Below are some random pictures of my university...One of them has the physics building that I work at in it.

(Physics building)





There is a rule that no buildings on campus can be taller than the tower (in the picture below). A lot of universities in Texas have similar rules (such as, a building cannot be more than 4 stories). The rules were made by the university itself for some reason.

The campus that I'm at now (like many other universities) has a few historical buildings that are still in use.



These next picture are from last Saturday when, once again, I took my sisters to putt-putt golf and a movie:



Finally, I found something interesting. Do you remember the article where I talked about Nagoya University beer? Well, at UNT they are not allowed to make beer, but they do make University of North Texas water (picture below):


Well, that's all for now. Hope to see everyone in Japan in a about 7 weeks or so. I'll write again in a couple week. Adios.
-Ben

Updates (Scholarship, Part-time Job, Spring Break)

Well, it's Spring Break here. The other day was St. Patric's day. I didn't really do anything. Usually there is a parade and people drink green beer, but I didn't really fell like doing anything by myself, so I stayed home.
Before Spring Break, professors throw a bunch of test and my classes were no exception. Normally, I would have made A's on every test, but since I have a part-time job (tutoring students at Sylvan's Learning Center in Math) I didn't get to study as much as I should have. I don't think it would have made much of a difference in my quantum physics class since NONE of the stuff we were told to study was actually on the test. I was expecting a challenging test, but I was also expecting a test that was over the topic we covered! The test was over stuff that we covered in pervious classes in quantum mechanics and I wish I would have known that's what was going to be tested because I would have easily have been able to prepare for such a test. Instead, I think I bombed it and lost my A in the class (at least temporarily).
Speaking of part-time job, I wrote last time that I applied for a part-time tutoring job...well, I got it. Good right? Well, they say that "there is a good side to bad and a down side to up." I guess my situation is more like the "down side of up." I get more money, but I loose time that I really need to study.
I was going to go to the Alamo (in San Antonio) and take pictures and post them on my blog, but I doubt I will be able to go because of work. Soooo, I'm still going to try and go (there is a possibility that my work day on Saturday will be canceled due to lack of students, but I doubt it), but it does not look like I can. I wanted to do an article over it. The Alamo is not really the place were Texas began (Texas was created after the battle of San Jacinto), but it is a really important event in Texas (and U.S.) history and a symbol of Texas.
The other day I took my little sister to see a movie, but my baby sister was sick, so she couldn't go. Other than that, I haven't really taken advantage of my Spring Break time.
Now, about the scholarship...I still don't know anything for sure. I had to have recommendations submitted from previous professors the other day. I will know for sure if I'm coming back to Japan by the first week of April.
I was trying to figure out what I would do if I were able to come back to Japan. First, I have to burn down that place that gave me food poisoning! Next, I will have to stop by and visit my friends in Nagoya and give them all omiage from Texas. Then, my friends and I will all have to go out and do something fun...like dance on the ashes of the place that I burnt down for giving me food poisoning! Then we can hunt down the cooks who gave me food poisoning and give them food poisoning (I like that idea).
I know this wasn't really that interesting. I'll put something interesting up in a week or two (with pictures). Other than that, I hope to see ya'll in Japan in a couple months. Adios.

My Part-Time Job Application, Scholarship to Japan and my Baby Sister's Birthday Party

A few things have happend since my last article (but none of the were very interesting). My neighbors have become really annoying (they are really loud at 1am to 3am almost every night...so I can't sleep), I went to my baby sister's birthday party, asked a professor about the scholarship in Japan and applied for a part-time job tutoring math. Let me tell you about those a little. First, I'll write about my baby sister's birthday party (of which, I have posted pictures below).


Well, my baby sister turned 11 years old the other day. Instead of going out to eat, as we usually would do, she wanted to stay at home for a small party. She received a new bike, professional golf lessons, a gift card, some money and a few other things. I think she had a good time. After the party, we went to the mall for a little while.
I was looking for a part-time job that would work around my class schedule and give me enough time to do my class work, when I found an ad that was looking for a math tutor for a place called Sylvan's Learning Center. I think I met all of the qualifications, so I applied. I had to go for an interview 2 different times and I will know if I got the job on Monday (they are still interviewing other applicants). I think I am the most qualified, but they may be looking for someone with a more flexable schedule. The job pays $10/hr and I think I would only work about 8-10 hours a week. (I would be tutoring high school students.)
It is looking (or rather sounding) like I will be able to return to Japan for 2 months in the summer (and if so, I'm going to stop by Nagoya for a while to visit some of my friends). If I return for the summer, I will be going to Shimane University. I was in class the other day when the professor that decides who will receive the scholarship for summer study in Japan came over to me and asked if I was still planning on submitting the application for summer study in Japan because he wanted to know if he should book the plane tickets early so he can save money. To me, that sounds like I will get the scholarship as long as I apply. I guess we will see.
Well, my class schedule is keeping me a little busy. I have a couple quantum physics problems I have to solve before the weekend is over (which may take the entire weekend) and I have to teach a class all day tomorrow. I think I will write another article around the first week of March (after I submit my scholarship application).

Office Hours

So, what do you do when you are stuck in your office for 4 hours? Well, if you are me, you bring your computer along and write on your blog. The other guy did it too, so don't look down on me.
Anyways, as part of my Teaching Assistantship Award, not only do I have to teach class for 10 hours, but I also have to spend 4 hours (it is actually suppose to be 5, but I got out of the other one some how) in the office answering student questions. I don't know why. I have not seen a student ever come by and ask questions. There classes arn't really difficult (we called it Cowboy Astronomy/Physics at my undergraduate university...because it is taken by non-science majors and there is little to no math required), so I understand why there are no questions. What I don't understand is why most people miss a couple EASY answers on the quizes. I review everyone on the quiz questions right before I hand it out to the students (giving them the answer in the review and telling them it WILL be on the quiz). The quiz is only worth 3 points of the 10 point lab grade, but most people loose don't care about the easy grade...they will find a way to get something very obvious wrong. For example, I told them "when the peaks of the spectral data are far apart, it means that the object is spinning fast! The further apart the peaks are, the faster it is spinning." Then, they would have a question that showed 2 different sets of sprectral data (one with peaks close together and one with peaks far apart) and be asked, "which object is spinning faster?" So, what was your answer? Obviously it should have be the sprectal data with the peaks furthest apart, but... on average, 2 out of every 5 people in every class (5 total classes) missed that question.
It reminds me of a joke that my friend Fausto from Brazil told me. I was telling Fausto that I went to a conference at Nagoya University (hosted by my lab). The conference was held in honor of a partnership program between UCLA (University of California LA) and Nagoya University. But when I went, all of the students and professors that came from UCLA were NOT actually American. This surprised me a little (2 professors-one French and One Chinese, 5 students-4 Chineses and 1 Taiwanese, and the dean of the Department of Engineering of UCLA-he was Indian, all came). When I told Fausto that I found this funny and I don't know why no Americans came, he made a pretty good joke about Americans not knowing how to do science (or something like that). After teaching that class for a while, I get that feeling a little (despite the fact that I am American and I know that we can do science...I just think they don't care about the class).
Now a different topic: I have more quantum physics homework, but it's not due for 5 days. I went over the first problem and it seems pretty easy (I only have one question). The last homework assignment was hard (even for me)! I found out later that a lot of people went to ask questions to the professor on that problem...I probably should have done the same thing. Have you ever spent 7 hours on a problem and felt like you have made no progress (I wonder if that's how politics feel).
Speaking of politics, it looks like John McCain will run for president on the US in the next election for the republicans. His only competition is Mike Huckabee. All Chuck Norris jokes aside, if a republican is going to win, I would rather John McCain win. Now, I would also like to say that Mike Huckabee was in last place at one time during the primary elections (behind 5 other people). But then, Chuck Norris endorsed Huckabee and now Huckabee is almost in first. I don't think that everyone knows Huckabee was endorsed by Chuck Norris, because if they did the world would have already named Huckabee as president. By the way, there isn't a chin underneath Chuck Norris's beard, only another fist. "Chuck Norris doesn't sleep. He waits." When Chuck Norris does a push up, he's not lifting himself up; he's pushing the world down.
Seriously though, Chuck Norris is in his 70's or 80's and he looks like he is in his 30's or 40's.
For the democratic party, it will definitely be either Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama. I don't know which one I want to run for president. I personally think that, because the republican parties reputation has suffered, the democratic party will win the presidency. The race may be close. There are certain state that always vote republican and certain states that always vote democrat. Each state has a number of electorial votes (which are the only ones that count) dependent on population of the state. For example, California is the most populous state and has the most electrial votes (but it usually votes democrat) and Texas has the second largest populous and the second most electorial votes (but it always votes republican). Florda is a 'swing state' (it sometimes votes republican & sometimes democrat...it was the center of debate in the Bush vs Gore election). It's a myth that the president is elected by popular vote (of citizens). In the constitution it states that only the electorial votes (the electoria college matters). Therefore, like in the Bush vs Gore election, even if the people elect one candidate, but the electoria college (the electorial votes cast by the representatives of the state) elect the other, the one that the electorial votes elected counts (not the popular vote). It was upheld by the supreme court. But, they have been talking about ammending that for years.
I guess, most of the world does not care for President Bush. He seems like a nice guy, but I don't know if he was cut out to be president.
Well, at the moment I am writing about my "future research goals" for a scholarship that I am applying for so that I can come back to Japan over the summer (for 7 to 8 weeks). I'm told that 2 or 3 people from my university will receive it (wish me luck). Well, I still have 50 minutes before I have to go down stairs and finish the last 2 hours of my office hours, but I'm going to quit writing now anyways. Talk to y'all later.
Adios
-Ben
(Enjoying Texas...still warm here.)

My new car, computer and classes

Well, I guess I already told you I got a new car. This time I posted pictures of it.


Also, today I went to Best Buy (it's an electronics store) and bought a new laptop. They didn't actually have the one I wanted. This is the third time I went there and they were still sold out. Normally I wouldn't be able to afford a laptop yet (without saving up my money), but I'm paying it of monthly ($15/month). That means that my computer payment is less than my internet payment. But, my computer has wireless and satellite connections (I'm using wireless) and the AMD turion 64 core duo processor (so it runs pretty fast)...I wish the signal was a little stronger though (I only get 3 out of 5 bars). I almost got a gateway with practically the exact same things (memory, satellite and wireless uplinks, same processor, etc..., but it was $200 more).
Yesterday I had to teach an Astronomy class from 11am to 9pm (actually I finished at 8:15pm, but it is suppose to end at 9pm). That was kind of dull. I don't really feel confident that people are listening to me after I tell them what they need to remember for the easy quiz at the end of class, and despite the fact I basically told them the answers they still miss many of the easy questions.
Anyways, I'm thinking of taking a trip to the Alamo during Spring break in March (it is usually pretty nice weather at that time of year in Texas). It would be the first time I've ever been there despite the fact that I live in Texas. If I do go, of course I will take pictures. You know what the Alamo is don't you? I think it is special to everyone from Texas.
I will find out if I was accepted to the University of Texas in March. Even if I am accepted, I'm not sure that I will leave the University of North Texas. Despite the fact that the community surrounding the university is not very nice, the university itself and the people at the university are. I guess I will make that decision later if I have to.
Since school started, I will practically be doing the same thing every day for a while. So...not much to report.
Talk to y'all later.
-Ben